In my last post I mentioned you should create a preliminary wedding vendor list as part of your wedding checklist and timeline.

Once you have a preliminary vendor list, it’s time to narrow the field and short list those vendors or wedding suppliers you wish to retain.

Wedding Checklist Tip: Contact friends for recommendations and ask vendors for references to see which wedding vendors will be suitable for you.

When selecting wedding vendors check out references and ask other brides-to-be what experiences they’ve had.

You may be asking yourself, though, what questions do I ask each vendor to help ensure that I choose the one that is right for me?

This Master Wedding Planning Guide can be a life saver when it comes to asking questions to select wedding providers.

It covers KEY questions you MUST ask when you talk to potential photographers, videographers, floral arrangers, caterers, venue providers, bands, celebrant/minister/rabbi/pastor, and everyone else associated with the wedding…in easy-to-use checklists.

Asking the right questions will help you avoid unexpected costs, surprises, and disappointments and might even save you from losing your deposit.

And there’s nothing worse than worrying about where a vendor is on your wedding day – especially if it’s two hours before your wedding.

Once you have the information you need you’ll be able to short list your wedding vendors and make arrangments to hire them.

As you can see, your wedding to do list is keeping you on track and helping with your wedding planning so you can enjoy your dream wedding.

Your next item on your wedding checklist or wedding to do list as you work through your wedding timeline will be to create a wedding party list.

This will be your bridal party and will consist of those who are especially close to you.

You’ll have to decide whether you want friends, family, or both in the bridal party.

Choosing your MOH and bridesmaids will be an important task and may require tact since you don’t want to offend anyone – especially when you choose your MOH.

You’ll want people who will support you and be willing to help you throughout your wedding planning.

Your MOH, in particular, must be someone who is reliable and who you can count on every step of the way…up to and including your wedding day.

And you want people who will be available – especially when you need opinions, suggestions, and help with making arrangements for various parts of the wedding and the wedding reception.

People who live out of town or who have other obligations that would interfere with their duties won’t usually be the best choice.

Choose your bridal party wisely and once you’ve finished this task, check it off your wedding check list.

Wedding Checklist: 18 – 12 months before your Dream Wedding

Once you’ve selected your wedding date and noted it down on your wedding check list, it’s important that you start planning your wedding as soon as possible.

Refer to your printable wedding checklist and start selecting a wedding ceremony and wedding rehearsal venue as well as wedding service providers.

You might, for example, want to have a romantic beach wedding, in which case you will have to make travel and hotel arrangements after consulting with your travel agent.

It’s very important that you don’t delay choosing a location since many wedding venues and wedding service providers are often booked up many months – and even a year or more – in advance.

You don’t want to feel rushed and make unwise decisions and costly mistakes.

On the other hand, you don’t want to delay and risk being disappointed because the venue or service provider wasn’t available for the date you wanted.

As detailed as our checklist is, this Wedding Planning Guide is even MORE detailed.

Click on the following link for a Detailed Wedding Planning Guide and Checklist that includes a comprehensive Wedding Planning Timeline, budget checklists, photographer checklists, wedding etiquette, KEY questions to ask wedding vendors, wedding planning tables and charts, money saving tips, order of events, bridal party duties, and more.

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