All Things Wedding Planning: Afarose's A-Z Resource Guide

Limit stress and enjoy the wedding planning experience with this ultimate resources guide and timeline planner from Afarose.

Congratulations, you’re engaged! You’ve said “YES,” and the ring is on. Everything feels like a dream, but now what? There is a lot to get done before the big day, and wedding planning can quickly feel overwhelming.

It’s possible to avoid, or at least minimize, the amount of stress you experience. With an at-a-glance checklist or timeline, you can give yourself enough time to plan your tasks at a comfortable pace and build in some free time you can use to relax.

Use this wedding planning resource guide to plan your wedding from start to finish and still have enough time to rest up, do things you like, and enjoy the moment.

So You’re Engaged, What’s Next?

It’s time to lay the foundation of your wedding planning experience. This is where you start the preparations by choosing the specifics, limits, and boundaries for your wedding. Beginning with a clear direction makes the process easier in the months to come.

As soon as you get engaged, you can (and should) start planning. Venues and vendors often have long lead times—you don’t want to miss out on your favorite venue or bakery simply because of the timeline.

Initial Wedding Planning Decisions

Here are some of the initial decisions you need to make for a wonderful wedding planning experience:

Choose A Wedding Date

There may be a sentimental date or a specific time of year you prefer. This impacts the wedding planning timeline and is one of the first big decisions you’ll make as an engaged couple. Hear each other out and acknowledge each other’s preferences. The date you choose should be comfortable both personally and financially to make your dream day a reality.

When choosing a wedding date, know not everyone will be able to come. That’s okay. Choose an accessible date if you can, but it’s unrealistic to think you can find one that works for everyone. The special day is ultimately up to you and your partner.

Considerations for the time of year go beyond hot or cold. Take into account the weather in your local area. Are certain seasons prone to flooding, tornadoes, or other natural disasters? While you can’t plan for everything, you may want to create a backup plan if your wedding dates fall during such time frames.

Having a date in mind will also make it easier to find a suitable venue. In addition to your preferred wedding date, consider some additional dates that are sentimental—or at least acceptable—in case the venue has limited availability. You can always push your wedding to the next year if you’re aiming for a specific date, but securing the date you want is all the more reason to start your wedding planning early.

Decide the Overall Theme

The theme of your wedding should reflect your and your partner’s styles and personalities to shine, so it’s important you work together.

Respect each other’s vision and preferences. This may require a bit of healthy compromise. What personal touches do you each want to add? What are your go-to colors? What’s the venue like? In what season is the wedding being held? Work together so the wedding theme is a good representation of you both.

Draw Up a Budget

When you think of a budget, you may think of the word “limiting” or maybe even “cheap.” That’s not what a budget is at all, and establishing one early can help you avoid the financial stress that comes with planning a wedding.

A budget gives everyone involved a healthy structure and boundaries within which to create and design your special day. Feeling too restricted in your budgeting? Set a loose budget early in the wedding planning process. Get quick estimates from various vendors, then narrow down to a more specific budget range. And stick to it!

Decide on a Wedding Venue

Choosing a wedding venue that fits your vision is a huge part of the wedding planning process. Research potential locations for both the ceremony and the reception. There are a variety of venues out there to suit a range of styles and budgets.

If you’re having a destination wedding, you may want to allocate more time for this. Narrow down your top picks, but build adequate travel time into the wedding planning timeline so you’re not rushed.

Start Planning the Guest List

You and your partner will obviously be there, but who will be joining you? Get an idea of how many guests you will invite. You likely know more people than you think you do—and the list can get long if either or both sets of parents are involved—so you may want to find a way to set limitations.

The size of the venue and your budget will help you determine how many guests you can accommodate. It may be difficult to decide who to invite, but this should be an open and judgment-free process. Modify the guest list together, and make sure you’re inviting the people most important to you both.

Afarose Insider Tip: Agree on a date and location first, if possible. Once you have these two things set in stone, you can easily adjust other factors such as your guest count and budget without making too many simultaneous changes.

