The Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist 2023

Ultimate Wedding Planning

Wedding Planning Checklist and Timeline

When planning a wedding, a Wedding Planning Checklist is a must! Your wedding day should be one of the happiest days of your life. But, if couples shouldn’t plan ahead, it can quickly become one of the most stressful events of your life. There are so many details to take care of, from booking the venue to ordering the cake. Yet, if you don’t have a timeline, it’s easy to let things slip through the cracks.

An Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist will allow you to stay organized and on track as you plan your dream wedding! A wedding planning checklist is essential in keeping your sanity and possibly avoiding stressful surprises. Just as important, a wedding checklist can ensure you don’t forget important deadlines, due dates, and special details.

Following this checklist and timeline for your wedding planning to stay on track and organized! so, below are a few tips to help you create the perfect Wedding Planning Checklist and Timeline:

More than 12 Month Before the Wedding Date

1. Set the Date

Start by setting a date for the big day, then work backward from there. As a matter of fact, more than twelve months back would be ideal. Block out time for each item on your checklist, and make sure to include deadlines. As a result, this will help you ensure that everything gets done in a timely manner. So, your big day goes off without a hitch.

2. Find the Venue

Finding the perfect venue for a wedding is no easy task. It requires careful research, planning, and consideration of both individual needs and budget constraints. Before beginning the search, couples should determine their desired wedding style and size to narrow down the selection process. You should consider both indoor and outdoor venues. Remember, venues may require additional rental costs for decorations, chairs, and tables.

3. Hire a Wedding Planner

Depending on your budget, make the decision of hiring a wedding planner early on. So, if your wedding budget allows for a wedding planner, give yourself some peace of mind and hire a wedding planner near you! A wedding planner will help you create your wedding planning checklist, handle the details, and help you stay on track with deadlines. If your budget does not allow for a wedding planner, this wedding planning checklist will help you stay organized.

12 Months Before the Big Day

4. Create a Wedding List

Start by creating a wedding planning list organized month by month. So, include all to-do items ranging from minor to major details. In fact, your list should include everything from booking vendors, and sending out invitations to the final dress fitting. 

5. Assign Due Dates

Once you have your budget and a wedding checklist, assign due dates to each item. If possible, rearrange your list based on due dates. Importantly, make sure to allow yourself some wiggle room in case something gets delayed.

6. Create a Budget

No matter what type of wedding you’re planning, stay organized and on a budget! A wedding budget should help you understand the total dollar amount you want to spend or can afford to spend. Once you determine a budget, list out expenses ranging from equipment rentals to wedding invitations. Finally, allocate a percentage of your budget to each expense. This will help you determine the dollar amount of each item for a clearer picture of your budget.

8-10 Months Prior to your Wedding Day

7. Find a Wedding Dress

Finding a wedding dress is an exciting and important step in the wedding planning process. Before starting the search, brides should take their body type, budget, and style preferences into consideration. It’s also important to keep an open mind and try on different silhouettes and necklines even if they weren’t originally a part of the plan. Some brides choose to seek professional help from a seamstress or wedding consultant, while others prefer to shop online for convenience and variety. When shopping for a wedding dress, be sure to factor in any alterations that may be needed as well as the cost of accessories such as veils, shoes, jewelry, and headpieces.

8. Send Save the Dates

Sending save the dates before the official wedding date is an important part of the wedding planning process. Save the dates provide guests with ample time to plan accordingly and mark their calendars for the big day. Hence, helping to ensure that no one accidentally misses out on being a part of such a special occasion. Additionally, sending save the dates gives couples time to finalize more details and secure their desired venue before working on other elements of the wedding.

9. Complete the Wedding Registry

Completing the wedding registry is an important part of the wedding planning process. A wedding registry allows guests to purchase gifts that are meaningful and appreciated by the couple, while also avoiding duplicate items or unwanted surprises. It also gives couples a chance to document their dream items for everyday use in their home, as well as honeymoon and post-wedding experiences. When creating a registry, couples should consider their lifestyle needs, preferences, and budget. Researching different stores and websites can help to compare items, prices, and promotions so that couples are making the most informed decisions possible.

10. Choose Your Bridal Party

Choosing the bridal party for a wedding can be an enjoyable process, but it’s important to remember that such decisions can also have a lasting effect on relationships. It’s wise to consider who will provide emotional support during the planning and wedding day itself, as well as being respectful of those invited. When selecting the bridal party, couples should also think about logistics and potential costs associated with being a part of the wedding.

