---
name: wedding-planner
description: |
  Comprehensive wedding planning guide with 12-month countdown timeline, budget allocation, vendor selection, ceremony and reception planning, guest list management, seating arrangements, day-of timeline, and DIY versus professional decision guidance.
  Use when the user asks about wedding planner, or needs help with comprehensive wedding planning guide with 12-month countdown timeline, budget allocation, vendor selection, ceremony and reception planning, guest list management, seating arrangements, day-of timeline, and diy versus professional decision guidance.
  Do NOT use when the request requires professional specialized advice or falls outside the scope of wedding planner.
license: Apache-2.0
metadata:
  author: foundry-skills
  version: "1.0.0"
  tags: "relationships personal-communication event-planning"
  category: "family-relationships"
  subcategory: "relationships-communication"
  depends: ""
  disclaimer: "none"
  difficulty: "intermediate"
---

# Wedding Planner
## When to Use

**Use this skill when:**
- User asks about wedding planner
- User needs guidance on wedding planner topics
- User wants a structured approach to wedding planner

**Do NOT use when:**
- Request requires professional consultation beyond educational guidance
- User needs emergency assistance

## Questions to Ask the User First

1. **Congratulations! When is the wedding?** (Date set, or still deciding?)
2. **How many guests?** (Rough estimate -- this drives most decisions)
3. **Total budget?** (Be honest -- this shapes everything)
4. **Who's contributing financially?** (Couple only, family contributions, etc.)
5. **What's most important to you as a couple?** (Food, music, photos, venue, experience, etc.)
6. **What style/vibe do you envision?** (Formal, casual, rustic, modern, cultural, intimate, etc.)
7. **Religious or secular ceremony?** (Specific traditions to incorporate?)
8. **Geographic preferences?** (Hometown, destination, specific venue type)
9. **Wedding party size?** (Attendants on each side)
10. **Any cultural traditions to honor?** (From either side)
11. **What decisions have you already made?** (What's done, what's open)
12. **How stressed are you about planning?** (Helps calibrate the approach)

## The 12-Month Countdown

### 12 Months Before
```
12 MONTHS OUT:

BIG PICTURE DECISIONS:
  [ ] Set the date (check for conflicts: holidays, family events, weather)
  [ ] Establish total budget and who's contributing
  [ ] Create a shared planning tool (spreadsheet, app, or notebook)
  [ ] Begin guest list (this determines venue size and catering budget)
      Tier A (must invite): ___
      Tier B (would like to invite, if space): ___
      Tier C (if budget allows): ___
  [ ] Discuss priorities as a couple: what matters most?
  [ ] Discuss deal-breakers and non-negotiables for each person

BOOK EARLY (popular vendors book 12+ months out):
  [ ] Research and book VENUE
      Visit at least 3 venues
      Questions: capacity, availability, included items, restrictions,
      catering requirements, backup plan for weather
  [ ] Book OFFICIANT (especially popular clergy or celebrants)
  [ ] Research and book PHOTOGRAPHER (see samples of full weddings,
      not just highlights)
  [ ] Research and book VIDEOGRAPHER (if desired)
  [ ] Begin shopping for wedding attire (bridal gowns need 6-9 months
      for ordering and alterations)

WEDDING PARTY:
  [ ] Choose and ask wedding party members
  [ ] Be clear about expectations and financial obligations
```

### 9-10 Months Before
```
9-10 MONTHS OUT:

VENDORS TO BOOK:
  [ ] Caterer / catering company (if not included with venue)
      Schedule tastings
      Discuss menu options and dietary accommodations
  [ ] Band or DJ (good ones book early)
      Listen to samples, check reviews, see them perform if possible
  [ ] Florist
      Share vision, color palette, Pinterest board
      Discuss centerpieces, bouquets, ceremony flowers
  [ ] Wedding planner / day-of coordinator (highly recommended
      even for DIY couples -- they handle what you can't on the day)

PLANNING:
  [ ] Choose wedding party attire (colors, styles, coordination)
  [ ] Register for gifts (or set up honeymoon fund, cash registry)
  [ ] Start planning ceremony details (readings, vows, rituals)
  [ ] Begin hotel block research for out-of-town guests
  [ ] Create wedding website (The Knot, Zola, Squarespace)
```

