The First Three Months of Wedding Planning

If you are planning a wedding with about a year to go, the first three months are where I always tell couples to slow down and get intentional. This phase is not about doing everything, it is about setting things up properly so the rest of the journey feels calm, not chaotic.

Month 1 (12 Months Out)

In the first month, I always encourage couples to start with alignment. Have the budget conversation early, and be honest about what feels comfortable. Guest count and venue choice account for a large part of your budget, so clarity here makes all the difference. Once you have that, start viewing venues and shortlisting a few possible dates. Some flexibility on the date would also help you in securing a venue of your choice. At the same time, talk through your wedding vision at a high level. You do not need the details yet - just the overall feel you are going for: intimate or full-scale, formal or more relaxed, extravagant or laid-back?

Behind the scenes, I also recommend building a working guest list early on. This does not need to be final, but having a realistic estimate helps determine the right venue size and prevents you from committing to a space that does not quite fit your celebration.

Month 2 (11 Months Out)

In the second month, once availability lines up, it is time to lock in your wedding date and venue. These two decisions anchor everything else. This is also when I suggest booking your most time-sensitive vendors:

• Photographers

• Videographers

• Bridal hair and Makeup Artists

The above tend to book up quickly in Singapore, especially those experienced and well-sought-after ones!

You can also start browsing for wedding gowns and suits around this time, treating it as a discovery phase rather than rushing into a decision. Visit a few bridal boutiques, understand the price ranges, and narrow down what feels most like you.

Pro tip: Many bridal boutiques offer ‘decisive bride’ pricing, with incentives for immediate bookings – visit your favourite shop last so you can take advantage of it.

Month 3 (10 Months Out)

By the third month, planning starts to feel much more structured. A site revisit helps visualise the flow of the day, and your guest list can be refined further. I usually advise setting up clear communication channels (groupchats) with confirmed vendors at this stage - it keeps planning smooth and stress levels low.

With the essentials in place, you can then begin looking at entertainment, emcees, AV or DJ services, fringe activities, and logistics like hotel rooms or transport, while starting to think about your wedding programme at a high level.

The first three months are not about perfection; they are about doing the right things in the right order. Get the foundations right, and the rest of your wedding journey will feel far more enjoyable, intentional, and calm.

If you would like professional guidance with your wedding planning, or would value a second opinion on your plans, I would be happy to support you. Feel free to get in touch to explore how we can work together!