Planner
Planning your wedding day is a lot of work. We get it! Trying to keep track of all the details can feel like a job all on its own: That’s why we’ve put together the Black Hills Bride Planning Guide. Our tools will help you keep budgets on track, vendor timelines in order, and all the other details in line.
Getting Started
You've said yes and told everyone you're engaged—now what? Before you dive in and get overwhelmed, let us help you get organized! Start with the timeline checklist so you know where you're at, whether you have over a year to go or just a few months. Then we can talk about who is contributing financially and how to budget for various categories.
WEDDING TIMELINE CHECKLIST
Whether you have eight months or three months, the key to planning a wedding lies in the organization. Stay on schedule with these preparation checklists and don’t be afraid to ask for help! Your family, fiancé, and vendors are there for you through the entire process.
DISCUSS FINANCES CHECKLIST
Budgeting is nice, but where do you start? We've broken down a list of the traditional line items for both the bride and the groom, but they're just a suggestion. Sit down with everyone who is contributing and discuss what everyone is comfortable with. Remember that if someone is paying for a part of your wedding, they generally also get a say in the final decision whether that be menus, flowers, or the dress. To avoid conflict, it’s best to discuss financial obligations frankly and thoroughly from the beginning.
BUDGET WORKSHEETS
There are key players when planning a wedding that you know is going to show up on your bill. Sit down with your fiancé and talk numbers in advance for photos, cake, attire, and more. Arrangements will be a lot less stressful when you know how much you and your partner are willing to pay.
Now The Fun Begins
You've hashed out the timeline and your budget, now you can dive into all planning all the details. Want to remember all the pros and cons of venues you've seen? Need place to write down family traditions and ceremony details? There are so many things involved, it's enough to make your head spin. Don't worry, we've got your back! We have a checklist or a worksheet for all of the important parts of your day so everything is in one easy-to-find place.
RECEPTION VENUES
Have a hard time remembering the pros and cons of each venue you look at? Fill in the table! See the numbers and offerings side-by-side in one place to decide which venue will be best for your big day.
CEREMONY DETAILS
Your ceremony is the perfect place to add details that express who you and your fiancé are as a couple. Plan out the details and make sure the key pieces are in place before the big day.
RECEPTION DETAILS
As your first celebration as MR. and MRS., you’ll want this moment to be great. Plan the details ahead of time for a stress-free evening. From venue information to food and entertainment, these lists will be a great resource for you.
PAYMENT RECORDS
There are going to be a lot of calls to make while planning your wedding. Make sure you keep track of who has been paid and still has an outstanding balance. This payment record sheet will be a great reference as your planning progresses.
WEDDING PARTY & TIMELINE
You may have the contacts on your cell, but having them written down can assure for a safe list in case of an emergency. List your attendants and their information alongside the details for a smooth-running wedding day.
WEDDING DAY CHECKLIST
Not only is this list full of pieces not to forget on your wedding day, like the toasting glasses and attire, but also includes honeymoon information and updating your name. It’s going to be a whirlwind of a day, so make sure you have everything you’ll need.
PHOTO CHECKLIST
A picture is worth a thousand words, so make sure you have them all! Go over this list with your photographer and arrange the time, locations, and second shooters. Don’t look over the little things and check off all the pieces of your wedding day that shouldn’t be missed.
2024-25 Calendars
The Black Hills Bride Planning Guide
THE BLACK HILLS BRIDE PLANNING GUIDE
Our entire planning guide incorporates all of the guides listed above into one document. Print it out and keep it handy — or find a copy in the latest edition of Black Hills Bride!
