Printable Wedding Planning Checklist for DIY Brides

We know planning your own wedding can be a little overwhelming, especially in the beginning.  Where do you start? Who do you call first?  When a wedding planner just isn't in the budget, what is a DIY bride to do?  Lucky for you, we've been in the industry long enough to know the answers to all your wedding planning questions.  To make it easy, we've put together this comprehensive wedding planning checklist which includes a countdown to your big day listing all the most important duties to tackle before you walk down the alter.  We hope you love it! Feel free to download, save to your computer, print, and check off your to-dos as needed.

Click here to download the FREE editable wedding planning checklist

System Requirements: You will need Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Reader, version 7.0.5 or later.  If you don't have either, Adobe Reader is available for free at adobe.com.  Once you have downloaded Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Reader software, you will be able to save this checklist to your computer for easy access to your to-do's and contacts. Not available for resale or redistribution.

11 Wedding Unity Ceremony Ideas

When you are having an outdoor wedding, the traditional unity candle ceremony is just not an option (need we say it...wind).  So many of our brides begin the search for unity candle alternatives. Even our indoor brides are looking for a unity ceremony with a little twist.  We've put together 11 of our favorite wedding unity ceremony ideas, and we must say, we think you will have a hard time deciding.  They are all pretty great.

1) Sand Ceremony 

Source:  Sand Ceremony Shadow Box Set

Made popular by outdoor and beach weddings, sand unity ceremonies are undoubtedly the most popular alternative to the traditional unity candle ceremony.  Great for windy locations, you won't have to worry about a flame flickering and going out.  How does it work?  The bride and groom each have their own color sand which is then poured together to represent the blending of their two lives.  Variations include adding additional sand colors for children and/or the officiant.

2) Love Letter Ceremony

Source: Love Letter Wine Ceremony Box Set

The love letter ceremony is a romantic concept that involves both the bride and groom writing letters to each other listing all the reasons why they fell in love.  The letters are then sealed and placed in a box along with a bottle of wine to be opened either on a set anniversary date or in times of hardship (which is why this concept has also been dubbed a "fight box"). The couple would then open the box to read the letters to each other and drink to their marriage.  Afterwards, you can write new letters to be sealed and opened on a future anniversary.

3) Make a Time Capsule

Source: Katie Lewis Photography, Erika Delgado Photography, Style Me Pretty

Similar to the love letter ceremony, the time capsule box is meant to be sealed and opened either on an anniversary or during times of hardship.  Instead of letters and a bottle of wine however, this concepts goes one step further to include well wishes from guests, along with sentimental items from the bride and groom's courtship years.  Open the box to reflect on your marriage and then add new items to reseal into a brand new time capsule.

4) Branding

Source: A Colorado Courtship, Wedding Chicks, Ruffled

This unity ceremony idea goes out to our rustic and country brides.  Why not create your own brand to display in your home after the wedding.  Very country chic.

5) Plant a Tree

Source: Marvelous Things Photography, Valerie Joy Photography, United With Love

For garden, summer, or spring weddings, a tree planting ceremony falls right in line and represents the strong roots of your marriage.

6) Reverse Unity Candle
 

Source: Shelley Paulson Photography, Uniquely You Wedding Planning

This is by far one of our favorite unity ceremony ideas.  A small twist on the traditional unity lighting ceremony, the reverse unity candle involves all the guests and we can almost guarantee there won't be a dry eye in the crowd.  How it works:  After the bride and groom light the main unity candle, they continue down into the pews to begin lighting the candle of the maid of honor and best man, who then continue passing the flame one by one until every candle in the crowd is lit.  The result is a magical room of candlelight that unites the bride and groom with their family and friends.  We especially love this reverse unity ceremony idea for evening weddings or dimly lit venues where it will have the most impact.  (For larger weddings, the bride and groom can opt to continue down the aisle lighting the first candle at the end of each pew to help speed the procession).

7) Wine Ceremony

Source: Personalized Wine Box and Decanter Set from My Wedding Reception Ideas

Blend your two lives together as one with this twist on the traditional unity ceremony.  Like a good wine, a marriage will only ripen and grow stronger with age.  Seal the same brand of wine along with a few mementos in a box to enjoy later on your 1st, 5th, or 10th anniversary.

8) Unity Cross Ceremony

Source: The Unity Cross and Pinterest

In a unity cross ceremony, the outer cross represents the man, the inner cross the woman, and the three pins represent the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.  The two are are fit together and held by the pins during the ceremony to represent the togetherness of marriage and strength through God.

9) Handfasting / Binding of Hands

Source: Larissa Cleveland Photography, Shannon Leahy Events

The Handfasting ceremony is a Celtic custom that dates back centuries and is a historic tradition that is quickly cementing itself into modern wedding day customs.  Handfasting or the "Binding of Hands" involves wrapping different colored ribbons into the infinity shape during your wedding vows representing the symbolic union, commitment of marriage, and binding to each other as man and wife.

