Wedding Preparation Guide
Planning a wedding feels exciting at first. Then the details start stacking up. Vendors. Guest lists. Timelines. Payments.
If you’re wondering when should wedding prep start, what to book first, and how to avoid last-minute stress — this guide walks you through everything step by step.
You’ll get a complete preparation list, a six-month timeline, vendor order, and real tips that actually work.
Let’s begin.
1. Start Six-Month Timeline
Six months before your wedding is the sweet spot. Big venues book early. Photographers fill dates fast. Dresses need fittings. Starting now keeps you calm later.
This is when you move from dreaming to action. A clear timeline reduces panic and helps you answer: What should be done 6 months before?
- Set your wedding date
- Decide estimated guest count
- Confirm overall budget
- Create master planning folder
- List priority vendors
Smart move: break the six months into monthly mini goals.
This keeps tasks simple and stops overwhelm.
2. Map Vendor Booking Order
One big question couples ask: What to book first?
Vendors should be booked in order of demand, not convenience. Some services sell out 12 months ahead.
- Venue first
- Photographer second
- Caterer third
- Planner or decorator next
- Entertainment after
Helpful hint: always ask vendors for preferred vendor lists.
Booking in the right order protects your date.
3. Lock Ceremony Venue
Your venue sets the mood. It affects decor, guest count, lighting, and budget.
When choosing, think about weather backup, parking, and vendor access. A pretty location is great. A practical one is better.
- Check capacity rules
- Ask about rain plan
- Confirm setup hours
- Review sound restrictions
Extra suggestion: visit at the same time of day as your ceremony.
You’ll understand lighting and flow better.
4. Book Photographer Early
Photographers get booked fast. Popular ones fill weekends one year ahead.
Look at full galleries, not just Instagram highlights. You want consistency.
- Ask to see full wedding albums
- Check editing style
- Confirm delivery timeline
- Review backup plan
Little insider tip: meet them in person or on video.
Comfort with your photographer shows in your photos.
5. Send Save the Dates
Once venue and date are locked, send save-the-dates. Especially if guests travel.
This gives people time to plan flights and hotels.
- Collect updated addresses
- Double check name spellings
- Choose digital or print
- Send 6 months early
Helpful note: create a wedding website for details.
It reduces repetitive guest questions.
(You can pair this with your master [to do list] and detailed [timeline] to stay organized.)
6. Schedule Catering Tasting
Food is what guests remember most.
Don’t just taste — evaluate presentation, portion size, and service style.
- Try full meal samples
- Ask about dietary options
- Confirm serving style
- Discuss cake cutting fees
Small advice: ask what dishes hold heat best.
Smart menu choices reduce kitchen delays.
7. Plan Decor Layout Zones
Divide your venue into decor zones. Ceremony, entrance, stage, dining, photo area.
This avoids overspending on random decor.
- Sketch a simple layout
- Mark guest flow path
- Highlight focal points
- Decide where florals matter most
Extra idea: reuse ceremony flowers at reception.
It saves money and keeps design cohesive.
For inspiration, explore these beautiful [wedding ceremony decor ideas].
8. Order Invites Print
Order invitations 3–4 months before. Printing errors happen. Delays happen.
Always proofread three times. Then let someone else check.
- Confirm final guest count estimate
- Double check venue address
- Add RSVP deadline
- Order extra copies
Helpful move: keep 10 spare invites.
They help with keepsakes and last-minute guests.
9. Plan Outfit Fittings
Dress fittings take time. Alterations need weeks.
Start early to avoid stress.
- Schedule first fitting 3 months before
- Bring wedding shoes
- Practice walking and sitting
- Test undergarments
Tiny trick: move naturally during fitting.
It prevents tight surprises on wedding day.
10. Draft Day Timeline
Your wedding day timeline keeps everything smooth.
Work backward from ceremony time. Add buffer minutes.
- Add hair & makeup timing
- Schedule photographer arrival
- Plan family photo slots
- Include travel time
Helpful approach: add 15-minute buffers.
