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Before we start discussing on how you can easily plan your dream wedding within 18 months, I want to first say a huge congratulationsssss!!
Now that you are engaged, it is time for you to jump right into the world of wedding planning with this 18 month wedding planning checklist!
If you are thinking about having a longer engagement, then this is the best checklist for you.
But if you were looking at having a shorter engagement, like 12 months, 6 months, or even 3 months, then check out my other wedding planning timeline guides to better prepare you for your wedding!
From setting your wedding budget to finalizing your wedding guest list, I have got you covered with essential monthly checkpoints and wedding planning suggestions.
So grab a piece of paper, your wedding binder, or your phone and get ready to take notes on how to easily plan your wedding day with this 18 month wedding planning guide!
RELATED POST: Best 24 Month Wedding Planning Checklist to Help You Plan Your Dream Wedding
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18 Month Wedding Planning Checklist
18-15 Months Before:
~ Decide on the area you would like to have your wedding and choose a wedding date
~ Decide on what you want your wedding colors to be (If you need inspiration for wedding color ideas, then click here!!)
~ Create a wedding budget with your fiancé and family
~ Start figuring out who all you want to invite to your wedding
~ Start researching ceremony and reception venues in the area that you want to have your wedding at
~ Start researching and scheduling tours at your wedding venue(s)
~ Begin looking into photographers, videographers, florists, and caterers in the area you are getting married
12-15 Months Before:
~ Book your reception and ceremony wedding venues
~ Make sure to book your key vendor like wedding photographer, videographer, or caterer
~ Pick the people that you want to be in your wedding party
~ Finish creating your guest list
~ Order the save the date cards
~ Start researching and shopping for your wedding dress
10-12 Months Before:
~ Start creating your wedding registry (Amazon, Etsy, or Target)
~ Buy your wedding attire
~ Have your partner buy their wedding attire
~ Book your florist and decide on how you want your bouquet, your bridesmaid’s bouquet, and your groomsmen’s boutonnieres
~ Book your DJ or your band
~ Send out your save the date cards
8-10 Months Before:
~ Start looking at where you and your fiancé want to have your honeymoon
~ Book your baker for your wedding cake and for your dessert menu
~ Book your officiant
~ Order tables and chair rentals if your venue does not already provide them
~ Start researching hair and makeup ideas
6-8 Months Before:
~ Have everyone in your wedding party get everything they need for their wedding attire
~ Book the place that you will be staying at for your honeymoon, and if you are flying to get there go ahead and book your plane tickets
~ Order your wedding invitations
~ Buy you and your fiancé wedding rings
~ Book your rehearsal dinner venue
4-6 Months Before:
~ Purchase your wedding favors
~ Buy any extra items or decor for your wedding ceremony
~ Buy any extra items or decor for your wedding reception
~ Start planning your bridal shower or bachelorette party if you want to have one
~ Book any necessary transportation for your wedding day
2-4 Months Before:
~ Send out your wedding invitations and make sure to include RSVP instructions and deadlines
~ Purchase gifts for the wedding party and for both of the parents
~ Finalize the wedding cake and dessert menu with the quantity needed
~ Create your seating chart along with assigning the table numbers
~ Finish the program for the ceremony
~ Create a song playlist for your reception (If you need ideas on what songs you should add to your wedding reception playlist to make sure everybody dances the night away, you can read it here)
~ Plan and book a place to have your rehearsal dinner at
1-2 Months Before:
~ Finalize all details with your wedding vendors and confirm your wedding day timelines with them
~ Go ahead and prepare your wedding vows if you are writing your own
~ Reach out to guests who have not responded or RSVP
~ Make sure to pay and confirm all final payments with your wedding vendors
~ Go ahead and pack ahead of time for your honeymoon and make a checklist of items still need to pack for your trip
~ Ensure that you have all the necessary documents to obtain your marriage license
~ Go ahead and get your marriage license
~ Create your dinner menu cards
~ Mail your rehearsal dinner invitations
The Week of Your Wedding:
~ Confirm all details with your wedding vendors, the wedding party, and the officiant
~ Assign any last minute tasks or responsibilities with trusted friends or family members
~ Run through the ceremony with your wedding party and officiant
~ Put money aside to tip your vendors
~ Go out and pamper yourself before your big day with a massage, manicure, or pedicure
Day Before Your Wedding:
~ Take a deep breath, attend your rehearsal dinner, and get a good night’s sleep
Wedding Day:
~ Enjoy your big day by making sure to live in the moment, savor every experience, and celebrate with your loved ones!!
Wedding Planners & Wedding Checklists
Super helpful wedding planners and checklists that are already made for you, have great customer reviews from other brides, and would be perfect for a bride who needs help with the wedding planning process!
Other Posts You Might Like:
Wedding Day Emergency Kit: A Bride’s Advantage to Unforeseen Emergencies
Wedding Day Checklist: A Comprehensive Wedding Day Timeline Checklist for Every Bride
15 Top Wedding Planning Tips: The Ultimate Guide to Nailing Your Special Day
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