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Wedding Planning - Wedding Planning Timeline

10 Essential Tasks To Do In The First Month of Wedding Planning For a Smooth Start

As you start to plan your wedding, it can not only be super exciting but a little stressful, especially in the first month since there are so many decisions to make!

In this post, we will guide you through the 10 essential tasks you really want to focus on in the first month of wedding planning that will help to start you on the right track for wedding planning.

So grab a piece of paper, your wedding binder, or your phone, and get ready to take notes on the essential tasks you should really do during the first month of wedding planning!!

RELATED POST: 10 Essential Tasks To Do In The Last Month of Wedding Planning For a Stress Free Final Month

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A woman writing in a binder with text first month of wedding planning.

First Month of Wedding Planning

1. Set a Budget:

One of the first tasks you want to start with is figuring out your wedding budget!

Determining this before any other major decision is super important because it will guide the majority of your decisions throughout the upcoming wedding planning process.

2. Create a Rough Guest List:

Next, it is a good idea to discuss with your partner are get an idea of how many people both of you plan to invite to your wedding.

This number will probably change as the months go on, but it is still a good idea to have an estimated number in mind.

If you are having trouble deciding whether you should invite someone or not, then you can ask yourself these questions to help you decide if they should receive an invite or not.

3. Choose a Wedding Date:

Next, you want to discuss with your fiance and figure out what are some good days that both of you would like to get married on.

A good idea is to pick a day that is your top choice and then have a couple of backup days just in case your venue is booked on the day you originally wanted.

When you do pick out some days that you could potentially see yourself getting married on, keep in mind the season, and if it is on a weekday will that interfere with the key guests you want at your wedding.

4. Research and Visit Venues:

Next, you want to start to make a list of potential wedding venues where you could see yourself getting married at.

You could either schedule in person tours or virtual visits online to get a feel of how the venue really looks and if it meets your expectations.

A good idea would be to have a couple of venues just to make sure that a venue is available on the day you want to have your wedding.

5. You Could Hire a Wedding Planner (or use a free wedding app!):

Next, you want to decide on whether you want to hire a wedding planner or use one of the free wedding tools available for brides to use (The Knot, Zola, etc).

While a professional can help guide you through the planning process and alleviate some of the stress, the Knot app also has a great free online wedding planning tool that has everything you need to plan your wedding.

For example, if you put in your expected wedding date, the app will give you a wedding timeline on what wedding tasks to do next, give you a list of top rated wedding vendors in your area, and so much more!!!

6. Create a Wedding Binder or Digital Folder:

Another great idea would be to start a wedding binder or set up a digital wedding folder to organize any important wedding contracts, wedding colors & inspiration, and other important information.

7. Explore Wedding Colors and Themes:

Next, you want to begin exploring different wedding color palettes, styles, and themes.

You can look for inspiration in magazines, blogs, and on social media to help define the aesthetic you want.

If you need ideas, then click here to view wedding color ideas for all seasons throughout the year!

8. Discuss Priorities with Your Partner:

Next, you want to discuss your priorities for your big wedding day with your partner.

Go over the things that are most important to both of you, whether it’s the wedding venue, scenery, photography, a season, the dinner menu, or a particular wedding theme.

9. Begin Drafting a Rough Wedding Timeline:

You also want to create a rough timeline for your wedding planning timeframe.

This will help you to stay on track with your planning and ensure you tackle your wedding tasks in an organized timeline.

I have wedding planning timelines for almost every timeframe.

From 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 18 months, I have got you covered to help you better prepare for your wedding!

10. Research Key Vendors:

Lastly, you want to start researching and contacting key wedding vendors like wedding photographers, videographers, bakers, and food caterers.

Make sure to check their availability and gather price quotes from a couple of different wedding vendors so you can pick which one fits your needs and budget!

Other Posts You Might Like:

Wedding Day Essentials: Ultimate Must Haves Checklist for a Perfect Wedding Day

2pm Wedding Itinerary Timeline: How to Easily Create the Perfect 2:00pm Wedding Day Itinerary

Budget Friendly Wedding Decor Ideas: 10 Stunning Wedding Decor Ideas to Stay Within Budget

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A woman writing in a binder with text first month of wedding planning.