Free Wedding Planning Resources

Wedding Budget Starter Guide

A Free Resource from ChrizzyPlans

Create a realistic wedding budget and track your spending with this comprehensive worksheet. Perfect for Ontario couples planning their 2025-2027 celebrations!

Step 1: Determine Your Total Budget

• Available savings: $______
• Family contributions: $______
• Monthly savings capacity: $______
• Total Wedding Budget: $______

Step 2: Budget Breakdown (Ontario Averages)

Step 3: Priority Ranking

Rank these elements from 1 (most important) to 10 (least important):

• □ Amazing photos/video
• □ Dream venue
• □ Incredible food
• □ Beautiful flowers
• □ Live music/DJ
• □ Designer dress
• □ Perfect location
• □ Day-of coordination
• □ Special transportation
• □ Elegant stationery

Your Top 3 Priorities:

1. _________________________
2. _________________________
3. _________________________

Money-Saving Tips

• ✓ Choose off-season or weekday dates
• ✓ Limit guest list to people who matter most
• ✓ Repurpose ceremony flowers at reception
• ✓ Choose in-season, local flowers
• ✓ Consider buffet vs. plated dinner
• ✓ Use digital invitations
• ✓ DIY simple favors or skip them entirely

Budget Tracking

• □ Set up dedicated wedding savings account
• □ Use budgeting app or spreadsheet
• □ Review spending weekly
• □ Keep all receipts and contracts organized

12-Month Wedding Planning Timeline

Your month-by-month roadmap to wedding day success!

12+ Months Before

• □ Set your budget and priorities
• □ Create guest list (rough estimate)
• □ Start venue shopping
• □ Research photographers
• □ Consider hiring a wedding planner

9-11 Months Before

• □ Book your venue
• □ Hire photographer/videographer
• □ Book officiant
• □ Start dress shopping
• □ Research caterers (if not included)

6-8 Months Before

• □ Send save-the-dates
• □ Book florist
• □ Book music/DJ
• □ Order invitations
• □ Register for gifts
• □ Book transportation

3-5 Months Before

• □ Send invitations
• □ Order wedding cake
• □ Plan bachelor/bachelorette parties
• □ Book beauty appointments
• □ Apply for marriage license

1-2 Months Before

• □ Final guest count to caterer
• □ Final dress fitting
• □ Create seating chart
• □ Confirm all vendors
• □ Write vows
• □ Plan rehearsal dinner

1 Week Before

• □ Confirm timeline with all vendors
• □ Prepare tip envelopes
• □ Pack for honeymoon
• □ Delegate day-of responsibilities
• □ Relax and enjoy!

Essential Vendor Questions Checklist

Ask the right questions to find the perfect wedding team!

Questions for All Vendors

• □ Are you available on our wedding date?
• □ What’s included in your package/price?
• □ What are your payment terms?
• □ Do you have liability insurance?
• □ Can you provide recent client references?
• □ What’s your cancellation/refund policy?

Photography/Videography

• □ How many hours of coverage are included?
• □ How many edited photos will we receive?
• □ When will we receive our gallery?
• □ Do you bring backup equipment?
• □ Can we see a full wedding gallery?

Catering

• □ Can we do a tasting?
• □ What’s your staff-to-guest ratio?
• □ How do you handle dietary restrictions?
• □ Is bar service included?
• □ What happens to leftover food?

Venues

• □ What’s included in the rental fee?
• □ Are tables, chairs, linens provided?
• □ What are the setup/breakdown policies?
• □ Is there a backup plan for weather?
• □ What are the noise/time restrictions?

2025-2027 Wedding Color Palette Inspiration

Trending color combinations for your dream wedding!

Romantic & Warm

• Burnt Orange + Terracotta + Navy: Modern autumn vibes
• Burgundy + Dusty Rose + Gold: Classic romance
• Sage Green + Cream + Blush: Soft and organic

Bold & Modern

• Emerald + Black + Gold: Dramatic elegance
• Plum + Sage + Champagne: Sophisticated surprise
• Coral + Navy + White: Fresh and vibrant

Timeless Classics

• Ivory + Greenery + Gold: Always beautiful
• Blush + Navy + Silver: Elegant and versatile
• Dusty Blue + White + Eucalyptus: Serene and pretty

💡 Pin these palettes to your Pinterest board and tag us @chrizzyplans when you choose your colors!

Wedding Day Emergency Kit Checklist

Be prepared for anything on your big day!

For the Couple

• □ Sewing kit with thread matching dress/suit
• □ Stain removal pen
• □ Clear nail polish (for stocking runs)
• □ Safety pins
• □ Double-sided tape
• □ Tissues
• □ Lipstick for touch-ups
• □ Breath mints
• □ Pain reliever
• □ Snacks and water
• □ Phone chargers
• □ Cash for tips

For Vendors & Venue

• □ Vendor contact list with phone numbers
• □ Venue coordinator contact info
• □ Timeline for all vendors
• □ Marriage license
• □ Rings (assign to responsible person!)

Need More Personalized Help?

These free resources are just the beginning!

Get expert guidance tailored specifically to your Ontario wedding vision, budget, and timeline.

Follow us on @chrizzyplans for daily wedding inspiration and planning tips!