11. Hire Photographer & Videographer

When hiring a photographer and videographer for a wedding, couples should look for specific qualities that will help ensure they are happy with their final wedding photos and video. Beyond budget constraints, couples should consider the style of photography or videography offered by the professional as well as any additional services such as editing, prints, and albums. Additionally, it’s a good idea to look for photographers or videographers who are experienced in shooting weddings and have positive reviews from past clients.

6-8 Months Before You Say “I Do”

12. Create a Guest List

Once you’ve determined a budget, you’ll want to ballpark the guest count. So, when deciding on your headcount, don’t forget your budget! Knowing the guest count will help you determine venue size, food and alcohol costs, table and chair rentals, wedding favors, etc. 

13. Book your Party Rentals

When it comes to wedding planning, you don’t want to miss a thing! In fact, Tlapazola Party Rentals offers full-service event planning and equipment rentals for all weddings ranging from 10 to 500 guests. So, take the hassle out of party planning and let Tlapazola do the work for you. As a matter of fact, Tlapazola Party Rentals has everything you need, from tables and chairs to linens and china. Browse our popular party rentals and rent everything you need with just a few clicks. Our team is ready to start planning your event from start to finish, so give us a call today! Our well-trained staff is committed to providing quality service on time, every time.

14. Hire a Band or DJ

When hiring a band or DJ for a wedding, couples should consider their music preferences as well as the budget they have available. It’s important to think about the type of atmosphere and energy desired for the celebration, as this will help in selecting the right musicians. Additionally, couples should inquire about additional costs such as sound and lighting equipment, travel expenses, and setup charges. When interviewing potential bands or DJs, couples should ask for samples of their work to get an idea of the overall style and quality. It’s also a good idea to be upfront about song requests or any must-haves for the wedding day itself.

4-6 Month Prior to the Wedding Date

14. Book a Honeymoon

Booking your dream honeymoon is an exciting part of the wedding planning process. Whether you’re looking for a romantic beach escape, a thrilling adventure, or something in between, the options are virtually endless. Couples should consider their interests and budget when selecting the perfect honeymoon destination.

15. Choose Bridesmaids Dresses

When selecting bridesmaid dresses for a wedding, couples should consider the overall look and feel they want to create for their special day. From selecting a particular color or fabric to choosing a shape that best suits each bridesmaid’s body type, there are several factors to take into account when making this important decision. Couples should also think about any necessary alterations that may be needed, as well as the cost of accessories such as shoes or jewelry.

16. Send out Invitations

Sending out wedding invitations is an important part of the wedding planning process, as it officially announces the date and location of the couples’ special day. When selecting wedding invitations, couples should take into account their own personal style and taste as well as the theme or color scheme they have chosen for their big day. Additionally, couples should consider any cultural or religious traditions that may be associated with their wedding. This can include items such as the envelopes used to mail invitations, design elements on the invitation itself, and any special wording that may need to be included.

17. Test your Catering Options – Food & Bar

Testing catering options such as cake, food, and bar before the wedding day is an integral part of ensuring a successful wedding. Couples should consider the number of guests that will be attending, any dietary requirements or allergies that may need to be taken into account, as well as their budget when making these choices. You should also think about the atmosphere you want to create at your wedding when selecting catering items, as this can help ensure that it is truly an unforgettable day.

2-3 Months Before Your Magical Day

18. Start Dress Alterations

When it comes to getting a wedding dress altered, brides should make sure to give themselves enough time before the big day. Typically, it’s best to plan for at least two to three months in advance in order to ensure a stress-free alteration process. This allows plenty of time for multiple fittings and adjustments and gives the alteration specialist enough time to make any necessary changes.

19. Choose Guest Favors

Choosing guest favors for a wedding is an important part of creating lasting memories for family and friends. Couples should think about both their budget and the overall theme or atmosphere of their special day when making this selection. Finally, we advise couples to consider any cultural or religious traditions when selecting guest favors.

20. Compile RSVPs and Arrange Seating

Compiling RSVPs and arranging seating for a wedding are important tasks that should not be overlooked. Gathering RSVPs from guests prior to the wedding helps couples ensure that they have an accurate headcount for catering and seating arrangements. When compiling RSVPs, couples should set an appropriate deadline to ensure that all guests have ample time to respond. When it comes to seating arrangements, couples should consider the overall theme of their wedding, any special requests from guests, as well as any cultural traditions that may be associated with their ceremony.

1-2 Months Prior to Marrying Your Best Friend

21. Pay Your Vendors

Paying vendors 1-2 months before the wedding day is a crucial part of making sure that everything runs smoothly on the big day. It’s important to be aware of when vendors will need to be paid and what forms of payment are accepted to avoid any last-minute surprises. Furthermore, couples should be sure to read the fine print of any contracts they have signed in order to ensure that there are no unexpected fees or charges.

