If you or a loved one recently got engaged, you’ll soon discover that there’s a lot of moving parts to planning a wedding. Although a successful wedding requires plenty of organization and at times can be overwhelming, there’s no need to stress when you’re well prepared for what’s to come.

The first step you can take to start your planning process on the right track is by putting together a budget and list with deadlines you can follow. If you don’t have a set date, build out your timeline with an approximate date, month or season. This will help you cross some things off your list before you finalize your date and book your venue.

Wedding Reception Checklist
To help put together a list, we thought we’d share this wedding reception checklist from Shutterfly that you can begin using 12 months before the wedding and leading up to the special day. This printable checklist for your wedding includes actionable items like creating a website, booking dance lessons, planning your seating chart, choosing reception music and even completing any DIY projects that you plan to use for your wedding.

Planning any personalized details well in advance will not only make your day very special, but it allows you to plan your wedding at your own pace and avoid worrying about last-minute items. Some of our personal favorites include DIY fan wedding programs, signature cocktail drinks and unique but practical party favors.

For those of you who don’t have an established date yet, below are some items you can start working on well in advance to save you plenty of time once it’s go time!
- Establish your budget
- Write your guest list
- Visit venues
- Try out caterers and wedding cakes
- Start building your website
- Start a Pinterest board
- Begin looking at wedding attire
- Roundup a few potential themes and color schemes
- Begin looking at flowers typically available within your wedding’s ideal season
While planning a wedding can take time, seeing the final result as you walk down the aisle is way worth the effort. Especially when you get to share and celebrate your union with your closest friends and family.

Other wedding and party planning posts:
- DIY Wedding Seating Chart
- Easy DIY Fan Wedding Programs
- Graduation Party Ideas Celebrating Your Graduate
- Decorating with Photos Party Decor
- How to Plan a 13th Birthday Party on a Budget
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