A dreamy wedding sequel requires proper planning. However, when it comes to creating a wedding plan, things may seem overwhelming at first. Nevertheless, if you take enough time while creating your wedding planning checklist, you will find things less stressful and more fun.

Begin planning for D-Day a year in advance. What you can do is break down the year month-by-month and plan the whole process in bite-sized pieces.

To make things easier for you, we have created a wedding planning checklist. You can thoroughly follow the list and stay on point and stress-free as the big day approaches. Have a look now!

12 Months Wedding Plan Checklist You Must Have

12th month

Get insurance for the engagement ring

Technically, it's part of pre-wedding planning, but it deserves a special mention. You must purchase insurance for the ring as soon as you get yourself out of the post-proposal high.

Decide on the budget

Now, it's time to do the math. First, decide on a reasonable amount you are willing to spend on the event. Then think about it, decide how much you are willing to spend on what, and set your priorities straight.

Now, depending on your priority list, allocate funds for each of the things. As you prepare for the big day, there are possibilities that you will feel overwhelmed, resulting in large expenditures that you may not have thought of.

Having a set budget for each of the important things is very important and will help you stay within your limits.

Create the guest list

If only it were possible to include everyone who wanted to come. More than likely, you can't. Therefore, you'll have to limit the number of invitations you send out.

You should take into account both the cost and the capacity of the venue when determining the number of guests.

The next step is to determine how the list will be divided. Assume that if you and your partner are covering the costs, you will get 70% of the invitations and the parents will divide the remaining 30%.

However, if each parent chips in, the customary split is one-third each for both sets of parents and the couple themselves. The next step is to narrow down the total cost through proper bargaining and further cuts.

Hire a wedding planner

Whether to hire a wedding planner or not depends completely on your budget. However, if your peace of mind depends on it, then you have to hire someone you can depend on. The person will be extremely important. From selecting the right venue to the caterer, photographer, and other vendors, your wedding manager will be guiding you through all major decision-making.

Set your wedding fitness goal

If you have any major fitness goals to meet, especially for the wedding, having a fitness or wellness plan ready 12 months prior to the wedding day will take you closest to your goal. Create a workout plan, a diet, and mindfulness exercise strategies as part of your plan.

11th Month

Decide on the wedding theme

Here again, you need to sit with your partner and have a heart-to-heart conversation. From formal to bohemian, there are various wedding themes that you can choose from. Your wedding venue, dress, and decorations are all determined by the wedding theme. Ask your partner what he/she values and how he/she imagines your wedding day to be.

Choose the wedding venue

Once you have a clear idea of the wedding theme and formalities, it's time to select your wedding venue. It is one of the most crucial choices you'll have to make to organise the event. The venue determines practically every other aspect, from the number of guests you invite to the kind of flowers you choose.

That's why it's important to do some research, check out a few top locations, and choose a venue that works for your guest list, wedding theme, and budget.

Decide on the caterer

The wedding reception you throw will be the best (and biggest) of your life.How do you plan on serving 150 of your closest friends and family members? First things first, get in touch with somebody you know can deliver, such as the venue's in-house caterer, a caterer suggested by your planner, or even your favourite chef who provides catering service. Likewise, feel free to experiment with other dishes. Your guests are going to love your signature drink as much as grandma's ‘Hochzeitssuppe’ recipe.

Hire a photographer, band, DJ, and videographer

These people will make the night memorable. While your wedding party musician or DJ will set the mood for the event, the photographer or videographer will catch all the fun memories. So it's essential that they play a significant role and understand your and your partner's tests.

After you've done your research and asked all the right questions, get to know your photographer better by having them take your engagement photos.

10th Month

Start shopping for your wedding dress

It's your day, and you are supposed to look and feel beautiful on your wedding day. To get started, book an appointment with a renowned bridal designer's store and try on some options to understand what fits you and what feels right.

Buy Your Wedding Dress and Accessories

Once you are done with trial and error and have decided on the best wedding outfit for the big day, it's time for the final purchase. Try on enough accessories, such as veils and boleros, and get the one that complements your dress.

9th month

Choose the bridesmaid dresses

After doing some preliminary research online, if any of your bridesmaids happen to live close to you, invite them to join you for some hands-on window shopping. Seeing them try on the clothes and asking them how they feel about the outfits you're considering would be very beneficial. Eventually, your wedding party will be much success as everyone around you looks and feels beautiful.

Meet the Florists

Being on good terms with your florist is as important as it is with any other vendor you hire. You can ask for recommendations from friends, explore Instagram for ideas, and consult with your event planner or venue supervisor. You should choose someone who can fulfil your expectations while staying within your budget.

