For some, planning the wedding is just as exciting as attending! The joy of checking things off the list can be thrilling, but if you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember to just tackle one thing at a time. You’ve got this! A little help along the way never hurt anyone though. This ultimate wedding planning checklist well help you get started on the right path, or make sure your to-do list covers it all. Checking off these big picture items will help you decide what budget you have left for the extras!
Wedding Planning Checklist
Budget
Deciding your overall budget, then breaking it down category by category will help you give you an estimate on what to plan. Keep in mind it can be hard to know how much food, decor, or even a videographer cost if you’ve never thrown a wedding, so be prepared to do some research to get estimate on your line items. The Knot provides a great resource to get you started with average costs for each vendor. The great news is, getting married in Missouri is a bit more budget-friendly in many categories than other states, and bundling services with a multi-service company like Complete Weddings + Events will save you even more! Here are a few item estimates based on St. Louis wedding of around 150-200 guests according to costofwedding.com.
- Venue & Catering: $14,862
- Photography & Videography: $2,568
- Entertainment:$1,080
- Attire & Accessories: $2655
Date and Venue
Your date might be dictated by the venue you’d like to have the wedding. If you’re doing a backyard wedding at a private home, you will have a lot more flexibility than an event venue that only has a few open dates left in the fall. Be sure to keep in mind holidays, your family and wedding parties lives, and or events around St. Louis before publicly announcing your date!
Guest List
Once you have your venue nailed down, you know the capacity of guests you can have at your event. Keep in mind, the amor you invite, the more it will costs for food, drinks, dessert, linen rentals, favors, invitations and so on. Once you have a guest list set, send your invitations 1 to 2 months ahead of time giving plenty of time for a chance to follow-up with those who forget to send the RSVP card back. It will happen!
Photographer & Videographer
Hiring a professional to capture your wedding is a must. No only will you end with a quality to media to review when it’s all said and done, but a professional will help the day run on schedule while always making you look your best and feel comfortable! Many of our couples regret not hiring a St. Louis videographer, so hiring a photography and videography combo is a great way to save some money and make sure you have a team that works together to capture your day.
Music
From the ceremony background music to the wedding party bustin’ moves on the dance floor that night, the music brings your day to life! Hiring a professional DJ that keeps the focus on you, along with your favorite music vibes, is essential to having a great time! Remember a great DJ doesn’t just push play. They are making announcements, releasing tables for dinner, conducting ice breakers, teaching dancers, and setting the energy for the evening, with not just music, but themselves!
Attire
Finding your ideal wedding outfit is a fantastic feeling, but you will probably say no to a few styles before you find the “one.” So make sure you start looking early. The same goes for your partner and the bridal party: fittings, alterations, and shipping or returns timing all need to come together, so make sure you know when things need to be done so everyone is ready on your wedding day!
Decor
Let your theme shine through your wedding decor! From centerpieces, floral arrangements, and table presentations, there are plenty of options to recruit some talented friends and families for ideas and creative DIYs! When it comes to bouquets, remember these make great displays at your reception on the sweetheart or head table as well!
Transportation
Limo, party bus, horse-drawn carriage… whatever you choose, you need to know how you will get places on your wedding day. No one wants to get left behind, so be sure that your bridal party has a plan, too!
Favors
Little tokens of your love and appreciation for your guests is a tradition that most couples like to continue. Many times favors have a personalized touch that requires some prep time, however. This is one item that can be done closer to the wedding date. It is also a great way to let other people join in on the wedding planning fun.
Complete Wedding + Events
If you’re looking to tie the knot or throw an epic event, you have come to the right place. Complete Weddings + Events St. Louis will help you find the right event or wedding photographer, videographer and DJ to throw an phenomenal party, plus we have fun photo booth and lighting rentals to elevate your event and give you the type of unforgettable experience you’re looking for. When you party with Complete Weddings + Events St. Louis, it’s completely about you! We hope this gets you jumpstarted on the big items on your wedding planning, and for everything else you have questions about, ask Complete Weddings + Events to get our expert help!