by Team TCP

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Traditionally, the father of the bride was expected to cover most, if not all, of the wedding expenses. This was based on customs placing the financial responsibility on the bride's family reflecting cultural and historical norms. However, over time, these traditions have evolved significantly and who pays for what at a wedding today can widely vary depending on the couple's preferences, family dynamics, and cultural practices.

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Planning a wedding can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience. From choosing the venue to selecting the perfect dress, there’s a lot to think about. With the right approach and a little bit of organization, you can transform the planning process into a fun and memorable journey.  This breakdown incorporates everything from budget planning to post-wedding tasks, ensuring you’re fully prepared and able to enjoy the process. 

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Here’s a step-by-step guide option to help you plan your wedding from start to finish.

 

12–9 Months Before the Wedding:

 

Set a Budget

• Timeframe: Month 1

• Tasks:

  • Discuss the overall budget with your partner and family.

  • Allocate funds for each category (venue, catering, dress, etc.).

  • Set aside extra funds for unexpected costs.

  • Consider using a spreadsheet or wedding budget app to track expenses.

 

Decide on a Date and Venue 

• Timeframe: Month 1-2

• Tasks:

  • Choose a wedding date (or range of dates).

  • Research and book your ceremony and reception venues.

  • Secure the date early to avoid venue conflicts.

 

Create Your Guest List

• Timeframe: Month 2

• Tasks:

  • Compile a guest list with your partner and both families.

  • Decide on a final number of guests based on your venue size and budget.

  • Begin gathering addresses for save-the-dates and invitations.

 

Choose a Wedding Style/Theme

• Timeframe: Month 2

• Tasks:

  • Decide on a wedding style or theme (vintage, rustic, classic, modern, etc.).

  • This will help guide decisions on decor, flowers, and other wedding elements.

 

9–6 Months Before the Wedding:

 

Hire Key Vendors Timeframe: Month 3-6

• Tasks:

  • Photographer/Videographer: Research and book a photographer and/or videographer.

• Caterer: If not included with the venue, book a catering company.  Cost: $40 - $150 per person

• Florist: Meet with florists to discuss flowers for the ceremony, reception, and bridal party.

• Entertainment: Book your DJ, band, or ceremony musicians.

• Officiant: Secure an officiant for the ceremony.

• Hair and Makeup Artists: Book professionals for your wedding day.

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Wedding Attire

• Timeframe: Month 4-6

• Tasks:

  • Start shopping for your wedding dress (allow time for fittings and alterations).

  • Choose bridesmaids' dresses and groomsmen’s attire.

  • Don’t forget accessories: shoes, veil, jewelry, etc.

 

Send Save-the-Dates

• Timeframe: Month 5-6

• Tasks:

  • Send out save-the-date cards to inform guests of the wedding date.

  • This is especially important for destination weddings or weddings with many out-of-town guests.

 

6–4 Months Before the Wedding:

 

Send Invitations

• Timeframe: Month 8-9

• Tasks:

  • Finalize and send wedding invitations 8–12 weeks before the big day.

  • Include RSVP cards with a deadline to help you finalize the headcount for vendors.

 

Plan the Wedding Ceremony

• Timeframe: Month 6-9

• Tasks:

  • Meet with your officiant to discuss ceremony details (vows, readings, etc.).

  • Plan any special ceremony elements, like unity candles, music, or rituals.

 

Plan the Reception

• Timeframe: Month 6-9

• Tasks:

  • Work with the caterer and venue to decide on the menu.

  • Choose decor, centerpieces, and floral arrangements with your florist.

  • Plan entertainment (DJ or live music), speeches, toasts, and any special dances.

 

Create a Wedding Day Timeline

• Timeframe: Month 9-10

• Tasks:

  • If you choose to have a planner, work with your wedding planner (or coordinator) to create a timeline of the day’s events.

  • This should include ceremony timing, reception activities (dancing, speeches, cake cutting), and vendor arrival times.

  • Distribute the timeline to your vendors, bridal party, and family members.

 

2–1 Month Before the Wedding:

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Prepare for the Honeymoon

• Timeframe: Month 10-11

• Tasks:

  • Finalize your honeymoon plans and bookings (flights, accommodations, etc.).

  • Make sure your passports are valid and gather any necessary travel documents.

  • Arrange for transportation to and from the airport.

 

Finalize Details

• Timeframe: Month 10-11

• Tasks:

  • Confirm details with all vendors and finalize payments.

  • Review and finalize the guest list, catering numbers, and seating arrangements.

  • Prepare any speeches, toasts, or gifts you need for the wedding day.

 

Pick Up Marriage License

• Timeframe: Month 11

• Tasks:

  • Apply for and pick up your marriage license (check the requirements for your location well in advance).

  • Ensure the officiant and witnesses are aware of the legalities and paperwork for the ceremony.

 

1 Week Before the Wedding:

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Final Check and Pack

• Timeframe: Week of the Wedding

• Tasks:

  • Pack an emergency kit (safety pins, tissues, makeup, aspirin, etc.).

  • Ensure your dress, shoes, and all accessories are ready.

  • Ensure that the wedding rings are with a trusted person.

 

Rehearsal and Dinner

• Timeframe: 1-2 Days Before

• Tasks:

  • Have your rehearsal at the ceremony venue.

