Makacek Studios
Budget · Timeline · Logistics · Design
Section 01
Planning Timeline
A phased roadmap so nothing feels rushed and nothing is overlooked.
| Timeframe | Milestone | Key tasks | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12+ months | The big decisions | Set budget & guest count · Book ceremony & reception venue · Hire planner · Book photographer | |
| 9–12 months | Vendors & style | Book caterer, florist, band/DJ · Begin dress & suit shopping · Send save-the-dates | |
| 6–9 months | Details & logistics | Book hair & makeup · Create gift registry · Plan honeymoon · Arrange guest accommodation blocks | |
| 4–6 months | Invitations & menu | Order & send invitations · Finalize catering menu & cake · Order wedding bands · Schedule fittings | |
| 2–3 months | Final confirmations | Confirm all vendors · Chase RSVPs · Draft seating chart · Obtain marriage licence · Write vows | |
| 1 month | Final fittings | Final fittings · Send guest count to caterer · Build day-of timeline · Break in your shoes | |
| 1 week | Rehearsal & handoffs | Rehearsal & dinner · Hand vendor payments to trusted person · Pack for honeymoon |
| Timeframe | Milestone | Key tasks |
|---|---|---|
| 12+ months | The big decisions | Set budget & guest count · Book ceremony & reception venue · Hire planner · Book photographer |
| 9–12 months | Vendors & style | Book caterer, florist, band/DJ · Begin dress & suit shopping · Send save-the-dates |
| 6–9 months | Details & logistics | Book hair & makeup · Create gift registry · Plan honeymoon · Arrange guest accommodation blocks |
| 4–6 months | Invitations & menu | Order & send invitations · Finalize catering menu & cake · Order wedding bands · Schedule fittings |
| 2–3 months | Final confirmations | Confirm all vendors · Chase RSVPs · Draft seating chart · Obtain marriage licence · Write vows |
| 1 month | Final fittings | Final fittings · Send guest count to caterer · Build day-of timeline · Break in your shoes |
| 1 week | Rehearsal & handoffs | Rehearsal & dinner · Hand vendor payments to trusted person · Pack for honeymoon |
| The Day | Be present | You've planned everything beautifully. Let your vendors do their job. Eat. Breathe. Dance. |
Section 02
The Foundation
Priorities, vision, and the numbers that make everything else possible.
Total budget
Guest count
Wedding date
| Vision element | Priority | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Overall atmosphere | High | Intimate, romantic, celebratory... |
| Venue type | High | Garden, ballroom, barn, destination... |
| Colour palette | Medium | 2–3 anchor colours |
| Music style | Medium | Live band, DJ, acoustic... |
| Food style | Medium | Plated, stations, cocktail... |
| Photography style | High | Editorial, documentary, classic... |
Start here
Agree on your top three non-negotiables before booking anything — the things no budget cut can touch.
Section 03
Budget Tracker
Typical allocation percentages. Adjust to reflect your priorities.
Largest category
Venue
Recommended buffer
10–15%
Average overspend
~20%
| Category | % | Allocation | Your amount |
|---|
Where to invest
Prioritise photography, catering, and music — the memories guests carry longest.
Section 04
Master Checklist
Click any item to mark it complete.
Section 05
Vendor Tracker
Every vendor you'll need — with priority and key questions.
| Vendor | Priority | Status | Key question |
|---|
Always get it in writing
Every vendor needs a signed contract with deliverables, cancellation terms, and overtime fees.
Section 06
The Vows
Your words. Use these prompts and the writing space to find them.
| Element | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Opening | How you feel standing here, right now. |
| The story | A single moment that defined your love. Be specific. |
| The promises | 3–5 personal, concrete vows. Specificity makes them memorable. |
| The closing | Your commitment, simply and from the heart. |
| Length | 1–2 minutes aloud — roughly 150–250 words. |
Your vows save automatically in this browser.
Section 07
Season & Venue
Choose the season and setting that matches your vision.
Spring
Apr – Jun
Mild weather · blooms · golden light. Can be rainy — always plan a backup.
Summer
Jun – Aug
Long days · outdoor-friendly · peak season. Highest pricing; heat requires planning.
Autumn
Sep – Nov
Stunning foliage · cooler temps · soft light. Very popular — book 14+ months ahead.
Winter
Dec – Feb
Cosy & dramatic · off-peak savings. Shorter daylight hours.
| Venue type | Best for | Key question |
|---|---|---|
| Estate or manor house | Romantic, classic | Exclusive use? On-site accommodation? |
| Hotel ballroom | Convenience & scale | In-house catering only, or outside vendors? |
| Barn or farm | Rustic, relaxed | Noise curfew? Generator needed? |
| Botanical garden | Natural, lush | Indoor backup if it rains? Bug season? |
| Restaurant buyout | Intimate, food-forward | Minimum spend? Guest cap? |
| Destination / resort | Memorable, multi-day | Guest travel costs? Legal requirements abroad? |
Section 08
Day-of Guide
The details that separate a chaotic morning from a calm, joyful one.
Emergency kit
| Safety pins & double-sided tape |
| Stain remover pen |
| Pain reliever & antihistamine |
| Blotting papers & breath mints |
| Needle, thread, spare button |
| Phone charger & power bank |
| Snacks — for both of you |
| A handkerchief |
Sample timeline
| 7:00 am | Breakfast — eat a real one |
| 8:00 am | Hair & makeup begins |
| 11:00 am | Getting dressed; first look |
| 12:30 pm | Wedding party portraits |
| 2:00 pm | Guests arrive |
| 3:00 pm | Ceremony |
| 4:00 pm | Cocktail hour |
| 5:30 pm | Reception dinner & speeches |
| 8:00 pm | First dance & dancing |
The one rule
Designate one non-family person as the vendor contact. Vendors call them — not you.
The one moment
Step outside together for two minutes during the reception. Look at each other. Take it in.