Hey guys, it’s Lauren. In this video I’m walking you through exactly how I planned our whole wedding in 8 months—month by month—so you can see what actually needs to happen when, what can wait, and where the stress points really are. I share the vendors I booked first (and why), how I built my budget, and the decisions that helped me feel like myself on my wedding day (like choosing a clean, documentary-style photographer and keeping hair and makeup elevated but not “caked up”). I also talk through practical stuff like save-the-dates, invitations, seating charts, and all the little Amazon “wedding day details” you don’t think about until the last minute. I also share a few things I wish every bride knew: I personally found it way easier to book my venue first and then build my budget around that number. Tips can get expensive fast, so you need to leave room for them. And please remember your bridesmaids are spending a lot too—so I gave my girls options for hair and makeup. Lastly (and this one matters the most), plan private moments with your fiancé because the day goes by so quickly. We did a completely private first look and vows, a private moment after the ceremony, and a private last dance—and those were some of the sweetest parts of the whole day.