### 6-8 Months Before
```
6-8 MONTHS OUT:

VENDORS TO BOOK:
  [ ] Baker (wedding cake or dessert -- schedule tastings)
  [ ] Transportation (limo, shuttle for guests, vintage car)
  [ ] Hair and makeup (schedule trial)
  [ ] Rentals (tables, chairs, linens, lighting, tent if outdoor)
  [ ] Stationery designer or DIY invitations (order/design now)
  [ ] Photo booth or other entertainment

PLANNING:
  [ ] Finalize guest list
  [ ] Order Save the Dates (or send digital 6-8 months before)
  [ ] Plan rehearsal dinner (who hosts, venue, guest list)
  [ ] Book hotel blocks for out-of-town guests
  [ ] Research and book honeymoon (travel + accommodation)
  [ ] Begin planning ceremony (vows, readings, music, rituals)
  [ ] Discuss and decide on wedding party gifts
  [ ] Plan bachelor/bachelorette events (delegate to best man/maid of honor)

ATTIRE:
  [ ] Order wedding dress/suit (allow for delivery and alterations)
  [ ] Shop for accessories (shoes, jewelry, veil, tie, etc.)
  [ ] Wedding party fittings and ordering
```

### 3-5 Months Before
```
3-5 MONTHS OUT:

INVITATIONS:
  [ ] Order or create invitations
  [ ] Compile final guest addresses
  [ ] Mail invitations (6-8 weeks before wedding)
  [ ] Include: ceremony/reception info, RSVP card with deadline,
      accommodations info, website URL, dietary preference inquiry

VENDOR DETAILS:
  [ ] Menu tasting and final selection
  [ ] Cake tasting and design finalization
  [ ] Confirm florist designs (centerpieces, bouquets, ceremony)
  [ ] Finalize music (ceremony processional, first dance, must-play, do-not-play)
  [ ] Confirm photographer shot list and timeline
  [ ] Discuss setup and breakdown logistics with venue

PLANNING:
  [ ] Apply for marriage license (check local requirements and timing)
  [ ] Plan ceremony rehearsal
  [ ] Order wedding bands (allow 4-6 weeks for custom)
  [ ] Begin writing vows (if personal vows)
  [ ] Plan welcome bags for out-of-town guests
  [ ] Book honeymoon flights and hotel (if not done)
  [ ] Schedule dress fittings and alterations
```

### 1-2 Months Before
```
1-2 MONTHS OUT:

FINALIZE:
  [ ] Follow up on RSVPs (call/text non-responders by deadline + 3 days)
  [ ] Create final seating chart
  [ ] Provide final headcount to caterer and venue
  [ ] Finalize day-of timeline (share with all vendors)
  [ ] Confirm ALL vendor bookings (call each one)
  [ ] Break in wedding shoes (wear around the house)
  [ ] Final dress fitting and steaming
  [ ] Hair and makeup trial

DETAILS:
  [ ] Write thank you notes to parents and wedding party
  [ ] Prepare wedding party gifts
  [ ] Create a day-of emergency kit (see below)
  [ ] Designate someone to handle gifts/cards at reception
  [ ] Designate someone to handle vendor payments/tips on the day
  [ ] Print programs, menus, place cards, table numbers
  [ ] Plan logistics: where to get ready, transportation timeline
  [ ] Delegate setup and breakdown tasks

LEGAL:
  [ ] Obtain marriage license (check local timing requirements)
  [ ] Confirm officiant has what they need
  [ ] Arrange witnesses for license signing
```

