
HOW TO PLAN
A WEDDING?
The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Planning:
A Journey with
Wonderful Weddings
Planning your wedding is a magical process – it’s where dreams come true. It can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, it can be a journey filled with joy, love and the little moments that make it all worthwhile. This guide isn’t just a list – it’s a conversation with you, where we’ll dive into each step together and celebrate each step of the way.

12-18 MONTHS BEFORE:
Your Dreams Take Shape
This is where the adventure begins. This is where the big decisions are made and you set the framework for your day. It may feel like a big mouthful, but don't worry – you have plenty of time to enjoy the process.
1. Set the Date
A sunny summer day, an autumn day filled with golden leaves or perhaps a cozy winter day with candlelight? The choice of date sets the framework for everything else.
• Start by thinking about the mood you want. Are you looking for the sun to shine, or do you want an atmospheric day with snowflakes and hot cocoa?
• Check the calendar: Are there any holidays or vacations that might make it easier or harder for guests to attend? Are there any big festivals that weekend?
• Talk to your loved ones – the people you can't do without on the day. Are there any dates that don't suit them? Maybe they've planned and booked a holiday right there.
Once the date is chosen, you can finally start saying: “We’re getting married!”
If you have a specific venue in mind, it might be worth not committing to a specific date until you hear about their available dates.
2. Budgeting: How Much Do You Want to Invest in Love?
Wedding budgets aren't just about numbers – they're about priorities. What matters most to you? Is it a lavish celebration with all your friends and family, or an intimate ceremony with a focus on the details? Few people can plan without financial constraints. So be realistic and include a buffer.
• Sit down with a cup of coffee (or champagne!) and have an honest conversation about your finances. Will you pay for it yourself, or will you get help from family? But for God's sake, don't borrow money for your wedding. So, wait another year and save more.
• Make an overall budget plan: What will you spend on location, food, clothes, photographer and decorations? Also remember to set aside a buffer for unforeseen expenses – there is always something you hadn't thought of.
• Remember that a wedding is not about how much you spend, but about the memories you create.
3. Choose Your Dream Location
The location is more than just a place – it's where your dreams come true. It's where the memories of your wedding are created.
• Think about what you want: Should it be a classic manor house, a romantic barn, a beach with the waves as a backdrop, or something completely different?
• When you visit the locations, try to imagine the day: Can you hear the laughter during dinner, see the dance floor filled with happy guests and feel the atmosphere?
• Ask questions: Is there enough space? What is included in the price? Can you bring your own suppliers, or do you have to use theirs?
The right place will feel like “yours” right away – trust your gut feeling.
4. Make the Guest List
This point can be difficult because it requires decisions about who will share the day with you. But remember that the most important thing is to be surrounded by love and good people. Also think: "would I be invited to their wedding?" if you have any doubts.
• Start with a rough list, where you write down everyone you can think of – family, friends, colleagues and acquaintances. And yes, it will quickly become very long and will need to be sorted later. This is completely normal.
• Consider the dynamics: Who will bring positive energy? Who can help create a great atmosphere? Is there anyone you feel obligated to, but don't want to, go with?
• Adjust the list according to your thoughts, budget and location. Remember, it's perfectly okay to have a smaller guest list if it feels right for you. It's your day!
5. Theme and Style:
Create Your Magical Frames
A theme is a great way to make your day personal and unique. It reflects your personalities and sets the tone for everything from the invitations to the flowers.
• Dream big: What makes you happy? Is it a romantic garden party, a classic black and white theme, or something more creative like a vintage-inspired day?
• Choose a color palette that suits your theme and let it guide your choice of clothing, decorations and flowers.
• Remember that the theme doesn't have to be perfect – the most important thing is that it feels like you.

BONUS TIP #1
Make a “Don’t Do” List:
Create Calm and Focus
We talk a lot about what you should do, but what about all the things you shouldn't worry about?
• Make time for each other and avoid talking about the wedding all the time – it can quickly become overwhelming.
• Don't compare yours to other weddings. Your day is unique and should reflect you as a couple.
• Drop perfectionism – it's the imperfect moments that often become the best memories.

