Feeling overwhelmed

Hotel blocks and activities can wait. Next step would be any vendors you plan on using including photographer, DJ, caterer (if not included with your venue), coordinator, etc. Because weddings from 2020 and 2021 got pushed and changed a lot 2022 is a big wedding year and a lot of vendors are pretty booked up already. Some are even booking into 2023 right now.

Don't let that freak you out, just keep that in mind if you find that many vendors are already booked for your date.

My wedding is 7/10/22 and I feel exactly the same! Its a lot getting all your wedding stuff together but I don’t think you’re too behind but you can always just plan ahead so it’s less stress later! You can even start looking for dress and the bridesmaid dresses! Look for a dj, florist, makeup artist, hair stylist and officiant! Depending on where the wedding is you can find hotels near by for the out of town guest. Maybe make a list for yourself on the things you need and go through it!

Honestly, you are so far out still, you don't need to worry about much.

I would make sure you have the followed picked, and date determined. Then you won't need to worry about anything until few months before the wedding:

Ceremony Location

Reception Location

Photographer

DOC if you like one

MUA if you would like your make up professionally done

Hotel Block

Pretty much means you picked your date, and work out the details later.

I am getting married on 9/2/22 and you should at the very least have these three things done yesterday. One have your venue selected and reserved. Our date was decided by when we could get the space. So many dates are taken up since weddings were put on hold last year. The wedding planning portion of this site is great or check out other planning sites with timelines so you stay on task. Second thing should get done asap is getting your dress with different delays in shipping and alterations you want to get that done as quickly as you can. Third thing you'll want to do is get your officiant set up, because like the dates that are getting taken up, officials may be booked on your day. If you have to find an officiant best to get one reserved and then other things will fall in place. Good luck and congrats on your engagement.

My first three were:
- venue
- caterer - planner
If you’re not having a planner I would go on to you website and Save The Dates. Engagement photos, maybe putting down a deposit on a photographer if you want them to do your engagement and wedding.

There's a checklist on here that will tell you everything you need to do and when. You have less than a year, but that's still plenty of time unless you had your heart set on a particular popular venue. Right now you need a venue and a dress.

I agree follow the checklist it really helps during the planning process. And don’t worry about what others are saying to you, if they are helping with the planning then they have no say in the input. I remember thinking we needed everything to be planned out in 1 month, but looking back now I realize it’s better to give yourself a solid 3-4 months of getting the checklist done and by then you will have the rest of the time to worry about small details. Don’t worry, your doing absolutely great!

I think securing your venue is a great start. September of 2022 is going to fill up fast though so I would at least start reaching out to vendors this weekend and setting up chats with them. We booked our venue, photographer, and reception venue/caterer first, then everything else could kind of slow down a bit (but we're not having a DJ or videographer, and I was planning on using one florist's elopement arrangements).

As others have said, the checklist is AMAZING and it's a fantastic resource to have.