Everything you need for a wedding: Things from A to Z (2024)

Saying “I do” and deciding to spend the rest of your life with the person you cherish most is magical and fulfilling. This first step to forever has many details that must be noted to ensure it goes flawlessly. Many people only have a wedding once in their lifetime, so everyone wants their big day to be magical.Whether you’re a bride, groom, family member, or wedding planner, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate through the wedding list to do.

Why You Need a Wedding-Planning Checklist

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A wedding-planning checklist is like a roadmap that helps you stay organized and on track as you prepare for your big day. It lists all the tasks you need to complete, from choosing a venue to sending out invitations and everything in between. Having a checklist ensures that you don't forget any important details and helps you manage your time and budget effectively. Plus, it can relieve some of the stress of wedding planning by breaking down the process into manageable steps.

Here are some things to consider when planning a wedding:

Budget and Guest List

    Start by establishing a realistic budget for your wedding. The budget will guide you on other choices like the venue, menu, attire, guest count, and other elements. Make a guest list, considering both sides of the family, and take it from there. Also, decide on your wedding theme and the type of ceremony you want to have.

    Venue

      The wedding venue sets the tone for your ceremony. Choose a venue that best aligns with your preferences. Consider the number of guests you will have, the ceremony type, and possible climatic elements during the wedding. For instance, while March to August may be suitable for outdoor weddings, you should watch out for rain if you want to have your wedding between September and November.

      Ensure the wedding venue has the right amenities like an adequate parking space, air conditioning, changing rooms, etc.

      Wedding Date and Invites

        Choose a wedding date and make the invites. Send the invites out on time and inform the invitee of the last dates to RSVP. Also, include any notification you want your guests to know in the invite. For instance, state explicitly if the invite can only admit one or if they can bring their plus one. Also, state on the invite if the wedding is child-free, ensuring you include age limitations.

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        In various cultures and traditions, certain days are believed to bring good luck or bad luck when it comes to getting married. For example, in Chinese culture, dates that include the numbers 8 and 9 are considered auspicious because they are associated with prosperity and longevity. Therefore, dates like August 8th or September 9th are often popular choices for weddings.

        Similarly, in Western cultures, Saturday is traditionally seen as the luckiest day to get married because it allows for a weekend celebration, giving guests more time to attend and enjoy the festivities. On the other hand, some couples avoid getting married on Friday the 13th or on days that coincide with certain religious or cultural holidays, believing them to be unlucky.

        The significance of the wedding date can vary depending on personal beliefs and cultural traditions. Whether you choose a date based on auspicious numbers, astrological alignments, or simply because it holds sentimental value to you and your partner, what matters most is that it feels right for you both.

        Wedding Attire

          Brides don’t only say “Yes” to the proposal from their partners. Another big “Yes” comes with choosing a dress. Choosing a wedding dress is a great milestone for brides and grooms. There are many wedding dress options, including materials, colors, and designs, so you must define your needs beforehand. Choose a trendy wedding dress without compromising your personal style.

          Some couples are unable to afford the purchase of their dream wedding attires. Do not worry. Renting the attire you need for your big day is also an excellent idea. Numerous wedding attire rental services, like Princessly, are ready to give you versatile premiums without breaking your pocket. Renting saves you costs and means you do not have to worry about what to do with the dress after your big day.

          Vows and Officiants

            Wedding vows are the heart of the ceremony. Write down your vows and decide on your officiant. Discuss your style with the officiant, including the words you do not want to include.

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            Practice saying your vows in front of a mirror or against a wall. Many brides and grooms have experienced instances where they forgot their written vows, causing the words to slip their minds. Therefore, it's best to have a strong understanding of the core message that will shape your life with your beloved.

            Music and Decor

              The music and decor set the ambiance for the wedding ceremony. These two factors can transform the whole space into whatever you want. Choose a qualified wedding decorator to handle your wedding space and transform it to your liking. Also, decide whether you want a live band or DJ for your wedding music.

              Florals

                Flowers define the moodboard of your event. They are not just decorations. They tell a deeper story of your union. Decide on a floral service to work with. Ensure the professional helps you choose the flower arrangement that aligns with your overall wedding theme and taste, and do not forget to share your specific preferences like hydrangeas, peony flowers, roses, or any other flowers.

                Photography and Memory Building

                  Do not forget what will make the memories last: the photographs and videos. Get a qualified wedding photographer and videographer to have your big day recorded. Ensure you have both the hard and soft copies of your wedding photos.

