Planning a wedding is an exciting but also challenging time in a couple's life. A clear timeline helps keep track of everything and ensures that nothing important is forgotten. In this article, I present the most important milestones of wedding planning.
12 - 18 Months Before: Laying the Foundation for Your Wedding Planning
We assume a planning time of 1-1.5 years. Of course, you can also plan a wedding in more (or less) time. However, I recommend following this scheme regardless of when you start planning.
Define the Guest List
The guest list will be your first hurdle, as the number of guests often determines the budget. The more guests, the more budget you will need to account for. Discuss together about who you want to celebrate your special day with. Are you planning a whole weekend, for example? Or do you want several guest groups (ceremony, reception, dinner)?
Tip: If the number of guests is too high, create several groups. Group A includes the people who absolutely must be there. Group B consists of those you invite if the location is large enough, the budget is sufficient, or someone from Group A cancels. Also, discuss whether you want to have companions (+1) and/or children at your wedding.
Set the Budget
The average wedding in Switzerland costs around CHF 40,000 for 60 guests. The points below show what the budget is needed for:
Define the Wedding Theme
A consistent theme gives your wedding a special touch. Whether vintage, boho, or classic – choose a theme that reflects your personality and runs through all elements of the wedding. This is not a must but can guide the overall aesthetic of your wedding, from invitations to table decorations, your outfits, and guest favors. You can find wedding mood boards and inspiration on Pinterest or Instagram.
Book a Wedding Planner
A professional can save you a lot of stress and ensure that everything runs smoothly. Wedding planners often offer various packages, including the complete planning package, partial planning for smaller budgets, location scout, wedding day manager, or, in my case, additionally the safety check.
Book a free consultation talk with a wedding planner you like and find out how they can best support you.
Reserve the Location
Especially if you have a specific location in mind, it is important to inquire as soon as possible. Popular wedding locations are often booked out more than a year in advance. If you have a specific type of venue in mind (e.g., a castle or barn), a wedding planner can help with the location scout.
Have a look at this blog article about finding your perfect wedding venue.
Send the Save the Date cards
Let your guests know about your wedding with a Save the Date card. This will give you a rough idea of who will travel for your wedding from abroad or who will most likely not be able to attend.
6 - 12 Months Before: Plan the Details
The basic concept is set, and it is now time to take care of the details.
Define the rough Day Plan Schedule
What is important to you? What do you want to include in the ceremony? When should the meal and the party start? Do you want a classic photo shoot or a first look/first touch? Create a rough schedule for your wedding day. This helps you keep track and ensure all program points are considered.
Discuss the Ceremony Style
There are many different options for the ceremony, including religious ceremonies in the church, civil ceremonies, and free ceremonies. What rituals do you want, and how do you envision the musical accompaniment?
Book your Vendors
Many wedding vendors are often booked well in advance. Therefore, it is important to organize the most valuable vendors as early as possible. Do you want a specific photographer with a certain style, or is the DJ for the party most important to you? Then get started and send out inquiries. There are many highly qualified wedding vendors who look forward to making your wedding unforgettable.
Tip: If you feel overwhelmed, ask your wedding planner for vendor suggestions.
Choose your Outfits
A very exciting and often emotional point is the search for the perfect wedding outfit.
There are endless possibilities, from classic dresses to modern groom outfits.
It is important that you feel comfortable and find something that suits you. Remember to allow enough time for any alterations by the seamstress.
Check for Wedding Bands
If you want wedding rings, it is important to take enough time to choose the right rings for your love. A specialized jeweler will give you the best advice.
Launch Wedding Website
A wedding website is perfect for sharing detailed information about your wedding with your guests. Choose your domain and create a website with all the important information. There are also providers who can help you create it.
Send out Invitations
To get RSVPs from your guests, it is now important to send the invitations. You can do this classically by mail (consider that there will be costs for postage) or digitally via email or WhatsApp.
3 - 6 Months Before: Fine-Tuning
The big day is getting closer, and the following points still need to be organized:
Book your Wedding Cake
If your wedding takes place during the high season (May-September), it is important to book the wedding cake as early as possible, especially if you want something special. Pay attention to the seasonal availability of products. For example, a strawberry cake is much harder to get in winter than in summer.
Define Accommodation Options
This point also depends on the season. During the holiday season, many hotels are booked. Therefore, ask early if you can reserve a contingent and if there are group discounts. Don't forget to book accommodation for yourselves.