22. Hair and Makeup Trial

Having a hair and makeup trial before the wedding day is an important part of ensuring the bride looks her absolute best on the big day. A trial helps create a look that is tailored specifically to your preferences, but it also allows you to experiment with several styles in order to find one that complements your overall look. Additionally, you should consider the climate and activities you will be participating in during the wedding when selecting your hairstyle and makeup.

23. Wedding Rehearsal

The wedding rehearsal dinner is a special occasion held the night before the wedding day for family and close friends to celebrate the upcoming nuptials. Couples should plan this event in advance by selecting a venue, setting a budget, and creating an atmosphere that honors their theme or style. When selecting a venue, couples should consider factors such as capacity, catering options, and distance from the wedding site. Additionally, they should determine a budget for the event in order to ensure that all expenses are covered while allowing room for flexibility. Finally, couples should create an atmosphere for the rehearsal dinner that complements their style or theme by selecting decorations, menu items, and music.

24. Look forward to your Wedding Day!

Finally, after months or even years of planning, it’s time to enjoy your wedding! As the big day approaches, couples should take a moment to bask in the joy and excitement of their special day. Whether it’s taking a few days to relax with family and friends or attending pre-wedding events, couples should find healthy ways to manage their stress and savor the moments leading up to their ceremony. By taking a break from wedding planning and immersing themselves in the present moment, couples can ensure that they are calm, collected, and ready for all of the love and celebration that awaits them on their big day!

Wedding Planning Advice from Tlapazola Party Planners

Ultimately, wedding planning can be a daunting task, with so many details to remember. A wedding planning checklist can help you keep track of everything, from the big things like booking your venue and hiring a photographer to the smaller details like ordering your wedding cake and choosing your wedding favors. So, be sure to follow a wedding checklist to stay on top of your wedding planning!

CHECK OFF YOUR LIST

Managing and checking off a wedding list is vital to keeping track of wedding planning progress and ensuring nothing gets forgotten. It is important to create an organized list that breaks down all tasks by item, with dates for completion, and delegate responsibility for each task. This way couples can keep each other accountable throughout the planning process and track their progress towards the big day. Additionally, as you complete each task, be sure to check it off your list. This will help you keep track of your progress and ensure that nothing gets forgotten. 

Finally, couples should ask for help when needed in order to ensure that all tasks are completed as efficiently and stress-free as possible. Whether it’s asking family or friends for assistance with certain tasks or hiring a wedding planner to take care of all the details, having assistance on hand can make the planning process much easier.

STAY ORGANIZED AND KEEP TRACK OF DEADLINES

Once you’ve established your wedding checklist and timeline, be sure to stick with it! It’s important to stay organized and keep track of deadlines so that nothing falls through the cracks! In fact, missed deadlines could lead to delays and missed opportunities for things like adding new photos or having guests sign cards for gifts.

Organizing and keeping track of deadlines before the wedding day is essential to ensuring that a couple’s special day goes off without a hitch. It can be easy for you to get overwhelmed by all of the details associated with planning a wedding, so having an organized strategy in place is key.

Rent all your Wedding Rentals from Tlapazola Party Rentals

When it comes to wedding planning, you don’t want to miss a thing! In fact, Tlapazola Party Rentals offers full-service event planning and equipment rentals for all weddings ranging from 10 to 500 guests. So, take the hassle out of party planning and let Tlapazola do the work for you. As a matter of fact, Tlapazola Party Rentals has everything you need, from tables and chairs to linens and china. Browse our popular party rentals and rent everything you need with just a few clicks.

Table Rentals

Tlapazola Party Rentals has a large selection of table inventory in the most popular sizes and shapes for all of your special event needs. Ranging from large banquet tables to cocktail tables, we will work with you to find the perfect table rental.

Chair Rentals

Find the perfect chair rentals for any occasion from a simple backyard party to an elegant banquet. Tlapazola Party Rentals has the best chairs for rent to perfectly match your style.  

Tent Rentals

Tlapazola Party Rentals carries an enormous table rental inventory in the most popular sizes and shapes for all of your special event needs. Ranging from large banquet tables to cocktail tables, we will work with you to find the perfect table rental.

Start your Wedding Planning Checklist and Book Your Wedding Party Rentals

With years of experience in the business and backgrounds in catering and event planning; Tlapazola Party Rentals will bring your ideas to life. Tlapazola Party Rentals is your local one-stop party rental company delivering seven days a week to Los Angeles, Palos Verdes, South Bay, Redondo Beach, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, North Hollywood, and all surrounding cities near you.