How to Plan a Wedding
From budget to last dance, the steps that keep your wedding calm.
A wedding has many moving parts, but it gets easier when you decide things in the right order. Start with the choices that shape everything else, then fill in the details.
Step 1
Set your budget and date
Agree on a total you are comfortable with before you visit anywhere. Then list your top three priorities, such as food, photos or music, and give those the largest share. Pick two or three possible dates, because your venue may decide the final one.
Tip: Keep about 10% of the budget aside for surprises.
Step 2
Choose your venue
Write your guest list first, because the number of guests decides which rooms fit. Visit your favorites and ask what is included: tables, chairs, linens, staff and parking. Ask about the backup plan for bad weather and how late the music can play.
Tip: Visit at the same time of day as your event to see the real light.
Step 3
Plan flowers and decor
Choose two or three main colors and repeat them from the ceremony to the reception. Put your flower money where guests look the most: the ceremony area and the head table. Flowers in season cost less and look fresher.
Tip: Move ceremony flowers to the reception so you use them twice.
Step 4
Decide the menu and table setting
Choose plated dinner, buffet or family style based on your budget and how long you want dinner to last. Taste the food before you sign. Ask guests about allergies on the RSVP, and plan your seating once the replies are in.
Tip: Allow 60 to 90 minutes for dinner on your timeline.
Step 5
Order the cake
Book your baker about four to six months ahead. Bring your colors and a photo of your flowers so the design matches the room. Ask how the cake will be delivered, who will set it up, and whether it needs to stay cool.
Tip: A small display cake plus a sheet cake in the kitchen feeds everyone for less.
Step 6
Book music and the program
Decide on a DJ, a band or both. Share a list of must-play and do-not-play songs, and write a simple program for the entrance, first dance, toasts and cake. A good DJ also announces each moment, so everyone knows what comes next.
Tip: Ask to see your DJ's setup and how much space it needs.
Step 7
Arrange transportation
Map the route between the ceremony, the photo location and the reception. Book a car for the couple, and consider a shuttle if parking is limited. Confirm pick-up times and addresses with the driver the week before.
Tip: Add 20 extra minutes between locations for traffic.
Your planning timeline
- 12 months beforeBudget, guest list, date and venue
- 9 months beforePhotographer, caterer, DJ or band
- 6 months beforeFlowers, cake, attire and invitations
- 2 months beforeSend invitations and taste the menu
- 2 weeks beforeFinal guest count and seating plan
- 1 week beforeConfirm every vendor and time
Common questions
How far in advance should you plan a wedding?
About 12 months gives you the best choice of venues and vendors. It can be done in less, but popular dates book early.
What should you book first for a wedding?
Set the budget and guest list first, then book the venue. Most other dates and vendors depend on it.
Photo credits
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, cropped and resized.
- Pan Pacific (CC BY 2.0)
- Shixart1985 (CC BY 2.0)
- Muhammad (CC BY 2.0)
- Bhullargraphic (CC BY-SA 4.0)
- User:Mattes (Public domain)
- Rexness (CC BY-SA 2.0)
- Baskoner (CC BY 3.0)
- Garitzko (CC BY-SA 3.0)