Take the stress out of planning with this 12-month wedding-planning checklist

The question is popped, and you said “yes” but now what?

With so many tasks to take care of, planning a wedding can be overwhelming and complex, especially if you’re getting married in a foreign country. But, if you give yourself enough time to plan and sort the tasks month by month with this wedding planning checklist, everything will be easier and less stressful.

Brides usually ask me: “How early should I start planning my wedding?” With this article, you’ll have the answers in your hand and at your disposal any time. With a year or more to plan, brides will usually be able to book their venue and suppliers of choice. This doesn’t mean that you can’t get your dream venue with less time; it just gets more difficult, as popular venues book up quickly.

In this article you will find a very easy, simple and functional guide that will take you from the very basis to the more detailed information of planning a wedding in Italy.

12-24 MONTHS IN ADVANCE

GET STARTED

Set up your budget
Choose your ideal date
Put together your guest list (HINT: First understand how many people will be attending your wedding, then start looking for a venue)
Choose and book your venue (remember that the most beautiful and requested venues in Italy are booked sometimes even 3 years in advance)
Choose and book your church, civil ceremony venue or celebrant
Look into catering options
Take out insurance
Start thinking about your honeymoon

9-12 MONTHS IN ADVANCE

Book transport to and from the wedding
Understand what are your priorities (ex: Do you think that music is the most important elements in your wedding? Do you think that the venue is the most important one?)
Take care of all the bureaucratic aspects (HINT: Do take into consideration that in Italy bureaucracy can be a very long and complex process)
Make sure you know which are the documents to be requested, permits, publications, etc
Send save the Date cards
Choose bridesmaids and best man
Start thinking about entertainment
Book your DJ or band
Book your photographer and videographer
Book musicians/choir/ organist for ceremony
Book your honeymoon
Start thinking about your ideal dress and wedding look (HINT: Ask yourself “How do I want to look the day of my wedding?”)

6-9 MONTHS IN ADVANCE

Shop for your bridal dress
Buy veil and accessories
Buy shoes and underwear
Choose your mum and bridesmaids dress
Buy wedding rings
Book hair and make up for the day
Choose groom, best man and groomsmen suits
Set up Gift Lists
Choose and book your florist
Book wedding night accommodation
Start thinking about your menu

3-6 MONTHS IN ADVANCE

Order your invitations and other stationery
Menu tasting
Choose and book your cake designer
Book and choose venue decorations
Plan leisure activities for your guests during the wedding weekend (HINT: Choose local activities or experiences)
Send out invitations
Choose readings, vows and poems
Decide on a menu and choose wines (consider allergies and intolerances)

1-3 MONTHS IN ADVANCE

Review all the details and add any finishing touches
Design your sweet table
Decide table plan
Buy cake boxes, confetti, sparkles etc
Write and practice speeches
Trial run of make-up
Dress fittings
Confirm details of flower booking
Confirm details of catering service
Confirm timing for transport
Email all the suppliers involved in your wedding (to confirm plans)
Make sure all balances are paid

10 DAYS BEFORE THE WEDDING

Make sure outfits are ready
Manicure and pedicure
Last trial of make-up
Rehearsal for church wedding
Brief and confirm timing with your suppliers, best man and bridesmaids
Review the timeline with your wedding planner
Pack your bag
Prepare gifts for your guests and make sure you have someone onsite who will leave them in their rooms (HINT: It’s always useful and appreciated to leave a program of the wedding week end to your guests. In this case, try to be as much creative as possible when designing the programme of the wedding week end)

This wedding checklist will be your best friend while planning your wedding. It will help you to make sure you stay on track of the planning process and you do not leave anything behind. This guide will save you from making mistakes and it will be your personal reminder.

Once you have finished with a bullet point, make sure you cross it as done.

Take out the stress and anxiety and enjoy planning the most important days of your life. For further support, contact us to plan your dream wedding in Italy.

The ultimate wedding checklist and timeline: Guide for brides