One Year Before the Wedding

Many of your vendors can be booked at least one year in advance. While it’s not necessary, booking in advance increases the chances your dream team of vendors can be there on your big day. Look into different bakeries for your cake and caterers for the food. If you haven’t already, find out if your venue has rules about outside food vendors—some venues require you to use their in-house catering staff.

Start Sourcing Your Wedding Vendors

Sourcing vendors can make you feel like there’s a lot to manage, but starting this early in the process can keep things less frantic. Look on social media, do an internet search, or get referrals from friends and family.

If you’re tight on time or having a hard time reconciling planning differences, a wedding planner is a great neutral third party to help you select details. Many of the best vendors book far in advance, so it’s best to act quickly.

As you start choosing vendors, you’ll be faced with even more decisions. For example, after choosing a florist, you’ll then need to determine whether you want fresh-cut flowers or life-like silk flowers. This is another reason you should start your supplier search early.

Book Photographers and Videographers Early On

Photographs and videos capture so many treasured memories—your first kiss, walking down the aisle, your first dance. They also catch the special moments you might miss—your guests on the dance floor, or the happy tears as you read your vows.

Choosing the right photographer to capture those poignant moments is an important decision. Look for professionals in your area who have a portfolio of work or solid reviews, or ask your friends and family if they have a recommendation.

It's crucial to find someone who understands your vision for your wedding day and can document it with style. Share your ideas for any unique shots or editing styles with your photographer or videographer before you book them to determine whether they can capture the moments you want.

If they can’t meet your needs, ask for a referral or check Afarose’s list of trusted partners.

8-11 Months Before the Wedding

There are a handful of things to consider for the 8- to 11-month mark, many of which include entertainment. Will you have live music, a DJ, or just a specially curated playlist? What about special talents, such as a magician or artist? Perhaps you’ll omit the entertainment altogether. Starting your search now gives you ample time to explore your options.

Decide About the Wedding Entertainment

First, determine if you want entertainment for the reception, the ceremony, or both. The space available at your venues will help you choose your entertainment. Identify where specifically the entertainers should set up in advance, so everyone knows the plan the day of.

Ask your entertainment crew how you and the venue can best accommodate them. Is a stage necessary? Can they adjust their sound to the acoustics of the building? If the wedding is outside, do they need a microphone to amplify their sound? Professionals will know exactly what they’ll need on-site.

If possible, experience your entertainment before the wedding day. Catch them live or see if they have recordings available. Many professional entertainment vendors can be found at wedding expos and typically offer some type of immersive experience there.

Tell your entertainment in advance who will be attending (children, older adults) and what type of atmosphere you’d like to create so they can curate an experience that is enjoyable, memorable, and within your comfort zone.

Send Out the ‘Save the Date’ Announcements

Similar to invitations, save the date announcements are a friendly heads up to your potential guests that you have a big event coming up. This early announcement lets guests know the details of who, what, where, and when so they can plan ahead and arrange to be there.

You can send these relatively early in your wedding planning timeline, but you will need to have some specifics set, such as your date, location, and guest list. Only send them to those you’re inviting, and be clear about who you’re inviting.

If you don’t want to send save the dates, plan to send your invitations out earlier than usual. This requires most of your details—venue, time—to be confirmed before the mailing. You also risk not giving your guests enough notice, which means some of them may not be able to attend.

Those who have to travel to your wedding will appreciate the extra time to make arrangements and save money, especially if you’re having a destination wedding. In this case, save the dates should be sent as early as possible so any required government documents such as passports can be processed.

Look for Your Wedding Dress

Wedding dress shopping is one of the most exciting and important elements of planning your big day. It can quickly become stressful, though, if not approached with forethought.

Get dress inspiration from magazines, blogs, and wedding sites. Explore options that flatter your shape and make you feel beautiful. Look for something that complements your wedding theme, and consider both your venue and the time of year to help you choose.