8th month

Order rental items

Your wedding venue requires specialty chairs, linens, drapes, lounge furniture, and other items for creating the dance floor. Get the contract ready for these rental items. Your wedding manager can be a great asset as far as sourcing the right vendor is concerned.

Hire an Officiant

If you are not getting married in a church, you have to hire someone to officiate the wedding. Consult with your partner about whether to hire a professional or ask a close friend or family member to do the honours.

7th month

Hire a light technician

Often, couples overlook lighting despite its significance. The lights and candles you choose are what will eventually illuminate your ideal setting, make your photographs come out exactly so, and ensure that the celebration continues long after the sun goes down.

Book transportation for newlyweds

It's time to think about the bride and groom's transportation to and from the venue. Get around in your own distinct way, whether it involves an extended Escalade limo or a pair of bicycles. Be as creative as possible with your ideas.

6th month

Plan the honeymoon

It is important to have a mutual understanding of your honeymoon trip's budget, schedule, accommodations, and basic itinerary. While it's not necessary to plan every second of your trip, you should discuss what you want to experience from it and take action to make it happen.

Book hotels and staycations for guests

If your guest list has persons who are travelling long distances and need to stay in the hotels for the wedding it's better to book hotels beforehand. This way you can get the hotels at the best price and avoid the last-minute rush.

5th month

Buy or rent the grooms' Tuxedo

Make sure your initial impression on your visitors is a pleasant one. The first thing is to determine whether to purchase or rent a tuxedo or suit, depending on the level of formality of the event. Pay attention to both theme and function while choosing the real outfit. Your groom will be able to show off his dancing skills without worrying about tearing his suit.

Decide on the Wedding Cake

You don't need to stress about pleasing everyone with the cake. This is your wedding cake and choose the flavour and taste that both of you like. Find a reputable baker who is available on your date and willing to create the best wedding cake design and flavour for your wedding.

4th month

Create a plan for the menu

After a successful tasting, you'll have a solid idea of the caterer's style and offerings and may go on with arranging the menu. Perhaps you and your partner have meticulously planned the menu down to the last appetiser, side dish, and cocktail. Or maybe you simply said, "Handle it," to the cook and called it a day. In any case, the moment has come to provide final approval to a menu that fits your budget, taste, and timing.

Go for the hair and makeup trial

Allow the professionals to assist you by researching some specific details prior to trials. To select a style that suits you and still makes you appear like yourself, browse past images of yourself online. You may then go to other social media platforms for ideas, but don't let the filtered photos on Instagram fool you. Bring the photographs and be as specific as you can with the stylist on what you want and don’t want.

3rd month

Write your vows

If you and your partner have decided to write your own vows to each other, now is the time to start formulating what those promises may say. Traditional? Feminist? Influenced by modern culture? Write one that makes your partner feel special on the big occasion.

Start sending the invitations to guests

Now that you are already done with the hard parts, i.e., the selection process, and printing cards its time to send people the invitation cards.

2nd month

Go for the first dress fittings

You should schedule your initial fitting between two and three months after placing your purchase, and your second appointment at the six-week mark.

Get the undergarments for the wedding dress

The underwear you will need to wear with your dress can be purchased after the initial fitting. It's better to hold off until the first fitting, at which time it will become clear what kind of support the design calls for, whether it is shapewear or lingerie.

Get your marriage license, or "Ehefähigkeitszeugnis"

When applying for a license, you must consider several factors, including,

• Where to go?
• What documents do I need to bring?
• How much will it cost?
• How long will it take? and
• How long will the licence be valid?

Do some research on the specific rules and regulations in your state. You must investigate the documentation necessities for your wedding location, whether it is local or overseas. Then, have the two of you, your witnesses, and the person performing the ceremony all sign it.

1st month

Pay all the vendors in full

When it comes to wedding arrangements, the last thing you need is your vendors chasing payment at the last minute. You may avoid this situation by maintaining precise records of all payments made to suppliers. Tell your most reliable friend or family member that on the wedding day, they will be responsible for dispensing the money in the labelled envelopes you've prepared for the vendors that want payment on the day of the wedding and for delivering any tips.

Have a final venue walk-through

You should prepare a list of questions in advance and bring your planner or a close family member or friend in case you forget anything.

Conclusion

Now that your big day is near and you are done with the creative planning and preparation, it's time to enjoy the wedding. Eat healthy meals and drink plenty of water before and on D-day. Keep your dress, and veil ready and out of the bag early. If required, ask someone to steam them. Don't forget to exchange notes with your partner and put on a smile. Also, say thank you to everyone around you for their participation. Happy Wedding!