### Final Week
```
FINAL WEEK:

  [ ] Confirm every vendor one last time (with contact name and phone)
  [ ] Deliver final payments and prepare tip envelopes
  [ ] Pack for honeymoon
  [ ] Prepare wedding night bag (separate from honeymoon luggage)
  [ ] Rehearsal dinner
  [ ] Give wedding party gifts at rehearsal dinner
  [ ] Delegate phone/emergency contact for wedding day
  [ ] Get a good night's sleep
  [ ] Remember: the wedding is one day. The marriage is forever.
      Whatever happens, you're marrying your person. That's what matters.
```

## Budget Allocation

### Wedding Budget Template
```
WEDDING BUDGET:
Total Budget: $_______________
TYPICAL ALLOCATION (adjust to YOUR priorities):
VENUE + CATERING (40-50%):              Budget: $___  Actual: $___
  Venue rental: $___
  Catering (food): $___
  Bar/beverages: $___
  Cake/dessert: $___
  Rentals (tables, chairs, linens): $___
  Service charges and tax: $___
PHOTOGRAPHY + VIDEO (10-15%):           Budget: $___  Actual: $___
  Photographer: $___
  Videographer: $___
  Photo booth: $___
MUSIC + ENTERTAINMENT (7-10%):          Budget: $___  Actual: $___
  DJ or band: $___
  Sound equipment: $___
  Other entertainment: $___
FLOWERS + DECOR (8-10%):                Budget: $___  Actual: $___
  Ceremony flowers: $___
  Bouquets and boutonnieres: $___
  Centerpieces: $___
  Additional decor: $___
  Lighting: $___
ATTIRE + BEAUTY (5-10%):                Budget: $___  Actual: $___
  Wedding dress/suit: $___
  Alterations: $___
  Accessories: $___
  Hair and makeup: $___
  Groom's attire: $___
STATIONERY (2-3%):                      Budget: $___  Actual: $___
  Save the dates: $___
  Invitations: $___
  Programs: $___
  Place cards/menus: $___
  Thank you cards: $___
FAVORS + GIFTS (2-3%):                  Budget: $___  Actual: $___
  Guest favors: $___
  Wedding party gifts: $___
  Parent gifts: $___
OTHER (5-10%):                          Budget: $___  Actual: $___
  Officiant fee: $___
  Marriage license: $___
  Transportation: $___
  Rehearsal dinner: $___
  Welcome bags: $___
  Tips for vendors: $___
  Wedding planner/coordinator: $___
  Day-of coordinator: $___

CONTINGENCY (5-10%): $___

TOTAL: $___
```

### Budget Tier Guide
```
BUDGET-CONSCIOUS WEDDING IDEAS:

INTIMATE ($5,000-15,000):
  - Guest count: 30-75
  - Venue: Restaurant private room, backyard, community hall, park
  - Food: Brunch/lunch, family-style, or heavy apps
  - Flowers: Minimal, greenery-heavy, farmer's market flowers
  - Photos: Photographer only (6 hours), no videographer
  - Music: Spotify playlist
  - Invitations: Digital (Canva, Paperless Post)
  - Dress: Off-the-rack, BHLDN, secondhand, rental
  - Cake: Sheet cake from bakery, cupcakes, donut wall

MODERATE ($15,000-40,000):
  - Guest count: 75-150
  - Venue: Event venue with some inclusions
  - Food: Plated or buffet dinner
  - Flowers: Full but not extravagant
  - Photos: Photographer + videographer
  - Music: DJ
  - Invitations: Printed but not custom
  - Dress: Mid-range bridal shop
  - Full cake + dessert

GENEROUS ($40,000+):
  - Guest count: 150+
  - Venue: Premium venue
  - Food: Full plated dinner with cocktail hour
  - Flowers: Abundant, statement arrangements
  - Photos: Full day coverage, photographer + videographer
  - Music: Live band
  - Invitations: Custom designed and printed
  - Dress: Designer
  - Wedding planner (full service)
```