If you’re having a custom-made dress or outfit, book early as this can easily take 3-6 months at a minimum. Booking early allows you and the dressmaker to browse design ideas, source materials, and schedule fittings at a comfortable pace.

Afarose Insider Tip: For brides with a shortened wedding planning timeline or for last-minute weddings, Afarose offers made-to-order dresses that are available in five short weeks.

Alterations will likely be needed before your wedding. Try your dress on again about a month before the wedding so you have time to schedule alterations—many go-to tailors are booked at least two weeks in advance and require lead time for special clothing materials.

Book Wedding Transport

This is also the time to work out logistics like wedding transportation. Have everyone, especially those in the wedding entourage, accounted for in terms of transportation. Looking to arrive in style? Consider a limo or luxury car rental for your wedding party. This also makes for a stunning post-wedding exit.

Don’t overlook the transportation your lodging options may have. Hotels often offer a shuttle service if the venue is within close proximity, which is an economical and efficient way to transport your guests.

If you need to transport a lot of guests, consider using a vendor. You can get a party bus for a fun flare or a simple shuttle to safely give your guests a ride.

If you’re thinking of adding a creative spin to your transportation, you’ll need to book early. Are you wanting to come in on a horse-drawn carriage? A hot air balloon ride? Your options are endless. Do your research early so you can ask questions and experience it first without making a rushed decision.

6-8 Months Before the Wedding

You’re likely halfway or more through your engagement. Congratulations! Keep the wedding planning fun and your wedding timeline moving by narrowing down these things 6 to 8 months before your big day.

Afarose Insider Tip: Did you know one of the top 2022 wedding trends is having multiple looks? Gone are the days of the bride wearing the same gown from the ceremony to the reception. Now, brides can have three or more different outfits.

Finalize Supplier Lists and Contracts

At this point, you should have booked all your wedding suppliers—caterers, bakers, photographers, and videographers—and finalized the individual contracts. If you wanted a wedding planner but haven’t found one, now is the time.

There may be other vendors you need but haven’t thought of yet. Did you secure the entertainment? Have you chosen someone to officiate the ceremony? If you want additional decor not provided by the venue, you’ll need to find and finalize this supplier. For DIY decor such as wedding favors, make sure you know where the items can be found or purchased, who will assemble them, and who will ensure they make it to the venue.

Contracts and Refunds

Review each of your contracts—you need to be comfortable with the entire thing, including cancellations, returns, rescheduling, or inclement weather. A credible wedding professional will discuss the contract with you to ensure your needs will be met. Schedule a session to ask questions. You can have a lawyer review the contract if you want, but this typically isn’t necessary.

Don’t sign any contract you don’t feel comfortable with. Starting your planning early gives you time to find experienced vendors that are well-suited for your vision and can deliver a professional contract. Remember, you’re working together to create a memorable experience—your opinion and comfort matter. Don’t rush a decision for the sake of having it done.

While you may want a full refund should an unforeseen circumstance arise, it isn’t always feasible. In-demand and trustworthy professionals typically have gift card programs to help clients recoup and repurpose funds. If an event is postponed, it’s usually considered a shared loss. Be understanding but know what happens to payments you’ve already made in these situations.

Start Planning for the Honeymoon

This is a great time to book your honeymoon to avoid any last-minute worries and hassles. Decide what you and your special person want to experience together and have fun planning something unforgettable. Create a budget for this too, to keep your plans in perspective.

Even if money is tight, your ideal destination doesn’t have to be out of reach. Get creative with the funding by asking your guests to gift you certain experiences for your honeymoon instead of physical wedding presents. This is a great way to involve your guests and let a group of friends or family members give you something truly memorable—and more meaningful than extra bath towels.

You don’t have to go on your honeymoon right after you get married. If there’s a specific location or time of year that’s better for your honeymoon plans, postpone the trip until then. You’ll want to relax post-wedding though, so try to take a few days off. Have a mini stay-cation at home or book a night or two at a local hotel.