9-12 Months Before:
Your Vision Becomes Reality
Now things are starting to take shape. It's an exciting time when you take the first concrete steps towards your dream day.
1. Book VENDORS
• Photographer/Videographer: Your wedding day only lasts one day (sometimes two... or three), but the memories last forever. Find a photographer who understands your style and desires. View their portfolios and read reviews.
• Catering: Food is an important part of the party. Try sample menus and choose something that will suit your guests – perhaps an elegant three-course dinner or a casual buffet.
• Music: Should it be a live band, a DJ, or maybe both? Music sets the mood, so choose something that suits you and your vision. Talk to professionals.
• Flower arrangement: Establish your vision for bouquets, centerpieces and decorations. Remember to think about seasonal flowers to keep your budget down.
2. Clothing choice
Finding the perfect wedding dress or the right suit is an experience in itself.
• For the bride: Try different silhouettes and styles to find what suits you best. The most important thing is that you feel beautiful and comfortable.
• For the groom: Consider whether you want a classic suit, tuxedo, or something more modern. Remember to think about accessories like a tie, cufflinks, and shoes.
• Also remember the clothes for the bridesmaids and groomsmen – their outfits should match the theme, but still suit their personalities. And no, that doesn't mean you have to buy their clothes too. But just be able to guide them in what they would like to wear. If that's important to you, of course.
3. Invitations and Save-the-Date
The invitations are the first glimpse your guests get of the wedding, so make them personal and unique.
• Choose a design that fits your theme and feels like you. Should it be elegant with gold print or casual and rustic? Digital or print?
• Of course, remember to include all the important details: time, location, dress code, and a response deadline. Also consider including a link to a wedding website if you choose to have one.
Remember that not everything needs to be on your save-the-date card. Many details can come with the invitations later.
BONUS TIP #2
Consider a “First Look” Photoshoot:
Create An Intimate Moment
A “first look” moment is a more modern tradition that is about creating a special moment where you see each other for the first time without any pressure from the outside world. This is something you can discuss with your photographer, as they will likely be the only person present besides you.
• Benefits of a “first look”: You get a moment alone where you can share your feelings and really feel the meaning of the day. For many, it is incredibly moving and intimate. It can also help to calm nerves before the ceremony.
• Imagine the photographer is standing ready and one of you is waiting anxiously. The other comes up from behind, taps him/her on the shoulder, and the person turns around – the moment is magical. It's real, it's you, and it's captured on camera.
• Practical advantage: After a “first look”, you can choose to take your portrait photos before the ceremony, which frees up more time to be with your guests later in the day.
BUT, with that said, the classic solution of seeing each other at the ceremony first also works really well, and in Denmark, that's how it goes for most couples.


6-9 Months Before:
Your Dreams Become More Concrete
Now the little details start to take shape and the planning gets really exciting. This is where you can add your personal touch and start visualizing the day in detail.
1. Catering and Tasting
Food is an important part of your wedding – it's where guests gather and enjoy the moment together.
• Book a tasting with your chosen caterer. Taste several dishes and choose something that suits both your taste and your guests' preferences.
• Think about the serving method: Should it be a classic three-course menu, a buffet, family-style serving or perhaps something unconventional like food trucks?
• Consider allergies and diets: Make sure all guests can find something they can eat. A vegetarian menu or allergy-friendly dishes show consideration.
2. The wedding cake
The cake is a delicious reception snack or a sweet end to dinner and a perfect opportunity to add personality to the party.
• Meet your pastry chef and taste different combinations of bases and fillings. Do you prefer classic vanilla, chocolate or maybe something fresh like lemon and berries?
• Discuss the design: Should the cake be minimalist and elegant, lavish with floral decorations, or something fun that reflects your sense of humor?
• Also remember the serving method: Should the cake be ceremonially cut in front of the guests, or served as small individual pieces?
3. TRANSPORTATION
Transportation is not just practical – it can also be part of the atmosphere.
• Consider how you will arrive at the festivities: Should it be a classic vintage car, a limousine or perhaps a romantic horse-drawn carriage?
• If the ceremony and party are at different locations, you can arrange transportation for the guests, such as shuttle buses or carpooling.
• Think about the end of the evening: How will you drive away together as newlyweds? A decorated car with cans and a “Just Married” sign, or will we be out in a party bus with all the guests to the hotel where everyone will stay the night?
4. Schedule for the Day
A good schedule is the key to a stress-free day.
• Start with the big elements: Hair and makeup, ceremony, reception, dinner and party. Then fill in the smaller details, such as time for photos, small breaks and transportation.
• Consider a time buffer: Things often take longer than you think, so plan small breaks to avoid stress.
• Share the plan with the toastmaster and vendors so everyone knows what needs to happen when.

