You’re engaged, now what? The list goes on and on for things you need to complete prior to the big day. It is overwhelming, confusing, and discouraging. Step one: PAUSE and take a deep breath. I’m here to help you with the research, answer your questions, and guide you from woes to roses. Starting today with a wedding timeline outline.
A quick disclaimer, no, I am not currently engaged or married. I am simply doing the research as an unbiased, stress-free resource. Think of me as your online bridesmaid simply guiding you and providing you ideas. All while I’m bouncing the information I share off close friends and family to see if it would have helped them.
Setting your Wedding Timeline
Your wedding timeline is unique. There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to planning a wedding, including the timing of completing tasks. My template is there to spark ideas and provide a structure to build your own timeline.
Print the timeline I have provided and mark it up. Change 12 months to 18 months or 6 months, add items, remove items, etc. The most important thing to remember is your timeline is flexible. I bucketed items in two month time periods because life happens. You are not a full time wedding planner, therefore, things will change. You will be early on some items, delayed on others, and think of something random to add along the way.
Do not set your wedding timeline the week you’re engaged and expect to stick to it one hundred percent. Be prepared for curveballs and changes!
Timeline Activities
When thinking about your wedding timeline, try to think high level. There are many more tactical tasks you’ll need to account for along the way but I recommend containing those in some sort of wedding planner. Break it down by monthly, weekly, and daily actives (as you get closer).
For example, 12 months before your wedding you should select a venue. Included in that task is researching options within your budget, visiting those places, and discussing those places with your boo thang. Do not overwhelm yourself with those details until it is the week/day to execute those tasks.
Additionally, do not flood your timeline with activities you always do prior to a major event. Personally, I always get a fresh cut/color, eyebrow wax, and mani/pedi before a big event. My wedding will not be any different! While you need to schedule those activities, you do not need to write them down 12 months in advance because you will naturally execute them.
I hope this wedding timeline helps you outline your own timeline. From Woes to Roses is a new series on my blog where I’ll continue to be your online bridesmaid. As always, submit any requests or suggestions on Instagram and most importantly, be comfortably you while planning your wedding!
XOXO,
MegMat
What do you think?