Finalize Your Entourage’s Outfits

By now, you should have decided on your wedding day look for bridesmaids and groomsmen. If your individual wedding party members are choosing the outfits instead (like cut, color, etc.), encourage them to finalize this as soon as possible. Time is of the essence if you want your entourage’s look locked in for the big day.

Their dresses or suits would usually be purchased as a group, so make sure you get a supplier or tailor that can deliver on time. Schedule fitting sessions so alterations can be made in advance. If someone finalizes their decision late, they may have to pay a late fee or—even worse—may not have their outfit ready in time.

Your entourage’s outfits should complement the theme and be cohesive and comfortable. At a minimum, everyone should be able to move freely without tripping or fearing a split seam.

Materials and Accessories

Depending on the material used in the outfits, you may want to purchase a steam press or secure someone for steaming services.

Bridal party members wearing suits or tuxedos will need to be more intentional about keeping their outfits wrinkle-free during transit. Have a plan for removing wrinkles safely and professionally before the big day.

Shoes and other accessories should complement the theme and personal style but also be reasonable for the weather and terrain of the venue. Take special care to have shoes you can walk in for the wedding. You want to look beautiful of course, but that shouldn’t override function.

Afarose Insider Tip: Did you know going vintage is one of the top trends for 2022 weddings? You may want to consider this as you plan the look for you, your partner, and the entire bridal party.

Attend a Pre-Marriage Seminar

Does your religion or local government require pre-marriage seminars before the wedding? These sessions help you build the foundation of a life together, so it’s critical to include them in your wedding planning timeline. The length of these seminars varies from one session lasting a few hours to meeting for an hour or so over the course of several weeks.

Be open-minded about the marriage seminar. Questions may arise you had not previously thought about; unspoken expectations you have of marriage or your spouse could come to light, or you may learn you have different opinions on critical topics. Take all this in stride—working on this together in the presence of an unbiased third party builds your confidence, communication, and honesty. In the end, you’ll be more aligned with your partner and have a stronger marriage foundation.

Pre-marriage seminars are also a great opportunity to gain wisdom from happily married couples. They’ve been where you are, so they’ll have loads of honest but valuable advice and encouragement to share.

4-6 Months Before the Wedding

Your wedding day is drawing near, and suddenly everything seems to be happening faster than before. Don’t get lost in the hustle and bustle. Refer to this part of your planning timeline to ensure everything occurring over the next few months happens efficiently and on time, so you can relax and enjoy the process.

Book Wedding Hair and Makeup

Don’t gamble with your wedding day hair and makeup. Booking early gives you plenty of time to find inspiration and research vendors that can make your vision a reality. Many artists are booked as far as a year in advance, so now is definitely the time to find a stylist if you haven’t already. Look for beauty companies with several stylists on their team—they can often accommodate multiple weddings per date.

Let your stylist know ahead of time if you have skin sensitivities or if your hair and makeup preferences are outside typical wedding day looks. You want to ensure your stylist has time to perfect the look you want without jeopardizing the timeline.

Many stylists offer test looks at discounted prices before your big day. This is a great opportunity to see if your look will hold up to the elements, fits the larger theme and outfit, and needs any modifications.

Don’t waste your test look. Go on a date with your special person for some wedding planning-free alone time. Or, if a date’s not your thing, plan a night out with friends. You could even have an impromptu photo shoot. Whatever you do, enjoy being pampered.

Choose and Book Wedding Rings

Shopping for wedding rings can be challenging, especially since you've probably never done it before. Don’t fret if you have no idea where to start or don’t know what you want; jewelry stores have plenty of ways to help you figure out what you like. They'll show you a variety of wedding bands with different precious metals to help you narrow down your selection.

Decide if you want a separate wedding band or an engagement ring enhancer. If your engagement ring is a unique shape, you may need a custom-made wedding band to fit it. By looking at rings during this time frame, you can be confident your wedding band will be ready and fit you perfectly well before your big day.

