"Wedding Preparation Made Easy: A Comprehensive 6-Month Schedule Guide"
2016.09.03 published
I Got Proposed to by My Beloved ♡ What Should I Start with for Wedding Preparations?
Having decided to marry my beloved, it's exciting to start preparing for the dream wedding! However, many brides-to-be often find themselves saying, "I don't know where to start or when to prepare!"
For brides-to-be who are confused about wedding preparations, here is a wedding preparation schedule ♡
If you're uncertain about where to start preparing for your wedding, we’ve put together a clear wedding preparation schedule for you! Feel free to adjust it to fit your own style. ♩
\Wedding Preparation: Up to 6 Months Before/
The momentum you can build in planning your wedding within the six months after deciding on marriage can significantly influence your state of mind going into the wedding! Brides who have set their wedding date should start collecting wedding information early ◎
Tasks to Do Up to 6 Months Before ① Greetings and Meeting with Parents, Confirmation of Engagement
After your marriage is decided, the first step is to report to each other's parents. The typical order is to visit the bride's parents first to gain their approval, followed by a visit to the groom's parents! It's important that both of you greet them properly and build good relationships with each other's parents ◎
Also, check whether you're going to have an engagement ceremony or just a meeting. Recently, it's become more common to only have a meeting without an engagement ceremony, but this can vary significantly by region. Take into account both of your parents' opinions and discuss it together!
Tasks to Do Up to 6 Months Before ② Choosing a Wedding Venue
Simultaneously starting the venue search will help ensure that things go smoothly later! Create a rough list of guests you want to invite and participate in bridal fairs of the venues you are interested in ♡ It's crucial to have thorough discussions with your partner about budget, financial contributions, and dates!
\Wedding Preparation: 5 to 4 Months Before/
This is the period when you'll begin to understand the steps involved in wedding preparations and your enthusiasm for planning will rise ◎ Aim for early preparations and tackle each task specifically one-by-one ♩
Tasks to Do 5 to 4 Months Before ① Prepare for Engagement and Meeting
Let's prepare for the engagement and meeting! Decide on a location and date, making sure both sets of parents can keep the schedule clear. It's also a good time to inform relatives, colleagues, and friends ahead of time. Especially for those you are close to, like work supervisors or good friends, it's important to inform them early ♩
Tasks to Do 5 to 4 Months Before ② Finalize Wedding Venue
Choose the wedding venue! It’s advisable to finalize this by about five months before the wedding day; if you wait too long, it may be difficult to secure good dates at popular venues. Brides who have specific dates in mind often book more than a year in advance! Early preparation is crucial ♡ Also, start seriously compiling a list of invitees ◎
Tasks to Do 5 to 4 Months Before ③ Choosing Attire
Wedding dresses and tuxedos can take time to finalize! Be sure to start seriously looking for your attire during this period. Especially if you're ordering or purchasing a wedding dress, it can take three to six months from order to completion, so prepare with ample time in mind ♡ Many brides spend a lot of time selecting attire, so getting this done early can make the subsequent wedding preparations much easier.*
Tasks to Do 5 to 4 Months Before ④ Choosing Rings
Selecting engagement rings and wedding bands can bring peace of mind ♩ Particularly if you plan to have an engagement ceremony, you may need an engagement ring, so brides who didn't receive one during the proposal should pick it out together! Rings typically take one to two months to be made, so planning backwards from when you need them is essential ◎
Tasks to Do 5 to 4 Months Before ⑤ Planning Honeymoon
If you're going on a honeymoon, you should consider making reservations at this time! As it's a once-in-a-lifetime trip, you'll want to be thoughtful in choosing a travel company ♡ If you need to take time off work, make sure to get approval from your supervisor in advance ◎
\Wedding Preparation: 3 Months Before/
The three months before the wedding is a time for meetings with parents or announcing the news to others, requiring you to reach out to many people. While it can be busy with emails and calls, be sure to handle each interaction thoughtfully and carefully.*
Tasks to Do 3 Months Before ① Engagement and Meeting
Many people complete the engagement and meeting three months before the wedding. You might feel nervous on the day, but be sure to keep smiling and make it enjoyable! It’s also a great opportunity for families to discuss the wedding together ♩
Tasks to Do 3 Months Before ② Announcements to Workplace and Friends
Formally announce your wedding to your workplace and your friends. It's a good idea to verbally extend invitations to those you want to invite to the wedding in advance ◎ For those whose addresses you don’t know, it’s wise to ask for their addresses beforehand and confirm their full names for your records as well! Decide on the design of the invitations now too! ♩
Tasks to Do 3 Months Before ③ Creating Video Content
If you plan to use video, it’s good to start preparing by now, as this can take time. If you're creating the video yourself, aim to have it completed ideally three weeks in advance to avoid unexpected problems. Prepare gradually by working backwards from that goal!
Tasks to Do 3 Months Before ④ DIY Items
If you plan to DIY items for the wedding, now is the time to get started! It can be very disappointing to find you run out of time to prepare, so making your items early is key ◎
Tasks to Do 3 Months Before ⑤ Preparing for the After-Party
It’s also a good time to make preparations for the after-party! Decide if you’ll ask friends to help as organizers or hire a service. If you choose friends, you should let them know now and start selecting a venue ♩ Don’t forget to compile an invitation list for the after-party too! ♡
\Wedding Preparation: 2 Months Before/
With announcements made and preparations in full swing, two months before the wedding can feel rushed. You may find yourself frustrated with preparations, facing budget mismatches or disagreements with your partner. Yet, keep dreaming about your beautiful wedding and remain positive as you prepare ♡
Tasks to Do 2 Months Before ① Sending Invitations
The invitation send-out is usually scheduled for two to three months before the wedding. The deadline for receiving RSVP cards is generally one month to three weeks before the wedding day. It's exciting to check the mailbox daily! ♡ Be sure to double-check addresses and names to avoid any oversights!
