When planning your wedding, it’s important to be clear on what your vision is. Take some time to brainstorm with your significant other so that you’re on the same page from the start.

Selecting a wedding date will give you a deadline for booking venues and vendors as well as help with budgeting. Keep in mind that weekends during peak wedding season fill up fast.

1. Set Your Goals

Before you begin shopping for dresses, tuxes, and even your wedding venue, set some goals. This will ensure that you and your partner are on the same page as to what aspects of your wedding are most important to you.

For example, do you want to spend quality one-on-one time with your guests or do you envision a grand celebration for everyone you know? Your answers will help determine your guest list.

Next, set a budget and break that down into sections. This will allow you to determine where you’d like to splurge and where you’d prefer to save.

2. Find a Venue

You’ll want to find a venue that matches your wedding style and suits the number of guests you’re inviting. Searching early allows you to explore your options and avoid rushing into a decision.

Also, if you plan on having an outdoor ceremony and/or reception, ask your venue about wet weather options and backup plans. And if you’re not hiring a planner, make sure your contract lists all payments, fees and deposits that you’ll be responsible for. This helps minimize unexpected costs.

3. Start Shopping for Attire

Five to six months prior – This is when most brides start shopping for attire. It’s also a good time to register for gifts that can be delivered after the wedding, such as toasters and flatware sets, or honeymoon funds.

Set your budget before heading to the bridal boutique, and be honest with yourself about what you can afford to spend. You don’t want to fall in love with a dress and find out it’s way over your price range.

4. Create Your Guest List

Creating your wedding guest list is one of the most important things you can do, as it determines everything from meal counts to venue capacity. Start by separating your list into categories (A and B).

A-list guests are those who you can’t imagine not having at your wedding. This includes immediate family members and close friends.

B-list guests are those who you would love to have there, but it wouldn’t devastate you if they declined at the last minute.

5. Send Save-the-Dates

During the wedding planning process, it’s important to stay organized. This helps ensure that you and your partner are on the same page when it comes to completing tasks.

Save-the-dates serve as a reminder to guests of your wedding date, location, and give them the opportunity to block off their calendars. It’s also an opportunity to clarify logistical details such as whether or not children are invited, if plus 1s are welcome and more.

Don’t include RSVP information or the gift registry on the save-the-date cards, as these should be included with the formal invitations.

6. Create a Wedding Day Schedule

Creating a wedding day schedule is an important part of the planning process. It can help ensure everything goes according to plan, and makes it easier to spot potential timing mishaps and correct them.

Make sure your schedule includes a cushion of time for things like eating breakfast and signing your marriage license. It’s also a good idea to include travel times from the ceremony location to the reception venue.

Create a wedding day schedule and share it with your vendors, maid of honor, and other key people. It will help them know when they should arrive and be ready to shoot.

7. Communicate with Vendors

Your wedding vendors are the key to ensuring your day runs smoothly, so it’s important that they understand what you want. During your vendor meetings, bring photos or inspiration boards to help communicate your vision.

During these meetings, be sure to ask about any timelines or due dates. Many in-demand pros book up to a year out, so you’ll need to get their schedules on the calendar quickly.

Also be sure to thank your wedding party and anyone else who has helped you along the way! Gifts are always a good idea.

8. Plan Your Honeymoon

When planning your wedding, it is important to keep in mind your honeymoon too. While many couples choose to go right after their wedding, you can also book your trip for a few weeks or even months afterwards.

This way, you can take advantage of lower costs for travel. Start watching flights well in advance and use tools like Hopper to help you shave off some of the cost of your once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

While this guide explores 25 essential tasks you must complete, every wedding is unique. Make sure to customize it to fit your needs!