## Ceremony Planning
```
CEREMONY PLANNING:

CEREMONY TYPE:
  [ ] Religious (specific tradition: ___)
  [ ] Secular / Non-denominational
  [ ] Spiritual but not religious
  [ ] Cultural (specific traditions: ___)
  [ ] Blended (incorporating multiple traditions)
  [ ] Civil (courthouse or justice of the peace)

CEREMONY ELEMENTS:
  [ ] Processional (music: ___, order: ___)
  [ ] Welcome and opening words (officiant)
  [ ] Readings (who: ___, what: ___)
  [ ] Unity ritual (if desired):
      [ ] Candle lighting
      [ ] Sand ceremony
      [ ] Handfasting
      [ ] Wine blending
      [ ] Tree planting
      [ ] Cultural tradition: ___
  [ ] Vows (standard, personal, or combination)
  [ ] Ring exchange
  [ ] Pronouncement
  [ ] First kiss
  [ ] Introduction as married couple
  [ ] Recessional (music: ___)

CEREMONY TIMELINE:
  20 minutes before: Guests seated, pre-ceremony music plays
  Processional: ___ minutes
  Welcome: 2-3 minutes
  Readings: ___ minutes
  Unity ritual: ___ minutes
  Vows: ___ minutes
  Ring exchange: 2-3 minutes
  Pronouncement and kiss: 2 minutes
  Recessional: ___ minutes
  Total: 20-35 minutes (recommended for guest comfort)

PERSONAL VOWS TEMPLATE:
  [Name], from the moment [specific memory],
  I knew [realization about your relationship].
  I love you because [2-3 specific qualities].
  I promise to [3-5 specific, meaningful commitments].
  I choose you today and every day, as my [partner/husband/wife].
```

## Guest List and Seating
```
GUEST LIST MANAGEMENT:

GUEST LIST DECISION FRAMEWORK:
  Must-invite: Immediate family, closest friends, wedding party's partners
  Should-invite: Extended family, good friends, close colleagues
  Could-invite: If budget/space allows
  Courtesy: Consider if they'd be hurt not to be invited

GUEST TIERS (for budget management):
  A-list: Invited immediately
  B-list: Invited if A-list declines (controversial but common and practical)

PLUS-ONE POLICY (decide early, be consistent):
  - Married/engaged couples: always invited together
  - Cohabiting couples: always invited together
  - Dating (6+ months): generally invited together
  - Single guests: decide a policy and apply it evenly

SEATING ARRANGEMENT STRATEGY:
  Head table options:
    - Traditional: bride + groom with wedding party
    - Sweetheart table: just the couple (wedding party sits with guests)
    - King's table: long table with couple + wedding party + partners

  Guest tables:
    - Group people who know each other (don't split friend groups)
    - Mix tables with social connectors (outgoing people at each table)
    - Keep exes apart (obviously)
    - Consider noise levels (kids' table near exit, not near speakers)
    - Consider mobility needs (accessible seating for elderly/disabled)
    - Singles table: controversial -- some love it, some hate it
      Alternative: spread single friends across social tables

  SEATING CHART TEMPLATE:
  Table 1 (nearest dance floor): _______________
  Table 2: _______________
  Table 3: _______________
  ...

```

## Wedding Day Timeline
```
WEDDING DAY TIMELINE TEMPLATE:

8:00 AM   Hair and makeup begins (bride/wedding party)
10:00 AM  Photographer arrives for getting-ready photos
10:30 AM  Groom and groomsmen begin getting ready
11:30 AM  First look (if doing one -- saves time, gets private moment)
12:00 PM  Wedding party photos
12:30 PM  Family formal photos
1:00 PM   Break / light lunch for wedding party
2:00 PM   Venue setup complete
2:30 PM   Guests begin arriving
3:00 PM   CEREMONY
3:30 PM   Ceremony ends, receiving line or cocktail hour begins
3:45 PM   Couple photos (golden hour if timing works)
4:00 PM   COCKTAIL HOUR (guests enjoy apps and drinks)
5:00 PM   Guests seated for reception
5:10 PM   Grand entrance of wedding party and couple
5:15 PM   First dance
5:25 PM   Welcome speech (host or couple)
5:30 PM   Dinner service begins
           First course / salad
6:00 PM   Main course
6:30 PM   Toasts and speeches (best man, maid of honor, parents)
7:00 PM   Cake cutting
7:15 PM   Parent dances (father-daughter, mother-son)
7:30 PM   Open dancing begins
8:30 PM   Bouquet/garter toss (optional)
9:00 PM   Last call (if applicable)
9:30 PM   Last dance
9:45 PM   Sparkler exit / send-off
10:00 PM  Event ends

ADJUST to your specific start time. Key: build in buffer time.
Things always take longer than planned.
```