Tasks to Do 2 Months Before ② Arranging Transportation and Accommodation
Once you have confirmed attendance, check if you need to arrange transportation for guests or accommodations! If your venue permits it, let's confirm with the venue and guests to hold a few rooms for the night. ♩
Tasks to Do 2 Months Before ③ Finalizing the Program
Let’s finalize the wedding program ♡ Decide on the performances and activities, and reach out to those you want to ask for help with entertainment in advance ♡ Crafting an enjoyable wedding for your guests is key! ♩
Tasks to Do 2 Months Before ④ Finalizing Items
Determine the details concerning the MC, flowers, photos, videos, music, favors, the wedding cake, commemorative gifts, and small gifts for guests! This is the busiest time right before the wedding, so ensure to discuss and cooperate with your partner during this period ◎
\Wedding Preparation: 1 Month Before/
The final preparations are upon you! Double-check to see if there’s anything left to do, and cherish each day leading up to the wedding ♡ While preparing for the big day can be hectic, don’t forget to cherish the time with your family that’s left.
Tasks to Do 1 Month Before ① Creating Seating Charts and Place Cards
Create seating charts and place cards based on the responses received from invitations. If there are guests who haven’t replied past the deadline, kindly follow up with them!
Tasks to Do 1 Month Before ② Hair and Makeup Rehearsal
Also hold a rehearsal for hair and makeup ♩ Although some brides skip this, it’s recommended to have one to avoid regrets on your wedding day. *
Tasks to Do 1 Month Before ③ Finalizing Unresolved Details
Make decisions on any unresolved details, such as the wedding performance and music. Check that you haven’t forgotten to prepare items you plan to use too ◎
Tasks to Do 1 Month Before ④ Final Check with After-Party Organizer
Meeting with the after-party organizer is essential! Revise how much responsibility they’ll take on, and if there are any prizes needed, prepare them!
\Wedding Preparation: Just Before the Wedding/
The days leading up to the wedding can vary greatly; some brides may be finishing up preparations for small items while others might prefer a more relaxed approach. Find the style that suits you! ◎
Tasks to Do Just Before the Wedding ① Confirm the Day’s Schedule
As the wedding day approaches, confirm the schedule for the day! Not only for yourselves, but also for the timing of your parents' and relatives’ arrivals. ◎
Tasks to Do Just Before the Wedding ② Preparing the Bride’s Letter and Groom's Speech
Don't forget to prepare the bride’s letter and groom's speech! While writing the bride’s letter, tears may flow, so be cautious not to leave this until the day before, as you may end up with swollen eyes. It’s best to finish writing it by at least two days before!
Tasks to Do Just Before the Wedding ③ Preparing Gratuity and Travel Expenses
Also don't forget to prepare gratuities and travel expenses! Make sure everyone knows who is responsible for handing these out and double-check to avoid any oversights!
Tasks to Do Just Before the Wedding ④ Bringing Items into the Venue
Remember to bring any items you’ve prepared into the venue! Be sure to check that you haven’t forgotten any items, like bridal undergarments, shoes, or socks for the groom, among others. Also, check what to bring on the day itself! ♡
Tasks to Do Just Before the Wedding ⑤ Bride’s Beauty Preparation
Ensure to check nail art, eyelash extensions, and shaving to look beautiful on your special day! Preparing ahead will help avoid a rushed feeling, allowing you to approach your wedding day with a relaxed mindset ♡
\Wedding Preparation: Wedding Day/
On your wedding day, you may feel anxious about whether your guests are enjoying themselves or whether things are going improperly, but try to forget about those worries and enjoy your wedding to the fullest! Savor the wonderful day filled with all your loved ones' blessings ♡
\Wedding Preparation: Right After the Wedding/
Many brides feel liberated from the busy days once the wedding is over! It’s the start of a happy life living together with your beloved ♡ But remember, there are still things you must not forget to do!
Tasks to Do Right After the Wedding ① Thanking Helpers and Guests
After the wedding, don’t forget to thank the guests and the staff who assisted you on your special day. Be sure to send thank-you gifts to anyone who sent telegrams or gifts!
Tasks to Do Right After the Wedding ② Submitting the Marriage Certificate
If you haven’t submitted your marriage certificate yet, it's time to do so! This will officially make you a married couple, marking a new start in your life together ♡
Let’s Prepare Thoroughly for a Wonderful Wedding ♡
It can be overwhelming figuring out where to start for your first wedding. Many brides share that feeling of uncertainty, but by confirming steps and preparing well, you are sure to have a beautiful wedding! ◎
Tasks to Do Right After the Wedding ③ Sending Wedding Announcement Postcards
After the wedding, send announcement postcards to people who attended the wedding, those who couldn’t make it, anyone who sent you gifts, and distant relatives or supervisors who weren’t invited to the wedding. *
➡ You can create wedding announcement postcards with an app!