Practice Wedding Dance
About three months before your big day, you should start dance lessons if you plan to have an opening dance.
Many dance teachers offer private lessons to cater to your needs and wishes optimally.
Organize Transport
A general rule is that you can expect guests to come to the wedding location on their own (and return home from there later). For anything that happens during the day (e.g., moving from the ceremony location to dinner), transport should be organized. There are countless options for you and your guests.
Reserve Civil Ceremony Date
In Switzerland, you can reserve your civil ceremony date 6-12 months in advance. Typically, the church/free ceremony is held on a different day than the civil ceremony. However, this is entirely up to you.
About three months before your civil ceremony date, preparations (document procurement, etc.) begin.
1 - 3 Months Before: Final Preparations
The final stretch, focusing on the last few points in your planning.
Define Guest Favors
If you want to give your guests a small token of appreciation, you should organize it now. This can be something personal, homemade, or a personalized gift.
Tip: Edible guest favors or those that can be used in everyday life are very well received by guests. Too large or unnecessary gifts are often left behind.
Choose Songs for the Ceremony
Music is an important part of a wedding and sets the mood for you and your guests.
Define specific songs for different program points during the day. If you also want special songs for the party, let your DJ know.
You can also decide now whether you want your guests to make song requests or not.
Tasting of your Wedding Menu
If you have chosen a location where the catering is already fixed, it makes sense to discuss the menu options in advance. If it suits you, you can arrange a tasting for your specific wedding menu. Note that this is usually charged separately but is a wonderful moment for you as a couple.
Book your Honeymoon
If you plan to go on your honeymoon right after your wedding, you should start planning now. Consider any necessary visas and vaccinations.
Create Seating Order
Depending on the setup at your wedding, you can decide for or against a seating arrangement. By this time, you should have received responses from your guests about their attendance at your big day.
When arranging the seating, make sure not to seat people who do not get along well next to each other to avoid stress.
Hair & Makeup Trial
Usually, a few beautiful and relaxing hours for the bride. A trial for hair and makeup always makes sense. Prepare with photos for the appointment so you can find the right look together.
1 Month Before: The Final Touches
Not long before you can say "I do." At this point, the following needs to be organized:
Adjust Outfits
If your outfits needed adjustments, you can pick them up now. Consider whether you will store them at home or with a friend to ensure your partner doesn't accidentally see them beforehand.
Write Vows
With your wedding day in sight, take some time to quietly start writing your vows. You can either give them to your better half in written form during the getting ready or read them at the first look or ceremony.
Finalize Guest List
There are often small changes to the guest list shortly before the wedding. Ensure you communicate the final number of guests to your location and catering. This is also a good time to mention any allergies and dietary restrictions.
Finalize Day Schedule
Now, the day schedule is updated and finalized with all changes. If you are working with a wedding day manager, they will do this work for you and ensure that all involved vendors receive a copy.
1 Week Before: Final Preparations
One more week until the big day, and the last small details still need to be organized.
Practice Vows/Speeches
Not all of us are born great speakers. Read your vows out loud to yourself to hear how they sound and to ensure you feel comfortable on the day itself. Some nervousness is always part of it.
Manicure/Pedicure
Go to your trusted manicurist/pedicurist and treat yourself to a little time out.
Your hands and, depending on your shoes, also your feet will be well visible in photos and should, therefore, be well-groomed.
Hairdresser Appointment
If you plan to get a final trim before your big day, you can ensure the perfect foundation for your wedding hairstyle.
After the Wedding: The Follow-Up
Congratulations! You are now married and had a wonderful celebration with your loved ones. Take enough time to process the emotions of the day and settle into married life together. After that, you can gradually get into the follow-up tasks.
Sending Thank-You Cards
Thank your guests for coming and for the gifts. A personal touch makes the cards special. This could be a handwritten note or a personal photo from the wedding day.
Sharing Photos with Guests
Just as you are excited to see the photos from your wedding day, so are your guests. Share the gallery with your loved ones, for example, directly through your wedding website.
Paying Outstanding Bills
Make sure all outstanding bills are paid on time so you can start your marriage stress-free.
With this detailed timeline for wedding planning, you will stay organized and ensure that your wedding goes smoothly. For your planning, you can download and check off the attached checklist. Have fun planning your dream wedding!
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