Simple Wedding Planning Checklist for the Practical Bride

Congratulations! You’re engaged. Now, it’s time to plan the wedding. 

Wedding planning checklists can be super handy, but they can also have tons of extra details that might stress you out more than help you out. 

Working out where to start is half the battle and that’s where we come in to help. With this simple wedding planning checklist, you would get your priorities straight and quick!  

We want you to enjoy your engagement first, then run through the wedding plan checklist below. Look forward to a fuss-free, fabulous wedding day! 

Step 1: Big Decisions First 

Take note of the big 3 decisions: Date, Budget, and Venue

These elements depend on each other, and they’re the foundation of the rest of your decisions.

As soon as you’re ready to start seriously planning, you should:

  • Pick your date 
  • Set your budget (and stick to it!) 
  • Pick a venue 

We recommend making these decisions all in relatively rapid succession. It might feel like a lot at once, but you’ll be so glad you have these three essential checklists marked off to start building your dream wedding! 

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Step 2: Personal Wedding Style

Now that the big decisions are done, we can now start looking into the nitty-gritty of your wedding vision. 

  • Guest List 
  • Wedding Theme 

First up, your guest list. Make a headcount spreadsheet to use throughout your planning process, with columns for contact info, RSVPs, gifts, and any other relevant info. 

If you’re planning a wedding on a budget, this may be brutal, but the best way to cut costs is to reduce your guest list. 

Next up, do you have your theme yet? If none, at least a color palette will do. Finding your wedding style can really help you nail down all the other details. 

If you don’t have an established wedding style just yet, no need to panic! We recommend scrolling through Instagram or Pinterest, browse your favorite lifestyle and fashion sites, or even leaf through bridal magazines for inspiration. 

Choose a style you vibe with and let the rest of the details fall into place. 

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STEP 3: Invitations and Registry 

  • Send out the Invitations 
  • Complete your Gift Registry 

Once you’ve secured your date, venue, and wedding vision, you can now send out the invitations to your guests. You’ll want to give friends and family as much notice as possible to make travel arrangements. 

Your partner can be more involved as well with completing your wedding registry! When this fun activity is done, your guests can have all the up-to-date details and can consider a thoughtful gift too. 

Step 4: Must-Have Wedding Vendors 

After checking off and finalizing your wedding vision, the time has come to make those essential wedding vendor choices. 

The officiant is not a “vendor” but still a very important part of the wedding to be booked ahead. Completing premarital counseling might take time, depending on your church. 

If an ordained friend or family member will officiate the wedding, then don’t forget to inform and discuss the details with them to make sure they’re at the wedding! 

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Reminders

  • Get all the details in writing! 
  • Keep in mind that the best event pros tend to book up over a year in advance. 
  • You can touch base again with your hired pros a month or two before the wedding.
  • Make sure any questions you or they had on your first meeting have been answered. 

Step 5: Parties Before the Party 

You’re in the final stretch of wedding planning, by this time, you’ll welcome any escape — especially with friends! 

  • Rehearsal Dinner
  • Enjoy your bachelorette party 

Just book your rehearsal-dinner venue. Don’t hesitate to negotiate the cost and the menu. 

Your maid of honor would take care of your bachelorette party. You as the bride should set aside time for your bridesmaids to surprise you with this. 😉

These are your moments to take some time to celebrate and enjoy your hard work with your support group. 

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Step 6: Final Tweaks

You’re almost done! The final portion of wedding planning is the time when you have to buckle down and get through the minutiae. 

  • Finalise any rental orders and catering updates
  • Final Dress Fitting 
  • Put together your thank-you gifts
  • Final talk with your photographer and videographer about your shot lists
  • Go through your seating arrangements/RSVP
  • Make sure any legal documents (marriage license, name change documents, etc.) are finalised. 

It can get overwhelming, so take a deep breath and remember that you can call for help from your family, friends, or wedding planner (if you’ve opted to hire one). 

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Step 7: Stress-Free Wedding

You made it! The days leading up to your wedding should be as stress-free as possible, so if you realise you forgot something small at this point, let it go! 

If something goes wrong during the wedding festivities, designate a person in advance to suppress the stress. 

Prioritise enjoying the moment with your partner and enjoy the wedding you’ve planned for you and your guests. 

More than anything else: have a great time! This is your special day! 

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