READ ABOUT THE PERFECT
SCHEDULE HERE

BONUS TIP #3
Personal Vows: Speak From the Heart
If the ceremony allows, personalized vows can add an extra emotional dimension to the day. It's your chance to say exactly how you feel and what your partner means to you.
• How do you get started? Start by thinking about why you love each other. What makes your partner special? What are you looking forward to in your marriage?
• Make it personal: Share little, funny stories from your time together, and include things that only the two of you understand. This makes the vows intimate and authentic.
• Bring humor: Little laughs in the middle of an emotional ceremony make the moment lighter and even more memorable.
• Practice: Although it should feel spontaneous, it's a good idea to read your vows out loud a few times beforehand. This will help calm your nerves and ensure you can deliver them with confidence.

3-6 Months Before:
The Fine Details
This is where the small but important details start to fall into place. This is when you can add your personality to the day.
1. SEATING
plan
The table plan is more than just seating – it's about creating a good atmosphere.
• Start with your own seating: Will you sit with the guests, or have a “head table”?
• Think about the dynamics among the guests. Who knows each other? Who would enjoy meeting new people?
• Consider a children's table if you are inviting children. Provide them with activities such as coloring books or small gifts to keep them entertained during dinner.
2. Decorations and Details
The decorations are what create the magic in the room.
• Consider how your color palette and theme can be integrated into the table setting. Will there be flowers, fairy lights, candles, or perhaps personal touches like photos of you on the tables?
• Create menus and place cards that match the invitations. Small details like a thank you note on the table can make a big difference.
• Remember that decorations don't have to be expensive. Creative DIY solutions or recycled materials can add a personal and unique feel.
3. Music and Entertainment
The music sets the mood and keeps the party going.
• Make a list of songs that mean something to you. Do you have a special song for the first dance?
• Consider whether you want extra entertainment, such as a photo booth, a caricature artist or even a magician for the children.
• Ask guests in advance if they have song requests that can be included in the DJ's or band's repertoire.

BONUS TIP #4
PLAN THE “Post-WEDDING”-BLUES:
CELEBRATE THE LOVE JUST A LITTLE BIT LONGER
The wedding doesn’t end when the guests head home – in fact, it’s only then that you can truly start to enjoy the peace and each other’s company.
• Brunch the next day: Invite close friends and family to a relaxed brunch. It’s a wonderful way to reflect on the day and enjoy a bit more time with those you care about.
• Open wedding gifts together (since you didn’t waste precious time with your partner opening gifts on the big day): Take the time to open the gifts and read the cards. It’s a touching way to end the wedding weekend and feel all the love your guests have given you.
• A little “mini-moon”: If you’re not going on your honeymoon right away, plan a short getaway, like a weekend in a cozy town or a romantic spa retreat. It gives you time to relax and process all the emotions of the big day.

1 Month Before:
Finishing Touches
Now it's time to gather all the final details and make sure everything is in place.
1. Confirm VENDORS
• Call or write to all suppliers to double-check agreements, schedules and delivery details. It gives you peace of mind knowing that everything is in place.
• Coordinate with the toastmaster and other key people so they know the plan and can help keep things on track.
2. Pack an Emergency Kit
An emergency kit is essential on the day. Pack the following:
• Makeup for touch-ups.
• Safety pins and a small sewing box for clothing emergencies.
• Band-aids, headache pills and deodorant.
• Snacks and water to keep your energy up.
3. Take a Break
Most importantly: Set aside time to enjoy each other. Take a day off from planning and do something that makes you happy.
Maybe a relaxing spa day, a cozy dinner or just a long walk where you can talk about everything you're looking forward to.