  • Host the rehearsal dinner with close family and friends.

 

Wedding Day:

 

Enjoy Your Big Day

• Timeframe: The Day Of

• Tasks:

  • Follow your wedding day timeline (but stay flexible in case of any last-minute changes).

  • Allow time for yourself to relax, take in the moments, and enjoy your special day.

  • Trust your vendors and wedding party to help execute your vision.

 

After the Wedding:

18. Post-Wedding Tasks

• Timeframe: 1-2 Weeks After

• Tasks:

  • Send thank-you notes to guests and vendors for their gifts and support.

  • Consider having your wedding dress professionally cleaned and preserved.

  • Look through your wedding photos and enjoy the memories.

 

By following this updated and comprehensive wedding planning timeline, you’ll stay on track and organized as you approach your big day. 

 

Cost Of Wedding

The cost of planning a wedding can vary greatly depending on factors such as location, size, style, and personal preferences. Below, We’ll provide a general price range for each category of wedding planning based on an average U.S. wedding in 2025. You can crunch dollar amounts without missing a listing.  Keep in mind that prices can differ significantly based on the city, venue, and individual choices.

 

Set a Budget

• Cost: Free

• Venue Rental: $2,000 - $15,000+

• Ceremony Venue: $500 - $3,000+

Create Your Guest List

• Cost: Free (but influences other costs)

Choose a Wedding Style/Theme

• Cost: Free - $500+

Hire Key Vendors

• Photographer/Videographer:

  • Photographer: $2,000 - $6,000+

  • Videographer: $1,500 - $5,000+

• Caterer:

  • Average: $40 - $150 per person

  • Total for 100 guests: $4,000 - $15,000+

• Florist:

  • Florals for ceremony and reception: $1,500 - $5,000+

• Entertainment:

  • DJ: $1,000 - $3,000

  • Live Band: $2,500 - $7,500+

  • DJs are typically less expensive, while live bands can vary based on size and popularity.

• Officiant:

  • Civil Officiant: $200 - $500

  • Religious Officiant: $500 - $1,000+

  • Fees may vary based on location and type of officiant.

• Hair and Makeup Artists:

  • Hair: $100 - $300 per person

  • Makeup: $100 - $300 per person

  • For the bride, these prices are generally higher.

Wedding Attire

• Bride's Dress: $500 - $5,000+

  • Off-the-rack or custom-designed dresses have significant price variance.

• Bridesmaids' Dresses: $100 - $500 each

• Groom’s Attire: $100 - $1,500+

• Accessories (veil, shoes, jewelry): $100 - $1,000+

Send Save-the-Dates

• Cost: $1 - $5 per card

• Total for 100 Guests: $100 - $500+

Send Invitations

• Cost: $1 - $7 per invitation

• Total for 100 Guests: $100 - $700+

• Custom-designed or luxury invitations can cost significantly more.

Plan the Wedding Ceremony

• Cost: Free - $1,000+

• Description: Officiant fees and any special elements (like programs or music) can add costs here.

Plan the Reception

• Reception Venue: Often included with venue rental if already booked.

• Catering (see above): $40 - $150 per person

• Decor: $500 - $5,000+

  • Includes centerpieces, table settings, lighting, and overall venue styling.

• Entertainment (see above): $1,000 - $7,500+

Create a Wedding Day Timeline

• Cost: Free (unless a planner is involved)

• Description: If you hire a wedding planner, they’ll assist with this task, which may add $1,500 - $5,000+ for their services.

Prepare for the Honeymoon

• Cost: $2,000 - $10,000+

  • A honeymoon can range widely based on the destination, duration, and type of accommodation.

  • Domestic travel may cost less, while international or luxury honeymoons can push costs higher.

Finalize Details

• Cost: Varies by vendor

• Description: Confirming the details of your vendors, making final payments, etc., will be included within the overall costs for each service.

Pick Up Marriage License

• Cost: $20 - $100+

• Description: The cost of a marriage license varies by location.

Final Check and Pack

• Cost: Free (unless you're buying an emergency kit)

• Emergency Kit: $50 - $100+

  • Includes items like safety pins, pain relievers, makeup, etc.

Rehearsal and Dinner

• Rehearsal Dinner: $500 - $3,000+

  • This cost varies based on the venue, number of guests, and the style of dinner (casual or formal).

Wedding Day:

Enjoy Your Big Day

• Cost: Included in prior costs.

• Description: The wedding day itself is the culmination of all prior expenses.

After the Wedding:

Post-Wedding Tasks

• Thank You Cards: $1 - $5 per card

• Total for 100 Guests: $100 - $500+

• Wedding Dress Cleaning & Preservation: $150 - $500+

• Photography Album/Prints: $200 - $2,000+

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FYI: Timing & Details

According to most wedding data, October is the most popular month for people to get married, with September often considered equally popular, marking the peak of "wedding season" in the fall months. 

Key points about wedding season:

• Top months: October and September

• Second most popular: June

• Trend: Fall weddings are generally considered the most popular. 

 

Planning a wedding is a big undertaking, but with careful organization and

attention to detail, you can create a beautiful, unforgettable day.

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​​Let us know how the guide worked for you and send us our invitation! ​

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​Email us at TCPcontact1@gmail.com

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​FYI: Source assistance via internet