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Free Bride Starter Kit | Petals Planners

Petals Planners

Free Bride Starter Kit

A beautiful place to begin. This complimentary guide was created to help brides organize their wedding plans, track important details, and move forward with more confidence.

Whether you are newly engaged or already making decisions, these simple tools can help you feel more prepared and less overwhelmed.

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Bouquet and wedding rings on vow book

What’s Inside Your Starter Kit

This guide includes the first essentials many brides need while planning — from timelines and budgets to vendor questions and décor notes.

Step One

Wedding Planning Timeline

One of the hardest parts of wedding planning is knowing what should happen first. Use this simple timeline as a starting point and adjust it based on your date, venue, and priorities.

Planning Stage Focus Areas
12+ Months Before Set your budget, choose your date, book your venue, and begin your guest list.
9–12 Months Before Book photographer, planner or coordinator, entertainment, and begin dress shopping.
6–9 Months Before Finalize wedding party details, florist, rentals, and ceremony ideas.
3–6 Months Before Send invitations, confirm décor plans, finalize menu, and begin the wedding day timeline.
1 Month Before Confirm all vendors, make final payments, review logistics, and prepare for the final stretch.
Step Two

Budget Planner

A wedding budget is not just about totals — it helps you prioritize what matters most. Start with estimates, then fill in your actual costs as you book.

Category Estimated Actual
Venue
Catering
Photography
Florals
Entertainment
Décor

Gentle reminder: leaving a small cushion in your budget can make the final month much less stressful.

Step Three

Vendor Contact Tracker

Keeping your vendor contacts in one place becomes incredibly helpful once your wedding day gets closer. This is one of the easiest ways to stay organized.

Vendor Company Phone Booked
Venue
Photographer
DJ / Band
Florist
Caterer
Step Four

Décor Planning Notes

When décor is written down clearly, it is much easier for your venue, florist, or coordinator to help bring your vision to life.

Ceremony

  • Arch or arbor
  • Aisle décor
  • Reserved seating signs
  • Programs
  • Unity ceremony table if needed

Reception

  • Centerpieces
  • Table numbers
  • Sweetheart table décor
  • Cake table setup
  • Gift and card table
  • Welcome sign and seating display
Step Five

Questions to Ask Vendors

Asking a few thoughtful questions early can save stress later. Use these as prompts while comparing vendors.

Venue

  • What is included in the rental fee?
  • How much time do we have for setup and cleanup?
  • Are tables, chairs, and linens included?
  • Do you have preferred or required vendors?

Photographer

  • How many hours of coverage are included?
  • Do you offer a second shooter?
  • How long is your photo turnaround time?
  • Have you worked at our venue before?

Caterer

  • What is included in your service package?
  • Do you provide staff and table service?
  • Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
  • How do you handle final guest counts?
Bonus Tip

You do not have to figure it all out at once

Wedding planning tends to feel overwhelming when every detail starts blending together. The best thing you can do is take one step at a time, keep your information organized, and ask for help when you need it.

Want support beyond the starter kit?

Petals Planners offers wedding planning and coordination for couples in Cumberland, Maryland and surrounding areas. If you would love extra guidance, we would be honored to help.