                  Menu and Drinks

                    There is no wedding without delicious food and tasty drinks. Decide on the menu and serving style, and work with a qualified caterer to realize your dreams. Taste the caterer’s foods in advance and try to have diverse meals.

                    When Things Don't Go as Planned: What to Do

                    Sometimes, despite all your careful planning, things may not go as expected on your wedding day. It could be due to bad weather, unexpected delays, or other unforeseen circumstances. If this happens, it's important to stay calm and flexible. Remember that the most important thing is that you're marrying the love of your life, and everything else is secondary.

                    First, try to assess the situation and come up with a solution. If it's raining and your outdoor ceremony can't proceed as planned, consider moving it indoors or having umbrellas on hand for guests. If there's a delay in the schedule, try to adjust the timeline accordingly and keep guests informed.

                    Remember that some of the best memories come from unexpected moments, so embrace the spontaneity and focus on enjoying the celebration with your partner and loved ones.

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                    Conclusion

                    Your big day is no joke. It deserves all the attention it can get. Pulling a clean and well-executed wedding off can be challenging, especially if you are planning it by yourself.

                    However, this article has discussed everything about wedding preparations and how to go about it. Celebrate your love story and yearn for forever love as you embark on the journey of marriage.

                    Everything you need for a wedding: Things from A to Z (2024)

                    FAQs

                    Everything you need for a wedding: Things from A to Z? ›

                    A typical wedding package may include the venue, catering, decorations, photography and videography, wedding coordinator or wedding manager, ceremony essentials such as chairs, a sound system, lighting equipment and arch, music or DJ, and accommodation.

                    What do most wedding packages include? ›

                    A typical wedding package may include the venue, catering, decorations, photography and videography, wedding coordinator or wedding manager, ceremony essentials such as chairs, a sound system, lighting equipment and arch, music or DJ, and accommodation.

                    Who pays for the wedding? ›

                    Traditionally, the bride's family pays for the wedding, but that custom is rapidly changing. Couples are increasingly choosing to handle at least half of the wedding expenses on their own. Early planning and a written budget can help avoid miscommunication when deciding who pays for what.

                    How many bridesmaids can you have? ›

                    There's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. On average, weddings often feature 3 to 6 bridesmaids, but the range can extend far beyond that, even up to 12 or more. The number of bridesmaids you choose ultimately depends on your preferences, the size of your wedding, and your personal dynamics.

                    How many bridesmaids should you have? ›

                    There's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. On average, weddings often feature 3 to 6 bridesmaids, but the range can extend far beyond that, even up to 12 or more. The number of bridesmaids you choose ultimately depends on your preferences, the size of your wedding, and your personal dynamics.

                    Is $300 enough for a wedding? ›

                    Upon consulting the experts, a wedding gift should range from $75 to $750—but most agree that $300+ is the sweet spot.

                    What is a basic wedding budget? ›

                    It's no secret that wedding budget planning can feel daunting, particularly because weddings are expensive. In fact, The Knot 2023 Real Weddings Study found that the average cost of a wedding is $35,000 (excluding the engagement ring).

                    What is the most expensive part of a wedding? ›

                    Catered food and drink: Making sure that guests are well-fed is one of the most expensive parts of any wedding — particularly if a wedding venue requires the couple to hire their own caterer. Expect to spend an average of $4,075 for a wedding of 66 guests — $62 a plate.

                    Is $5,000 enough for a wedding? ›

                    But that's ok - because it's totally possible to plan a beautiful wedding day for less, even as little as $5,000. To help you out, here's a budget breakdown for everything you'll need to plan a $5,000 wedding, along with other money-saving tips to plan a memorable wedding day.

                    Is $10,000 enough for a wedding? ›

                    The average couple spent nearly $30,000 on their wedding in 2022. That can be an intimidating number when you only have ⅓ of that in your wedding piggy bank — $10,000. Still, 10k isn't hay, and you can totally plan an amazing wedding with that kind of budget.

                    Is $40000 a lot for a wedding? ›

                    It's no secret weddings are EXPENSIVE. On average, couples spend $30,000-$40,000 on their wedding. Don't let financial stress overshadow your Big Day. I explain how to build the perfect wedding budget in today's episode.

                    What should I do 3 weeks before my wedding? ›

                    3–5 Weeks To Go…

                    Finalize and confirm: Wedding vows and readings with your Officiant. Shot list with your Photographer and/or Videographer. Song list for ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception with your DJ and/or Band / Musicians.

                    References

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