It absorbs unexpected delays.
11. Confirm Rental Items
Rentals include chairs, linens, lighting, and sometimes cutlery.
One missing item can affect the whole setup.
- Confirm quantities
- Match color shades
- Review delivery times
- Check pickup schedule
Quick reminder: photograph sample setup.
Visual proof avoids confusion later.
12. Prep Welcome Signage
Signage guides guests and adds personality.
Keep fonts readable and sizes large enough.
- Design welcome board
- Print seating chart
- Prepare directional signs
- Add hashtag sign
Small idea: use consistent fonts across all prints.
It keeps everything polished.
13. Pack Wedding Day Kit
Prepare a small emergency kit. It saves the day.
- Safety pins
- Blotting paper
- Pain reliever
- Band-aids
- Mini sewing kit
Helpful add-on: pack snacks and water.
Energy levels matter more than you think.
14. Confirm Final Guest Count
Two weeks before, confirm numbers with caterer and venue.
Late changes cost money.
- Track RSVPs clearly
- Follow up missing replies
- Confirm meal choices
- Finalize seating chart
Extra step: notify rental company of updates.
Accuracy prevents last-minute chaos.
15. Walk Venue Rehearsal
Rehearsal removes awkward moments.
Everyone learns timing and positioning.
- Practice entrance order
- Test microphone sound
- Confirm music cues
- Review seating order
Helpful suggestion: keep rehearsal short and focused.
Clarity builds confidence.
16. Prepare Payment Envelopes
Prepare labeled envelopes for final vendor payments and tips.
- Write vendor names clearly
- Include exact amount
- Assign trusted person to distribute
- Keep them in one folder
Smart move: double-check balances 3 days before.
It avoids awkward wedding-day calls.
17. Rest Night Before
The night before is not for stress. It’s for calm.
- Eat light dinner
- Avoid new skincare
- Drink water
- Turn phone off early
Simple reminder: delegate everything.
You deserve peace before your big day.
Small Planning Slip-Ups to Watch For
- Overbooking vendors without contracts
- Ignoring weather backup plan
- Skipping timeline buffers
- Forgetting vendor meal count
- Not assigning someone for problem handling
FAQs
When should wedding prep start?
Start 6–12 months before your wedding. Six months is the minimum for smooth vendor booking.
What should be done 6 months before?
Book venue, photographer, caterer, and send save-the-dates.
What to book first?
Venue first. Everything else depends on it.
How to avoid last-minute stress?
Use a detailed timeline, confirm vendors early, and add buffer time.
Complete preparation list?
Follow the 17 steps above and align them with your master planning checklist.
Conclusion
Wedding preparation does not have to feel chaotic. With a clear six-month plan, smart vendor order, and organized timeline, everything flows naturally.
Focus on progress, not perfection.
And if you want to explore deeper planning strategies, visit our complete [wedding planning] resource hub for step-by-step support.
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- Wedding Preparation Guide: 6-Month Plan & Booking Order
- Complete Wedding Preparation Guide + Timeline Checklist
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The Wedding Preparation Guide Every Couple Wishes They Had Sooner
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Plan your wedding preparation guide with a clear 6-month roadmap, booking order, and stress-free checklist that keeps every detail calm and covered.
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Intro Paragraph (70–80 words)
It starts with one quiet thought.
“Where do we even begin?”
Wedding details pile up fast. Dates, vendors, outfits, guests. It feels exciting, then overwhelming. This wedding preparation guide gives you a clear six-month path. You’ll know what to book first, what to confirm later, and how to avoid last-minute stress. Instead of guessing, you’ll move step by step with confidence and calm control.
Conclusion Paragraph (65–70 words)
Wedding preparation doesn’t have to feel chaotic. With the right order and a steady timeline, each decision becomes easier and more focused. Let this guide support your next move, not rush it. For deeper tools and structured planning resources, explore everything inside our complete planning hub at /wedding/planning/ and continue building your day with clarity and confidence.