How To Plan Your Dream Wedding

Written By Christophe Vancutsem

Here's a comprehensive step-by-step guide to planning your traditional dream wedding. This guide follows a structured timeline, detailing who to contact, what to do, and how to stay organized while making sure everything runs smoothly up to your big day.

12-18 Months Before the Wedding: The Foundation

1. Set a Budget

  • Who to Contact: Both families (if contributing), financial advisor (if needed).

  • Decide how much you are willing to spend and allocate amounts to different aspects (venue, catering, dress, etc.).

  • Open a separate bank account or track expenses via a spreadsheet or wedding planning app (e.g., Zola, The Knot, WeddingWire).

2. Choose a Wedding Date and Style

  • Considerations:

    • Season (summer and fall are peak seasons; winter is cheaper).

    • Venue availability.

    • Religious considerations (some churches have specific dates or restrictions).

  • Theme/Style: Traditional, elegant, rustic, modern, etc.

3. Book the Ceremony & Reception Venues

  • Who to Contact:

    • Church or officiant (for a Christian wedding).

    • Reception hall, hotel, vineyard, or other venues.

  • Tips:

    • Ask about marriage preparation courses if required by the church.

    • Ensure venues allow enough time for setup and teardown.

    • Consider locations that provide in-house catering to simplify planning.

4. Hire a Wedding Planner (Optional but Recommended)

  • Can handle logistics, vendors, and timelines to reduce stress.

  • If skipping a planner, create a detailed wedding binder to keep track of contracts and tasks.

5. Draft the Guest List

  • Who to Contact: Both families for input.

  • Tips:

    • Consider venue capacity and budget.

    • Prioritize immediate family, close friends, and essential people.

6. Choose and Book Key Vendors

  • Photographer/Videographer: Book early—good ones are in high demand.

  • Caterer: If not included in the venue.

  • Band/DJ: Select based on style and religious preferences.

  • Florist: Meet to discuss bouquets, centerpieces, and church decorations.

9-12 Months Before: Big Decisions & Details

7. Choose the Wedding Party

  • Best man, maid of honor, bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girl, ring bearer.

  • Inform them early, as they will have responsibilities.

8. Find the Dress & Formal Attire

  • Book bridal shop appointments early (some dresses take 6+ months to arrive).

  • Groomsmen and bridesmaids should also begin looking at attire.

9. Plan the Ceremony

  • Who to Contact: Officiant/pastor.

  • Discuss scripture readings, vows (personalized or traditional), and order of service.

  • Tips:

    • Some churches require pre-marital counseling.

    • Confirm church music policies (e.g., hymns vs. modern worship songs).

10. Book Accommodations for Guests (If Necessary)

  • Reserve hotel blocks for out-of-town guests.

6-9 Months Before: Fine-Tuning & Delegation

11. Design and Send Save-the-Dates

  • Especially important for destination weddings or guests traveling from afar.

12. Plan Reception Details

  • Seating Chart: Assign based on relationships and dynamics.

  • Menu Tasting: Finalize meal options with the caterer.

  • Décor and Rentals: Centerpieces, linens, lighting.

13. Organize Transportation

  • Book cars for the couple and wedding party (limo, classic car, etc.).

14. Register for Gifts

  • Choose a mix of price ranges (household items, honeymoon fund, etc.).

3-6 Months Before: Invitations & Final Touches

15. Send Invitations

  • Include RSVP deadline (1-2 months before the wedding).

  • Ask about dietary restrictions.

16. Arrange Pre-Wedding Events

  • Bachelor/Bachelorette Party: Usually planned by the best man/maid of honor.

  • Bridal Shower: Often hosted by family or bridal party.

  • Rehearsal Dinner: Traditionally hosted by the groom’s family.

17. Finalize the Wedding Ceremony

  • Confirm readings, music, and vows with officiant.

18. Plan the Honeymoon

  • Book flights, accommodations, and activities.

1-3 Months Before: Confirm Everything

19. Confirm Vendor Details

  • Finalize schedules, payments, and contracts with vendors.

20. Get Marriage License

  • Required in Quebec (apply at least 21 days before the wedding).

21. Write Vows (If Not Using Traditional Ones)

  • Take time to make them personal and meaningful.

22. Plan the Wedding Timeline

  • Break the day into segments (e.g., getting ready, ceremony, reception).

1 Month Before: Almost There!

23. Final Dress Fitting

  • Ensure the dress fits perfectly.

24. Confirm RSVPs & Give Final Headcount

  • Notify caterer and venue.

25. Assign Responsibilities

  • Someone to handle last-minute problems (e.g., wedding planner, trusted friend).

  • Delegate setup and cleanup duties.

1 Week Before: The Final Stretch

26. Pack for the Honeymoon

  • Ensure all travel documents are in order.

27. Prepare Wedding Emergency Kit

  • Safety pins, tissues, sewing kit, extra makeup, etc.

28. Rehearse the Wedding

  • Hold a rehearsal with the wedding party and officiant.

Wedding Day: Enjoy the Moment!

29. Stay Calm & Have Fun

  • Eat breakfast, stay hydrated, and take deep breaths.

  • Remember, the most important thing is the marriage, not just the wedding day.

30. Thank Everyone

  • Express gratitude to family, guests, and vendors.

Final Tips to Alleviate Stress

✅ Use a Wedding Planner or Coordinator (even if just for the day of).
✅ Automate and Delegate – Let trusted people handle tasks.
✅ Stick to the Budget – Unexpected costs will come up, so have a buffer.
✅ Embrace Imperfections – Some things will not go as planned, and that’s okay.
✅ Focus on the Marriage – The wedding is one day, but your commitment lasts a lifetime.

Would you like me to refine any part of this guide or tailor it to your personal preferences?

Christophe Vancutsem