Planning your own wedding is exciting and overwhelming. With you in the driver’s seat, you have complete control over every wedding planning detail. This helps you get your wedding just right. However, without proper organization, you might end up with unnecessary stress.

That’s why we compiled a complete checklist to plan your own wedding so you can enjoy the process without the pressure.

Key Takeaways:

• Start your wedding planning with a set budget, then stick with it.
• Book your venue and vendors 8 to 12 months in advance.
• Get help from friends and family in planning and on the day.

Step 1: Set Your Wedding Budget

Your entire event will depend on your wedding budget. Start by asking the family what they plan to contribute to the wedding. Traditionally, the bride’s family pays for most of the wedding, and the groom’s family pays for the reception dinner and a small ceremony contribution.

Then, decide how much you and your fiancé are willing to spend. The average cost of weddings is around $34,000.

Step 2: Make a Wedding List

Not long after you’re engaged, your family and friends will all jump in with friendly (sometimes overly friendly) advice. So to make sure you plan the wedding YOU want, create a wedding list.

Your wedding list should include items you won’t compromise on. For example, a dream venue, food item, or wedding tradition. You’ll also list things you want to have and anything you want to skip.

The list will also help you prioritize what’s most important in your budget.

Step 3: Organize Your Planning

How do you plan your wedding yourself? Start with organizing your ideas.

A wedding planning book will keep your inspiration and plans organized. Include important details like:

• Wedding style and theme
• Guest list and invitation responses
• Vendor contacts
• Budget and expenses
• Gifts received, and thank you cards sent
• Your wedding preparation list

Step 4: Choose a Date and Venue

You will need to select a venue and date to send out your save-the-date cards as soon as possible. Typically you send out save-the-dates at least ten months before your wedding. You’ll also need to book a venue to know how many guests you can invite.

Most couples book their venue between 9 and 12 months before their wedding. However, if you want to book a more popular venue, you might have to book it earlier.

Step 5: Create Your Guest List and Wedding Party

You and your fiancé will start the guest list with the people you’re closest to. Then, divide the remaining spots between both sides of the family.

Your guest list depends on your budget, venue space, and personal preference.

Once you have your guest list, you can send out your save-the-dates. You’ll also want to order thank you cards at this time because many guests will send gifts after receiving the save-the-date.

Invite your wedding party with special invitations. You might also start thinking about who your ushers, ring bearer, and flower girl will be.

Step 6: Create a Wedding Website and Registry

To help organize your wedding details and gifts, you’ll create a wedding website as soon as you have a date and location.

The website includes your registry so friends and family have ideas of what you need, as well as accommodation and activities for out-of-town guests.

Step 7: Start Booking Vendors

When you plan your own wedding without a wedding planner, you’ll be in charge of booking your vendors.

If you’re getting married during the peak wedding seasons of summer and early fall, you’ll book your vendors earlier than if you have a winter or spring wedding. You’ll also want to book early if your vendors are in high demand.

Some vendors to research and start booking include:

• Music: DJ, band, and pianist
• Entertainment: Artist, magician, photo booth rental
• Wedding planner: If you want support on the day
• Officiant
• Photographer
• Videographer
• Hair and makeup
• Bakery
• Caterer
• Florist
• Transportation

Step 8: Order and Send Invitations

Your wedding invitations go out 8 to 12 weeks before your wedding. Your invitation suite will include the following:

• Your names
• Date, time, and location
• Wedding activities (if it’s a destination or weekend event)
• Accommodations and transportation suggestions
• Your wedding website (on a small insert)

When you order your invitation, also order your other wedding stationery from the same vendor to unify your wedding’s appearance. For example, you’ll need table numbers, seating charts, welcome signs, ceremony programs, and favor tags.

Step 9: Choose Your Wedding Clothes, Rings, and Accessories

Take your time picking out the perfect dress, shoes, bridesmaid gowns, and other accessories. You’ll start with your dress around nine months before the wedding. This gives you plenty of time for alterations.

Your bridesmaids will buy their dresses seven months before the wedding since they typically don’t need alterations.

In addition to your dress, don’t forget to buy your wedding rings.

Step 10: Order Your Décor

Start ordering your decorations like flowers, linens, additional signage, and aisle runners. You’ll also pick wedding favors for your guests and gifts for your bridal party and family.

Step 11: Plan Pre-Wedding Events

Thankfully, friends and family host many pre-wedding events, so your contribution is minimal. For example, you might help with the guest list. Some events that you might need to schedule include:

• Engagement party
• Bridal shower (or Jack and Jill party)
• Bachelorette party
• Rehearsal

Step 12: Plan Speeches and Dances

Your vows are one of the essential parts of the wedding ceremony. That’s why many couples write them themselves.

Also, take some time to practice your first dance and parent dances.

Step 13: Finalize the Day

Once you have all the details in place, you can write up a schedule of events for the day. You may also want to assign a family member to help out so you don’t have to worry about keeping the day on schedule and can enjoy your wedding. A wedding organizer also helps out on the day and can relieve stress.

At this time, you will finalize details with your vendors, like your guest count, menu, playlist, and ceremony details.

Step 14: Enjoy Your Wedding

You finally made it and can enjoy all your thorough planning and beautiful décor.

Don’t worry about the small details. Even if the wedding doesn’t go as planned, the day can still be perfectly memorable.

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Browse our collection of timeless wedding invitation designs and find wedding stationery as special as your wedding.