Don’t let the price of bands shock you; there are options for every budget. Some couples even opt to tattoo a wedding band instead. You can choose between lab-made stones or rings with ethically sourced stones, which vary in price. Most jewelers have flexible financing options.

A wedding band is a gift and a physical symbol of your love and commitment to your spouse. Communicate your preferences and work together to reconcile them so you can find a beautiful wedding band that will last a lifetime.

3-4 Months Before the Wedding

You’ve been planning for a while now. Hopefully, it’s gone smoothly, but some things may have fallen through the cracks.

Order Other Accessories

Accessories tend to be an afterthought—this is one of the first mistakes to avoid. Instead of just going shopping and picking up something you think will work, plan your look well. This also applies to accessories for the groom, bridesmaids, and groomsmen.

Think about what accessories will suit your wedding look. A tiara for you? Unique ties for groomsmen? Sparkly shoes, or maybe even sneakers for your bridesmaids? This is a great opportunity to get creative and show off your personality.

Bridal Shower

Bridal showers are a time-honored wedding tradition, though they can be a bit confusing, from who throws a bridal shower to what to write on an invitation.

Typically the maid or matron of honor throws the bridal shower, but it can also be a family friend. You can even throw your own shower if you’d like, but there’s usually too much on your plate to plan another event.

Bridal showers vary in length and programming. Many brides opt to have a laid-back bridal shower with food, music, and conversation after gift-giving and some small games. Other brides prefer an event-filled day with brunch, games, and other festivities.

Don’t get overwhelmed—it’s a great time to relax and have fun with your bridal party, other friends, and extended family members. You determine the guest list, and you’ll likely have input on the party itself. If there are activities you definitely don’t want to do, let the party planner know sooner rather than later.

Stag and Hen Parties

Stag and hen parties, also known as bachelor and bachelorette parties, respectively, are a fun opportunity for groomsmen and bridesmaids to spend one last time together with the soon-to-be newlywed. What’s the key to a fun and memorable party? Planning!

This party can be as wild or chill as you prefer—what’s most important is that it includes things you enjoy. Communicate your must-haves as well as what’s off-limits. Plan your budget, activities, and entertainment well in advance to guarantee a safe party full of fun and avoid disasters or boredom.

4 Weeks Before the Wedding

There’s less than one month left until the big day! It’s time to wrap things up.

Arrange for Church and Government Requirements

Depending on your location, there may be legal requirements to get a marriage license and certificate. Don’t let the processing time hinder your big day; make these arrangements as early in the month as possible.

Attend Final Fitting Sessions

If you haven’t already, arrange for the final fitting for your and your partner’s wedding day looks. Wear your attire with the shoes you plan to wear the day of to ensure the length is correct and comfortable.

There may be fees for final alterations, which are quite common, so plan accordingly and try to get your fitting in before the rush fee applies. With Afarose’s custom sizing, you don’t have to worry about final fitting fees or what to expect.

Look Into Last-Minute Vendor/Supplier Changes

Last-minute supplier changes happen, so don’t get discouraged if one of your vendors has to back out. Ask if they can give you a referral, or see if your family, friends, or other suppliers can refer someone who can deliver on a tight timeline. Stay calm as you reassess needs and confirm details with someone new.

Follow Up With Guests Who Haven’t RSVP’d Yet

Check your guest list, and follow up with those you haven’t heard from to see if they’re attending. You may feel like you’re putting them on the spot, but getting a solid response from them can help you avoid mishaps with seating and catering. A more accurate headcount can also save you money and let you reallocate funds if needed.

1-2 Weeks Before the Wedding

Many brides go into planning overdrive in the weeks before the wedding date; but if you’ve planned well early in the wedding timeline, you should be able to take things slow.

Schedule Self-Care Time to Focus on Relaxing

When’s the last time you did something for yourself that wasn’t wedding-related? Book a spa trip and get pampered.

For brides-to-be, getting your hair or nails done or having a light massage will make you feel relaxed and rejuvenated. For grooms-to-be, a haircut, massage, or facial may calm you and boost your confidence.

