Budget
How to Set a Wedding Budget (Step by Step)
Agree on a total, add a contingency, then split by priority
3 min readRead
Guide26 in-depth guides
Wedding planning guides
Most tasks need a few lines. These guides cover the decisions that shape the rest of your plan, in the order you’ll meet them.
By The ReadyToWeddy Team · Updated
Getting Started
Guest List
How to Make a Wedding Guest List (3-Tier Method)
Must invite, would like, if space allows — adjust later
2 min readRead
Vendors
Do You Need a Wedding Planner? How to Decide
Full service, partial or day-of, based on time and budget
4 min readRead
12+ Months Before
Venue & Date
How to Book a Wedding Venue: Checklist & Questions
Compare quotes and read the contract before you sign
3 min readRead
Photography & Video
How to Choose and Book a Wedding Photographer
Compare full galleries, coverage hours and delivery times
2 min readRead
Food & Drink
How to Choose a Wedding Caterer: Questions & Checklist
Compare full quotes with staff, equipment and service fees
4 min readRead
Music & Entertainment
How to Book a Wedding DJ or Band
Check venue noise and power rules, then compare set times
2 min readRead
Wedding Party
How to Choose Your Wedding Party (and What They Do)
Ask each person personally and be clear on time and costs
4 min readRead
9–12 Months Before
Wedding Website
What to Put on Your Wedding Website (Checklist)
Date, location, travel and hotels before save-the-dates go
3 min readRead
Registry
How to Set Up a Wedding Registry: Gifts & Funds
Items, experiences or funds that actually suit you
4 min readRead
Attire
When to Buy Your Wedding Dress or Suit: Timeline & Tips
Made-to-order pieces take months, plus time for alterations
4 min readRead
6–9 Months Before
Invitations & Stationery
When to Send Save-the-Dates (and What to Include)
Names, date, location and website — earlier for destinations
2 min readRead
Honeymoon
Honeymoon Planning Checklist: Timeline & Packing
Book flights and stays, and check entry requirements
4 min readRead
3–6 Months Before
Rings
When to Buy Wedding Rings (and What to Check)
Leave time for sizing, engraving and insurance
3 min readRead
Photo Sharing
How to Collect Wedding Photos From Guests
One simple method, like a shared album or QR upload
4 min readRead
Ceremony
How to Write Wedding Vows: A Simple Guide
Check what your officiant allows, then draft and revise
3 min readRead
Reception
Wedding Speech Order: Who Speaks, When & for How Long
Give each speaker a slot, an order and a few-minute limit
4 min readRead
Backup Plans
Wedding Rain Plan: How to Prepare for Bad Weather
Covered backup, tent or heating costs and guest comfort
4 min readRead
1–3 Months Before
Invitations & Stationery
When to Send Wedding Invitations: Timeline & Checklist
Set an RSVP deadline about 3–4 weeks before the day
4 min readRead
Seating
How to Make a Wedding Seating Plan
Group guests thoughtfully around access needs and family
3 min readRead
Legal & Documents
When to Apply for a Marriage License
Check the window, any waiting period and the expiry date
3 min readRead
Timeline & Logistics
How to Create a Wedding Day Timeline (With Example)
Build around fixed moments, then add buffer time
3 min readRead
1 Month Before
Timeline & Logistics
Who Does What at a Wedding: Day-Of Responsibilities
One named person each for rings, gifts, vendors and cleanup
4 min readRead
Wedding Week
Backup Plans
Wedding Day Emergency Kit Checklist
Sewing kit, stain remover, bandages, chargers and snacks
3 min readRead
First Month After
Post-Wedding Wrap-Up
How to Write Wedding Thank-You Notes (With Examples)
Name each gift or kindness and add a personal line
3 min readRead
Legal & Documents
Changing Your Name After Marriage: A General Checklist
Start with core ID once you have the marriage certificate
4 min readRead