Hey there, lovebirds! Congratulations on taking the first step toward forever together. So, you’ve said ‘Yes’ to the most important question, and now it’s time to plan the most amazing day of your life in San Antonio, Texas. This guide will be your best friend as we break down the exciting adventure of turning your ‘Yes’ into ‘I Do.’
Getting Started: 12-18 Months Before
1. Celebrate and Share Your Joy
Woo-hoo! You’re engaged! That means you’re going to get married. Take some time to enjoy this special moment together before you start planning. Tell your family and friends, and make it super memorable.
2. Money Matters: Set a Budget
Okay, so weddings can be expensive. You need to figure out how much you can spend. Think about what you both can afford and don’t forget to talk to your families about helping out. Decide how you want to use your money for the wedding.
3. Who’s Coming to Your Wedding? Create Your Guest List
Make a list of all the people you want to invite to your big day. Start with a big list, and then narrow it down. You need to know how many guests you’ll have because it affects everything else!
4. To Get a Wedding Planner or Not?
Some couples like to have a wedding planner to help them with everything. It can make your life easier because they know all the tricks and tips. But if you want to plan it all yourself, that’s cool too.
The Planning Process: 10-12 Months Before
5. Pick a Date and a Place
This is a big deal. When and where do you want to have your wedding? Popular places book up quickly, so choose and book as early as you can. San Antonio has some great spots!
6. Choose the Dream Team: Key Vendors
Your wedding needs some special people to make it perfect. You need someone to make delicious food (caterer), take awesome pictures (photographer/videographer), make the place look pretty with flowers (florist), and keep the party going (entertainment like a DJ or a band). Talk to a few of them, check their work, and pick your favorites.
7. Plan Your Ceremony
Your wedding ceremony is super special. Talk to the person who’s going to marry you (officiant) about what you want. Make it personal and meaningful!
8. Look Stylish: Find Your Outfits
You need to look amazing on your wedding day. Start looking for your dress (if you’re the bride) or your suit or tuxedo (if you’re the groom). Think about what matches your wedding colors and theme.
Finalizing Details: 6-9 Months Before
9. Invitations: Time to Order
Your guests need to know when and where your wedding is happening. Design your invitations to match your wedding style. Don’t forget to order extra for keepsakes and last-minute guests.
10. Delectable Dishes and Cake
Food is a big deal at weddings. Taste different options and decide on a menu that you and your guests will love. Oh, and don’t forget about the wedding cake! Find a talented baker in San Antonio to make it exquisite.
11. Guests Need a Place to Stay
If you have out-of-town guests, they’ll need a place to sleep. Talk to some hotels in San Antonio to reserve rooms for them. You might even get a discount!
The Countdown Begins: 3-6 Months Before
12. Get Your Marriage License
You can’t get married without a marriage license. Visit the Bexar County Clerk’s Office together in San Antonio. Make sure you have all the right documents.
13. Plan Transportation
You and your guests need a way to get to your wedding. Think about renting cool transportation like limos, trolleys, or even a horse-drawn carriage for a magical touch.
14. Double-Check with Your Vendors
Call your vendors to confirm everything. Make sure they know what time to arrive and where to set up. You don’t want any surprises on your big day!
15. Where Will Everyone Sit? Create a Seating Plan
Decide where everyone will sit at the reception. Use a seating chart to make it easy. Think about who likes who and who should sit together comfortably.
The Home Stretch: 1-2 Months Before
16. Rehearsal Dinner
Before the wedding, have a rehearsal dinner. Invite your family and wedding party to relax and chat before the big day. Say thank you for being awesome!
17. Write Your Wedding Vows
Your vows are like promises you make to each other. Write them from the heart, and choose readings that mean a lot to both of you.
18. Get Your Rings
Your wedding bands are super important. Make sure they’re ready, and get them resized if needed. You can even put a secret message inside!
19. Pack for Your Honeymoon
Your honeymoon is the fun trip you take after the wedding. Pack your bags early so you don’t forget anything.
The Big Day: 1-2 Weeks Before
20. Triple-Check Everything
Make sure everything is good to go. Call your vendors and the wedding party to make sure everyone knows what they’re doing and when.
21. Ask for Help
You don’t have to do everything yourself on your wedding day. Ask friends or family to help if you need it. They can solve any last-minute problems.
Your Wedding Day: Enjoy Every Moment
22. Have Fun and Relax
Finally, it’s your wedding day! Let go of the planning stress and enjoy every moment. Your vendors and wedding party will take care of everything.
After the Wedding: 2-4 Weeks Later
23. Say Thank You
Send thank-you cards to all your guests. Thank them for coming and mention any special gifts they gave you.
24. Save Memories
Keep your wedding dress, bouquet, and other special things from your wedding safe. They’re precious memories.
25. Change Your Name (if needed)
If you’re changing your last name, make sure you update your driver’s license, passport, and bank accounts. It’s important!
Congrats on reaching this exciting stage of your wedding planning journey! Your adventure from ‘Yes’ to ‘I Do’ in San Antonio is well underway, and we hope this guide has been super helpful.
And remember, your love story is just beginning. Keep exploring valuable resources like San Antonio Wedding Planning: Where to Start and What to Expect to make sure your journey from ‘Yes’ to ‘I Do’ in San Antonio is as magical as it can be.
As you continue your wedding preparations, don’t forget to explore Texas Wedding Vendors. We’ve gathered a fantastic selection of trusted and amazing wedding vendors from all over Texas. Whether you’re looking for photographers, caterers, florists, or any other wedding service, we’ve got you covered.
So, keep the planning fun going and make your San Antonio wedding dreams come true. Here’s to a lifetime of love and happiness ahead!
