Envision your wedding. Begin by envisioning what your perfect wedding looks like. Think about the theme, color scheme, location (indoors or outdoors), and overall ambiance. Set a budget. Determine your wedding budget to guide all your decisions. Account for venue costs, attire, food, decorations, music, and other services. Remember to set aside funds for contingencies. Choose a date. Select a date that suits you, your partner, and your close family members and friends. Consider venue availability and seasonal factors (like weather and price fluctuations). Draft a guest list. Start by listing everyone you'd like to invite. Then, revise it according to your budget and venue capacity. This preliminary list can change, but it will serve as a good foundation. Select a venue. Research potential venues, keeping your vision, guest count, and budget in mind. Visit the venues and book your favorite as soon as possible, as popular venues often book up well in advance. Hire a wedding planner (optional). Depending on your budget and desire for assistance, you might consider hiring a professional wedding planner to alleviate some of the planning workload. Book key vendors. Start researching and booking essential wedding vendors. Consider a photographer, caterer, florist, DJ or band, and an officiant for the ceremony. Choose your wedding party. Decide who you want to have in your wedding party to serve as bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls, and ring bearers. Shop for attire. Begin shopping for your wedding dress, groom’s attire, and wedding party outfits. Be sure to do this well in advance to allow time for fittings and alterations. Send invitations. Once your date and venue are secure, send out save-the-date cards or invitations. Make sure to ask for RSVPs to confirm the final guest count. Plan ceremony and reception details. Organize the sequence of events, choose the music, write your vows, and plan the menu. You'll also have to decide on decorations, centerpieces, and other aesthetic details. Organize accommodations and transportation. If you have many out-of-town guests, consider arranging accommodations. You might also arrange transportation to and from the venue. Schedule hair and makeup. Book your hair and makeup trials and schedule the appointments for the wedding day. Finalize details. In the weeks leading up to your wedding, finalize your guest count, complete seating arrangements, confirm times with vendors, and create a day-of itinerary. Rehearse. Organize a rehearsal dinner where everyone involved in the ceremony can practice their roles. Take this time to relax and enjoy before the big day. Enjoy your day. Remember to soak in every moment on your wedding day and enjoy the celebration you've worked hard to plan.