Congratulations – you’re engaged! Indeed, the excitement of embarking on a new life journey is beyond measure. While you’re all engaged, you begin wondering what your wedding will look like. You may tick in and refuse to do many things each day; know that it doesn’t have to happen that way. 

For your Tampa Bay wedding to be successful, it is wise to plan it thoroughly, which may be challenging. To ease things, work together. Discussing things with your partner can be your best bet. Write down all the essentials you both want on your big day, such as your favorite color palettes, floral arrangements, etc.

Are you still confused about your forward steps? Well, worry not because to make things easier for you, here we will discuss the ultimate planning checklist you need a year or a half a year before your big day. Let’s get going with discovering what these are:

Six To Twelve Months Before

Here is the checklist for six to twelve months before your big day.

1. Decide Your Budget

The plan starts with identifying your budget. How much and where you need to spend are the questions that need your attention during this time. Use this time to add or remove the items for your checklist.

Thereby, break down the things you want to spend on. Select the essential items and decide on a figure for your big day.

2. Create A Guest List

Here comes the most confusing part of planning your special day – deciding who should be invited and who shouldn’t is another challenging task. While you wish everyone close to you to be a part of your big day, it is worthwhile being selective. And due to the tight budget or the venue capacity, it’s not possible to invite everyone to be a part of your special day. 

To streamline the guest listing process, segment the guest lists like close relatives, friends, office colleagues, and neighbors. This will give you an approximate number of total guests to be invited to your D-Day.

Also, you can divide the guest list as per their locations to make the invite sending task easier.

3. Select The Venue

So, once you have successfully created a guest list, it’s time to book a venue. Since having an extravagant event has become a new trend, you may face some difficulties booking the venue. For example, if you select the venue for a Barn marriage a month before, the chances are less for you to find a perfect place. 

Therefore, choosing and booking one of the best Tampa bay wedding venues in advance can be your wise move. Initiate your search for your dream venue at least 10 to 11 months before the big day.

4. Choose Your Outfit

Your outfit is the most important for planning your big day. After all, you’ll be the center of attraction, and everybody’s going to notice you. Thereby, start brainstorming for your outfit right from the moment you’re engaged. 

If you are out of ideas of what to wear on your D-Day, research the latest outfit trends on websites and Pinterest. Now that you’re aware of what you’re looking for, hunt for the boutiques in the Tampa Bay area to get the style or designer you’re looking for. 

Three To Five Months Before

Now, you are three to five months away from your D-Day. This checklist will come in handy.

5. Check The Latest Invitation Card Trends

Be it your outfit, invitation cards, or photography – there’s an ever-changing trend when it comes to weddings.

When choosing invitation cards, the overall layout, and colors matter. However, it’s up to you – either keep it simple, or you can get it designed in a way that reflects your event theme.

6. Hire Photographer And Videographer

Now here comes the most important thing for your special day – booking a photographer and videographer.

Today, candid photography has become the new trend, but still, most people prefer the traditional style of capturing memories. Whether you want theme photography or the traditional one, booking your photographer in advance can be your best bet.

7. Get Your Makeup Artist Onboard

This is the best time to book your pre-bridal or groom package at the salon and a makeup artist for your big day.

Since brides have their outfits decided, they usually start looking for a makeup artist 3-5 months from the D-day. Thus, when you’re preparing for your D-Day, make sure never to give a makeup artist a miss. Instead, search for professionals online and get quotes as soon as possible. Also, don’t forget to read their reviews online. You don’t want your special day to turn into a mess, after all. 

Two Months Before

Since only two months are left for your big day, the below checklist can be quite helpful.

1. Shop For Jewelry

Buying jewelry requires a lot of time and patience. And this is the best time to buy jewelry! Buying your bridal jewelry may not be the first thing on your to-do list, but it shouldn’t be the last one either.

With that in mind, here are some of the handy tips to guide you on how to shop for jewelry:

• Know what is trending
• Buy jewelry from trusted jewelers
• Get it customized as per your needs
• It should match your face shape and skin tone

Bridal jewelry is about more than just adding the right finishing touches to your celebration outfits. It marks the different stages of your courtship as a bride-to-be as well.

2. Shop For Your Outfit

This is the perfect time to get your favorite outfit off your checklist. Here are some of the things to consider while shopping for your outfit:

• Decide your budget
• Choose styles that flatter your body type
• Keep the event theme in mind
• Choose the suitable dress fabric

Head out for your D-Day outfit shopping stores in Tampa Bay before it gets out of stock.

3. Book Your Honeymoon

Just two months to go for your big day, it is the best time to book your flights for your favorite destination.

While dividing can work for planning, it’s not always the best approach when it comes to planning your honeymoon. If one person handles all of the planning, you might end up with a trip that’s more tailored to their needs.

Unless your spouse-to-be is uncommonly perceptive about your travel wishes, honeymoon planning should be a joint effort.

You will tick off a major hassle from your checklist by planning your honeymoon well in advance. 

4. Send Out the Invitations

This is the perfect time to send invites to your friends and family. Check the invite, get the respective names printed, and send it per the guest lists.

One Month Before

When only one month is left for the big day, you need to take care of these aspects mentioned below.

1. Schedule Your Pre-Wedding Shoot

As only a month is left for your big day, it’s high time to break the internet with your pre-wedding pictures and remind your friends and relatives to save the date.

2. Follow Up With The Vendors

This is an ideal time to connect with everyone involved in your D-Day, such as the photographer, venue managers, makeup artists, etc.

Wrapping Up

Planning a perfect wedding is exciting and stressful- both at the same time. However, with apt preparation well ahead of time and following the checklist mentioned above, you’re sure to attain a sigh of relief. Also, you’ll be able to enjoy blissful moments while you take your vows in Tampa Bay with the love of your life.