Coordinate With Photographers and Videographers for Shot List

If you haven’t already talked to your photographer or videographer about your shots, now’s the time. Do you have any specific shots or scenes you want to be captured? This is important, as some are time- or weather-dependent. Coordinate this with your photographers and videographers so you both know what to expect on the big day.

Confirm Final Arrangements With All Vendors/Suppliers

Wrap up the final arrangements with your suppliers and vendors. Get any last-minute questions and guest counts out of the way. You can do this yourself or have your wedding coordinator do the job for you.

Do Full Dress Rehearsals

A full dress rehearsal is typically performed with all the wedding party members involved. You’ll get a feel for your dress and see the overall effect of your bridal party’s outfits. If you’d prefer not to be seen in your wedding dress beforehand, at least test drive it with your shoes and special undergarments to ensure they’re comfortable and stay in place.

Confirm Wedding RSVPs

Your wedding guests should have RSVP’d by this point. Many vendors or venues may have asked you for this already. You, your coordinator, or maid of honor can check in with any guests that haven’t responded yet and confirm the final count with the venue and catering.

Provide Final Guest List to Your Caterer

Once you have your final guest list, it’s time to hand it—and a table arrangement plan too, if needed—over to your caterer. Unless you have dietary restrictions or specific place settings, caterers typically only need a count of people, not the individual names.

The Day Before the Wedding

Have a Full Wedding Rehearsal

This part is completely optional and rooted in tradition. A full rehearsal of the actual ceremony is typically held the day before the wedding. Though not required, some find it customary to have a rehearsal dinner for the wedding party following the rehearsal.

Rest!

It’s simple—tomorrow is the big day, and as excited or as nervous as you are, you need to rest more than anything else. Ensure you get a good night’s sleep.

The Wedding Day

Make a checklist beforehand for everything you need and need to do. Include a timeline for the flow of events for the wedding—this will help you, your wedding party, and your vendors.

Have a lifeline contact your vendors can get in touch with should you or your bridal party not be available. Don’t stress yourself too much over this though, as this is mainly the job of the wedding coordinators.

Now, go get married!

Post-Wedding Worries

The wedding may be over, but the to-do list doesn’t stop. Here are a few things you need to take care of before your honeymoon.

Arrange the Return of Any Rentals

Did you rent your attire? Have it dry cleaned if needed, then try to return it in a timely manner to avoid late fees.

Settle Any Pending Balance With Your Suppliers

Part of being a gracious client is paying your wedding vendors when expected. Do you have a remaining balance with any suppliers? Make sure your funds are readily available and have someone manage this for you.

Post Wedding Wrap-Ups

Take a deep breath and relax. Enjoy your honeymoon! And when you get back, wrap up the wedding checklist with the following:

Collect Your Marriage Certificate

Depending on your location, your religious building or local government may have different processes for your marriage certificate. Make sure you have this settled and duly registered.

Send Thank You Notes

It’s recommended to do this within 30 days of the wedding, but ultimately it’s up to you. Just don’t forget!

Include a wedding or honeymoon photo if available. Your guests will love to see the happy couple and remember your beautiful wedding day.

Final Thoughts on Wedding Planning

Wedding planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Using a wedding planning timeline can bring order to your planning process, minimize stress and confusion, and help you find ways to relax in the months leading up to your big day.

One of the biggest causes for worry is the dresses and fittings.

Afarose can help. View our gallery for dress inspiration and try on one of our beautiful dresses from the comfort of your own home. Enjoy fee-free alterations and flexible shipping options for your wedding look.

Most of all, enjoy your wedding planning experience. This is a milestone you’ll never forget. Afarose is here to help with a variety of resources to guide you through every step of the process.

Take bridal party collaboration to another level! Visit Afarose’s newest interactive virtual showroom feature for gown inspiration and style ideas. Bridal party members can collaborate with other bridesmaids, and the bride can add comments for the bridal party about dress options and get feedback all in one convenient platform in real-time.