## DIY vs. Professional Decisions
```
DIY vs. PROFESSIONAL FOR EACH ELEMENT:

                    | DIY Savings | DIY Difficulty | Recommendation
--------------------|-------------|---------------|----------------
Invitations         | High        | Medium        | DIY (Canva, Minted)
Centerpieces        | Medium      | Medium        | DIY if crafty
Favors              | Medium      | Low           | DIY
Hair/Makeup         | High        | HIGH          | Hire pro (photos last forever)
Photography         | High        | VERY HIGH     | ALWAYS hire pro
Videography         | High        | HIGH          | Hire if budget allows
Music (ceremony)    | Medium      | Low           | Speaker + playlist OK
Music (reception)   | Medium      | Medium        | DJ recommended
Flowers (bouquets)  | Medium      | HIGH          | Pro for bouquets, DIY centerpieces
Cake                | Medium      | HIGH          | Buy from bakery
Officiant           | Low         | Medium        | Depends on state requirements
Coordinator         | High        | N/A           | Day-of coordinator = best $ spent
Lighting            | Medium      | Medium        | Hire for big impact

RULE: Photography is the one thing to NEVER skimp on.
Flowers die. Food is eaten. Decorations come down.
Photos are forever.
```

## Wedding Emergency Kit
```
DAY-OF EMERGENCY KIT:

FOR EVERYONE:
  [ ] Safety pins (various sizes)
  [ ] Sewing kit (needle, thread in key colors)
  [ ] Double-sided tape (fashion tape)
  [ ] Clear nail polish (stops stocking runs)
  [ ] Stain remover pen (Tide to Go)
  [ ] Pain reliever (Advil, Tylenol)
  [ ] Antacid
  [ ] Allergy medication
  [ ] Band-aids
  [ ] Breath mints
  [ ] Tissues
  [ ] Bobby pins and hair ties
  [ ] Deodorant
  [ ] Phone chargers
  [ ] Snacks and water
  [ ] Cash for tips
  [ ] Super glue (for shoe emergencies)
  [ ] Scissors and tape
  [ ] Static cling spray
  [ ] Extra pair of comfortable shoes (for dancing)

DELEGATE THIS KIT to someone who is NOT the couple.
```

## Output Format

When providing wedding planning guidance:
```
WEDDING PLANNING UPDATE

Couple: [names]
Wedding date: [date]
Days until wedding: [number]
Overall status: [on track / some attention needed / urgent items]

THIS MONTH'S PRIORITIES:
  1. [Task] - Deadline: [date]
  2. [Task] - Deadline: [date]
  3. [Task] - Deadline: [date]

VENDOR STATUS:
  Booked: [list]
  Need to book: [list with deadlines]
  Need to confirm: [list]

BUDGET CHECK:
  Committed: $___
  Remaining: $___
  Concern areas: ___

DECISIONS NEEDED:
  [List of decisions that need to be made soon]

HELPFUL REMINDER:
  [Something encouraging or stress-reducing]
```

## Example

**Input:** "Help me get started with wedding planner"

**Output:** A structured wedding planner plan tailored to the user's specific situation, following the process outlined above.

## Edge Cases

- **Incomplete information:** Ask clarifying questions before proceeding. Do not assume details the user has not provided.
- **Out of scope requests:** Redirect to appropriate professional resources when the request exceeds educational guidance.
- **Conflicting requirements:** Present trade-offs clearly and let the user decide priorities.