10) Jumping the Broom

Source: The Studio B Photography, Style Me Pretty

Broom Jumping is a centuries old African American tradition that has become more increasingly popular due largely to the book "Roots" and the film "Jumping the Broom".  Broom jumping involves a handmade natural bristled broom decorated with ribbons, flowers, and mementos.  The bride and groom jump over the broom as an act of sweeping away any past wrongdoings and welcoming new beginnings as husband and wife.  Jumping the broom can also be placed at the end of the ceremony to represent the joining of the two families and as a wonderful tribute to the tradition. 

11) Hand Washing Ceremony

Source: Erin Hearts Court and Shadowcatcher

A humble tradition, the hand washing ceremony is an act where the officiant pours water over the bride and groom's hands to purify them.  The couple then wash away each others past wrongdoings, cleansing each other from their faults, and starting fresh as man and wife.  The hand washing ceremony is many times used in conjunction with the blessing of the hands; where the couple, now cleansed, take each others hands to repeat their wedding vows.

Creative Uses for Your Wedding Card Box with Free Printables

Often times after a wedding, the bride and groom are left with all kinds of items from their wedding that they are not able to reuse for anything in the future.  Your wedding card box doesn’t need to be one of them!  With a little bit of creative thinking and do-it-yourself attitude, you can use your card box for a number of things after your wedding day.  

Our personalized wedding photo gift card box holds one of your engagement photos at your wedding and allows guests to place their cards in one place for you to take home at the end of the night.  It can also be personalized with an engraved plate for display on your special day.

After your wedding, use it as inspiration to save up for a vacation – because let’s face it, if you see what you are saving up for, it will be much easier to throw an extra $20 in!  Use our palm tree design free printable to replace the current photo, and get one step closer to that trip you’ve been dreaming of.

Another great twist is to use this photo box to collect love notes for your spouse.  Our ‘I love you because’ free printables can be placed in the frame – giving you the perfect place to stash secret notes for the love of your life.  Jot down memories, quotes, and sweet nothings to read when one of you is having a bad day, or store them up until the end of the year and then go through them together for a romantic evening.

What you'll need:

• Personalized Wedding Photo Gift Card Box
• Printable designs – we've got you covered!
• Computer
• Printer
• Paper
• Scissors

Free 'I love you because...' Chalkboard Printable

Click Here to download PDF file

Free 'I love you because...' Gold Glitter Printable

Click Here to download PDF file

Free Palm Tree Design Vacation Savings Printable

Click Here to download PDF file

System Requirements: You will need Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Reader, version 7.0.5 or later.  If you don't have either, Adobe Reader is available for free at adobe.com.  If you use our printables for commercial reasons, please provide a credit back to our site.

5 Head Table Wedding Decoration Ideas

The head table is the focal point of any wedding reception.  It surrounds the bride and groom and brings emphasis to the newlyweds.  Whether you decide to stay traditional with your head table decorations or go bold with a statement piece, don't leave your head table to the last decorating decision.  This is your chance to make your wedding decorations shine.  Your head table should tie together the overall theme of your wedding and set the tone of your reception. 

1) Signage

Belle The Magazine / 100 Layer Cake / Blush

A bold statement that is trending with couples.  The use of signage as a statement piece for the head table is a simple and effective way to bring attention to the newlyweds.

2) Family Style Seating

The Knot / Elements of Style / Colin Cowie

Family style seating is the ideal way to provide an intimate atmosphere for guests to mingle and make conversation.  With a family style head table, this relaxed setup also allows the bride and groom the chance to sit next to their close family members instead of just the members of the wedding party.  Be sure and seat the members of your wedding party next to their spouses or dates to ensure everyone is comfortable and relaxed.

3) Sweetheart Table

The Knot / St George Weddings / Wedding Chicks

Take a breather from all the mingling and thank yous with this intimate set up.  Sweetheart tables are making a swift comeback at wedding receptions and give the bride and groom a chance to steal a few moments together alone.

4) Hanging Focal Points

Southern Weddings / Burnett's Boards / Mimosa Flowers / Style Me Pretty

Nothing screams romance and elegance more than hanging wedding decorations.  While it may not be in the budget to hang decorations above every reception table, using them just above the head table is a more affordable splurge.

5) Dressed up Chair Backs

Wedding Chicks / Lacie Hansen Photography / My Wedding Reception Ideas

For those sticking with a traditional head table setup, you can still set the bride and groom apart by dressing up their chairs with decorative chair backs.  This will put the focus on the newlyweds and add a personal touch to the reception decor.

