Don’t forget these 4 must-do steps a year before your wedding

Jul 19

It is very normal to spend 18 months to 2 years planning for your Italian wedding, not to say that a ‘quick 9 months’ isn’t doable, as La Lista founder Lucy White did. But the wedding industry in Italy has changed somewhat over recent years and demand for suppliers and venues is high; with some couples even considering pushing back into year 3 to secure their dream team.

Obvious advantages of planning years in advance are that you have greater choice and more time to consider options before having to sign on the dotted line. You will also have the luxury to lock in good prices for a future date, knowing that even if the wedding industry sees rises, your wedding will stay the same cost (always double check this clause is in your contract).

2 years might seem to long to wait to get that ring on your finger, and for that epic party of course…but we are here to tell you why it is sensible. From May - September each year the wedding season kicks off and the majority of suppliers cease focus on the future years weddings to concentrate their efforts on the season in hand. Their lack of availability during these months, puts you 5-6 months short each year of planning time. So, if you think you have 2 years to plan your wedding, minus out 2 wedding seasons and you actually only have 1 year of solid focus. This can be pretty damn stressful if you only start planning in April for a wedding the following September, as you’re going to ‘lose’ 5 months just as soon as you get started.

What we want for you would be all suppliers booked the year before your wedding date so that stress is taken off your plate. Now, some won’t issue contracts until the start of your wedding year, but you want the date in the diaries and absolutely get contracts from your big hitters - catering and venue.

A huge tip when ‘interviewing’ suppliers like planners is to question their ways of working - do they go radio silent during wedding season? How do they manage their communication and priorities? What would be an average response time during their busy months? By asking these questions you’re establishing your relationship parameters and checking in with your own anxieties to see if you’ll be happy to have less contact over this period. This might be the opportunity to discuss how you can assist during this time and if the planner is happy with this management balance.

Whether you are looking to plan your wedding in 2 years or 9 months, please don’t rush to book suppliers and regret your decision. So, what are the 4 most crucial jobs to nail 1 year out?

Ink & Paper wedding stationery, Wedding invitations sets — **Save the dates**

A robust save the date or even an invite should be sent to guests at this point. A save the date would include a soft RSVP for guests to let you know Yes, No or maybe. A wedding website is a useful tool here.
Stationery: Ink & Paper | Photo: Lee Allison

**Dress shopping**

Like you need an excuse to start searching for that unforgettable dress, but now is the time to start! Our advice, stay true to your style, remembering your dress needs to see you through from a hot Italian afternoon to a lively dancefloor. Unless you choose 2!
Photo: Lucy Lens Photography

Suegraphy wedding photographer Italian wedding photographer, Destination wedding photographer — **Book your trip**

You are going to need to head out to Italy for tastings with caterers and to visit your shortlist of venues. Autumn into early spring is a great time to pencil this in your diary. Reach out to suppliers and venues to check their availability.
Photo: SUEGRAPHY

Wedding planner in Italy, Ottone wedding planners — **Decor**

Okay, your likely not going to be briefing in styling at this point but it can’t hurt to start thinking about what look you want your wedding to have. And a year out from your wedding is when suppliers post all the incredible weddings from the current season - so let all that inspo sink in.
Planner: Ottone

Pulling every element together for your wedding is no mean feat and as planners we know the importance of timing and organisation. That is why we designed the ultimate Italian Wedding Tracker - the holy grail of wedmin and the easiest tool to use to ensure you are keeping to the best planning schedule. Download it now from our Shop and save yourself time and effort!