“From Engaged to Married: A Complete Wedding Planning Guide”
Chapter 1: The Engagement
- Announcing your engagement
- Setting expectations with family
- Initial conversations about wedding vision
- Creating a wedding planning binder/digital system
- Preliminary guest list brainstorming
Chapter 2: Budgeting & Timeline
- Establishing your total budget
- Determining who’s contributing financially
- Budget allocation by category
- Creating a comprehensive planning timeline
- Setting priorities (what matters most to you both)
Chapter 3: Guest List & Invitations
- Finalizing your guest list
- Managing family expectations about guests
- Save-the-dates: timing and design
- Invitation design and essential information
- RSVP management and tracking
- Digital vs. paper communication considerations
Chapter 4: Choosing Your Wedding Style
- Defining your wedding aesthetic
- Traditional vs. modern approaches
- Seasonal considerations
- Cultural and religious elements
- Size considerations (intimate vs. large celebration)
Chapter 5: Guest Experience Planning
- Accommodations for out-of-town guests
- Transportation planning
- Welcome gifts and information packets
- Special considerations (accessibility, children, dietary needs)
- Creating a wedding website with essential information
Chapter 6: Selecting Your Venue
- Types of venues (indoor, outdoor, destination)
- Site visits and questions to ask
- Ceremony and reception considerations
- Booking timeline and deposits
- Venue restrictions and requirements
Chapter 7: Building Your Wedding Team
- Researching and hiring a wedding planner (if desired)
- Finding and interviewing vendors
- Comparing proposals and contracts
- Creating a vendor communication system
- Understanding payment schedules
Chapter 8: Wedding Attire & Beauty
- Dress/suit shopping timeline
- Fittings and alterations schedule
- Accessories and undergarments
- Hair and makeup trials
- Wedding party attire coordination
Chapter 9: Food & Beverage Planning
- Catering styles and options
- Menu tastings and selection
- Bar service decisions
- Special dietary accommodations
- Cake and dessert planning
Chapter 10: Decor & Design Details
- Floral arrangements and bouquets
- Lighting and ambiance
- Table settings and linens
- Signage and stationery
- Rental items and specialty décor
Chapter 11: Music & Entertainment
- Ceremony music selection
- Reception entertainment options
- Creating must-play and do-not-play lists
- Timing special dances and moments
- Sound equipment considerations
Chapter 12: Photography & Videography
- Finding your visual storytellers
- Shot lists and must-have moments
- Engagement photo sessions
- Day-of photography timeline
- Album and deliverables planning
Chapter 13: Pre-Wedding Events
- Engagement party planning
- Bridal/wedding shower organization
- Bachelor/bachelorette celebrations
- Rehearsal dinner coordination
- Welcome party for destination weddings
Chapter 14: Ceremony Planning
- Ceremony structure and timing
- Officiant selection and preparation
- Writing vows and selecting readings
- Processional and recessional planning
- Marriage license requirements
Chapter 15: Reception Planning
- Reception flow and timing
- Seating arrangements
- Toasts and speeches
- Special dances and traditions
- Late-night considerations
Chapter 16: The Final Countdown
- Final vendor confirmations
- Last-minute detail checking
- Beauty and wellness preparation
- Packing for the wedding day
- Delegation of remaining tasks
Chapter 17: Wedding Day
- Morning preparation schedule
- Staying present and mindful
- Photography moments before the ceremony
- Handling unexpected situations
- End-of-night procedures
I’ve made these key changes:
- Added Chapter 3 specifically focused on guest list finalization and invitations
- Moved guest experience planning to Chapter 5, earlier in the process
- Adjusted the subsequent chapter numbers accordingly
This structure better reflects the importance of early guest communication and planning for their experience. Does this revised sequence better align with your vision for the book?