This next item on your wedding checklist as you’re planning your wedding will be especially important – preparing your wedding guest list.

Your wedding guest list will also play a major role in your wedding budget – the more guests you invite, the more expensive your wedding will be.

Three things to consider in drawing up your wedding guest list are: (1) who is paying for the wedding  (2) your wedding budget and (3) the wedding venue.

Those who will be contributing to the cost of the wedding will have a say in how big the wedding guest list is and who should be invited.

The smaller your wedding budget, the fewer people you’ll be able to invite to the wedding.

Keep in mind, also, that you might invite some people to the wedding but not to the wedding reception.

The wedding venue will also determine the size of the wedding guest list.

If you’re having a romantic beach wedding in a tropical location the guest list may be smaller.

If your wedding is local then the size of the facilities will determine how many people you’ll be able to invite.

Ultimately, you’ll have to limit who you invite to your wedding so start with those you are the most important and closest to you.

Also keep in mind that some people you invite won’t be able to attend. In general, overestimate your guest list by roughly 10% to account for declines.

The easiest way to keep track of your guest list, responses, accompanying guests, and accommodation requirements is with wedding planning software that comes FREE with this wedding budget planning guide.

Once you’ve drawn up a preliminary wedding guest list, check it off your wedding check list.

You’ll be “firming up” your wedding guest list later as you continue through your wedding timeline.

Wedding Checklist: 18 – 12 months before your Dream Wedding

The next item on your wedding checklist after you have established a wedding budget and completed the previous items on your wedding to do list is to select your wedding theme and colors.

When deciding on a color, you might want to choose your favorite color first and see how that looks – keeping in mind that the color you choose will carry through to other areas of your wedding.

Or you might want to choose a combination that goes together such as yellow and cream or black and white or green and blue.

The colors you choose will also be carried through to your wedding invitations and wedding favors.

Your wedding theme ties in closely with the style of your wedding – whether it’s formal, semi-formal, or even casual and informal.

Formal can be “dressed to the nines” with tuxedos with long tails and top hats for the men and long dresses for the women.

Semi-formal can be suits for the men and evening dresses for the women.

And casual can be as laid back as you want – from no ties or suit jackets to sandals or flip flops for a beach wedding.

Your theme will take some thought when planning a wedding.

It might be a beach theme.

Or it might be an intimate setting in a private mansion similar to what this bride did when she planned her amazing budget wedding – and saved an estimated $10,000 without making major sacrifices.

Or it might be what you always dreamed of – a glamorous, fairy tale wedding with all the stops pulled out that will be talked about for weeks to come.

It’s really up to you…and whether or not you’re planning a budget wedding.

Once you’ve decided on your theme and colors, note them down on your wedding checklist and let your mother and the mother of the groom know.

Wedding Checklist: 18 – 12 months before your Dream Wedding

One of the most important things you want to do as you begin planning your dream wedding is to select a wedding date.

Be sure to select alternative dates, as well, since venues and wedding service providers may not be available on the day you originally choose.

Once you’ve selected a date – as well as alternative dates – write them down in your wedding checklist and wedding timeline.

Click on the following link to download your FREE Printable Wedding Planning Checklist

Once you’ve gotten over the excitement of announcing your engagement you’re probably wondering where you start with your wedding planning.

The best way to start your wedding planning is with a wedding checklist.

My FREE Wedding checklist has more than 115 items to keep you on schedule.

Plus, it comes with the Bride’s Emergency Kit checklist for your wedding day.

Take a moment and click on the following link to download my FREE Detailed Wedding Checklist right now.

You’re invited to visit here often for cheap wedding planning ideas, wedding favors, beautiful wedding accessories, gorgeous bridal accessories, and more…to make your dream wedding a perfect day.

Usually your wedding checklist will start anywhere from 12 to 18 months before your wedding day.

The first thing you should consider before you begin planning your wedding is announcing the engagement, having your engagement picture taken, and perhaps arranging an engagement dinner.

After the engagement announcements and festivities, it’s time to download your Wedding Checklist.

After all, there’s a lot involved in planning a wedding – especially when it’s your dream wedding.

Be sure to download our FREE Wedding Checklist with over 115 items to keep you on schedule as you create a wedding plan.