21 Insanely Fun Wedding Ideas

Around here we love anything unique and unexpected.  But with weddings pouring in our inboxes day in and day out, it can be hard to get that Ah Ha moment.  What we really want to say is, Yeeees! That is so awesome! Can we have that at our make believe someday wedding, pretty pleeeease!  We scoured the web and can wholeheartedly say we have found the 21 greatest, insanely fun wedding ideas.  We think you will agree.

 

Cotton Candy Weddings

1) Display Cue Cards at Your Ceremony

 

Buzzfeed

Just plain funny.  Pros: Your guests will undoubtedly get a few laughs.  Cons: The focus may not be entirely on you and your fiance. 

2) Have an Artist Paint Your Ceremony

 

Venue Safari

Wouldn't the picture be great displayed in your home afterwards?  We also love the idea of having caricature sketches done.

 

3) Send Save the Dates that are a Little Cheeky

 

 Inspiring Pretty

4) Opt for an Anniversary Pinata instead of a Traditional Guest Book

 The Knot

How fun would this be to open on your one year anniversary?  Break open a bottle of bubbly and this pinata!

5) Instead of settling for just one angle, find your best side!

 

Huffington Post

6) Give your groom a little something to keep those feet toasty warm

 

 Buy them here

 

 7) And for the bride, a little something blue

 

Southern Weddings

Such a sentimental and personal way to commemorate your wedding day.

8) Send Your Guests Mad Lib RSVP's

Pure

9) Who says flower girls have an age limit?

 

Offbeat Bride

Get your Grandmas to toss the flower petals.  An adorable and fun way to include them in your wedding day!  Photography by  Genevieve Leiper

10) Provide entertainment for guests with nostalgic cootie catchers

 

Buy them here

11) Or display word search napkins at the bar

 

Found on The Knot.  You can also buy word search napkins here.

12) And better yet still, showcase a full size Price is Right Wheel

 

Tulle and Chantilly

13) An old mailbox makes the perfect wedding card box

 

Bridal Musings

14) Serve Your Food Family Style

 

Intimate Weddings

This method of dining is making a comeback for wedding receptions because of its wonderfully intimate feel and budget friendly price tag.

Pros: Budget Friendly, Encourages conversation and interaction among guests, Great option for pot luck style weddings or self-catering bride and grooms.

Cons: Not all caterers offer this dining style so be sure to check beforehand.

15) Instead of a photo booth, set up photo stand-ins

 

Cuts & Stitches

16) Life-Size Jenga is the perfect lawn game

 

Gimme Bar

17)  Give guests hangover helper kits filled with Gatorade, Tylenol, and coupons for McDonald's breakfast

 

Found on Etsy.  You can also buy here.

18) Have a Taco Bar at your reception. (Better yet, just have Chipotle cater your wedding)

 

Pinterest

According to their website, Chipotle can cater up to 200 people in all U.S. locations except New York.  Read more about their catering options here.  To satisfy even the pickiest eaters, we like the idea of setting up a variety of food stations and having an Around the World style menu.

19)  Pick a Side Buttons

  

By The Robinsons

20)  Have a Food Truck at Your Reception

 

Carpe Donut

21) Give your leading ladies a quirky handkerchief (Don't forget one for yourself!)

Kirsten Julia

  

Leave Your Paper Guestbook in the Stone Ages with Signing Stones

Not all wedding traditions are set in stone, but your guest book can be. Instead of using a traditional bound paper book for your guests to leave you a message in, consider having them each sign a stone. Guest signing stones are a unique and interesting way to capture your guests' names and good wishes for your marriage, and your guests will love this fun guest book alternative. 

Why? You may be hesitant to let go of the idea that you have to have a guestbook at your wedding, because that’s “what has always been done.” Here are a few reasons to reconsider:

• A book will eventually be placed on a bookshelf, or maybe even in a box, and won’t be looked at except for perhaps on your anniversary.
• The stones can be displayed in a vase or bowl or in a garden or terrarium, where they can be enjoyed by everyone.
• No tradition is forever. If you want to change something, change it. This is your wedding and you can have whatever sort of guest book you’d like!

How? These signing stones are super simple. All you need to do is set up a table near the door to the reception hall. Scatter the stones on the table with a couple markers (a fine point permanent marker writes well on stones) and a note telling your guests what to do. Then relax and let your loved ones write a special message to you and your spouse!

Another great way to incorporate this natural accent in your wedding is to write your guests’ names on stones and use them as placeholders at the tables. Provide one or two markers at each table. Your guests will be able to write their note to the bride and groom while they are enjoying the reception. This will also give them all night to think about what they want to write.

Tell us in the comments below what you think about a stone guest book!

Image Credits:  Glass Vase with Decorative Base, Square Concave Glass Vase with Guest Signing Stones, Stone Place Cards

Elizabeth is an undergraduate at Ohio Northern University with a double major in professional writing and creative writing and a minor in psychology. Liz writes for My Wedding Reception Ideas as well as creates multi-modal writing projects for Re:Media, an Ohio Northern University online publication.