This is where the most exciting phase begins. The first big decisions are on the horizon.
Set your budget
One of the very first things you should clarify is your budget. Decide how much you want to spend on the entire wedding. Key cost factors usually include:
Venue
Catering
Music & entertainment
Decorations & flowers
Wedding attire
Photography & videography
Tip: Create a simple spreadsheet with all planned expenses to keep everything transparent and under control.
Create the guest list
Think carefully about who you want to invite. The number of guests has a major impact on both your budget and your choice of venue.
Define your wedding style and color concept
Do you envision an elegant, rustic, or vintage wedding? Your chosen style will influence everything from decorations to outfits and overall atmosphere.
Choose the venue and set the date
Popular venues are often fully booked more than a year in advance. Secure your preferred location as early as possible.
Hire a wedding planner (optional)
If you’d like professional support, a wedding planner can take a lot of work off your shoulders and help keep everything on track.
Now it’s time to move into detailed planning.
Plan the ceremony and legal requirements
Register your civil ceremony
If desired, plan a church or symbolic ceremony
Choose your witnesses
Book your service providers
This is the stage where you should secure your preferred vendors:
Wedding photographer or videographer
DJ or live band
Catering and wedding cake
Florist for floral decorations
Tip: Ask for references or take a look at previous work to make sure their style fits your vision.
Buy wedding attire
Choose the wedding dress and suit
Purchase accessories and shoes
Decide on outfits for bridesmaids and witnesses
Things start to become more concrete, and many details need to be finalized.
Send out invitations
Save-the-date cards have already gone out — now it’s time to send the official invitations.
Order wedding decorations and flowers
Discuss your ideas with your florist and select decorative elements that match your style.
Choose the wedding cake
Many bakeries offer tastings. Take advantage of this to find the cake that’s perfect for you.
Create the seating plan and timeline
Plan the seating arrangement for the reception and outline a rough schedule for the day.
Book the honeymoon
If you’re planning a honeymoon, now is a good time to book in order to secure better prices and availability.
Now it’s all about the finishing touches.
Hair and makeup trials
Consult with a stylist and test hairstyles and makeup looks for the big day.
Write your vows
If you plan to exchange personal vows, take time to write words that truly reflect your feelings.
Choose your wedding rings
Your rings symbolize your marriage — take your time choosing the ones that feel right.
Prepare guest favors
Plan small thank-you gifts to show your appreciation to your guests.
Practice the wedding dance
If you’re planning a first dance, start practicing early — or consider taking a dance lesson together.
Now it’s getting real. In the final days before the wedding, it’s all about the finishing touches.
Confirm all service providers
Call your vendors and go over all arrangements one last time to make sure everything is clear.
Pack an emergency kit for the wedding day
Things every bride should have on hand:
– Extra makeup
– Safety pins
– Blister plasters
– Refreshing spray
Relax and enjoy the moment
Don’t let stress get to you — your big day will be beautiful.
With this checklist, you won’t forget a thing and can enjoy your wedding planning without stress. Whether it’s budgeting, the guest list, or choosing the wedding dress — taking things step by step keeps everything under control.
One final tip: if possible, delegate tasks to family or friends. This allows you to focus on what truly matters — your most beautiful day.
Congratulations on your engagement, and enjoy every moment of the planning process!
