Planning · checklist
Wedding planning: the complete checklist from 12 months to “I do”
Planning a wedding in Bulgaria has its own rhythm — registry office, church, restaurant, vendors, RSVP and hundreds of details. Follow this checklist so you don't miss anything important and arrive at the day calm and confident.
Step by step
Wedding planning checklist
Lay the foundations — budget, guests, date and venue.
- Set an overall budget and keep a reserve of at least 10% for unexpected costs.
- Draft a guest list — the average Bulgarian wedding welcomes 80–120 people.
- Choose a season and date; check it doesn't clash with a major church or national holiday.
- Book the registry office for the civil ceremony and a church for a religious wedding (or decide which one you need).
- Launch your wedding website with a save-the-date to collect early replies from guests.
Secure the key vendors while dates are still free.
- Choose and book a restaurant — check capacity, parking, on-site ceremony space and tipping terms.
- Taste the menu and agree on drinks, coffee break and a kids' menu.
- Hire a wedding photographer and videographer — look at full galleries, not just Instagram.
- Choose the music — DJ, brass band or a first-dance option.
- Consider a wedding planner or day-of coordinator if the organisation is complex.
Define the look — style, attire and invitations.
- Choose the wedding dress and suit — orders from abroad take longer.
- Decide on a visual style and colour palette — classic, boho, minimal or glam.
- Send online wedding invitations through your wedding website — with RSVP, menu and allergies.
- Book a florist for the bouquet, venue decor and table arrangements.
- Think about transport — limousine, vintage car or a minibus for guests.
Details that make the day run smoothly.
- Order the wedding cake — tasting and design to match your colours and season.
- Book hotel rooms for parents, best man, maid of honour and out-of-town guests.
- Choose the wedding website design — schedule, gallery, map and FAQ for guests.
- Buy or order the rings and consider engraving.
- Book hair and make-up — including a trial session and a schedule for the day.
Finalise lists and documents.
- Check the registry office documents — ID cards, baptism certificates for a church wedding, civil marriage certificate (if required).
- Choose your best man and bridesmaids and agree on responsibilities.
- Finalise the menu and guest count with the restaurant.
- Plan the church ceremony details — candles, crowns, icons and photography in the church.
- Consider wedding gifts or a wish list to share on your website.
Final confirmations and day-of organisation.
- Collect RSVP replies and create the seating plan.
- Confirm times and details with all vendors.
- Do a final fitting of the dress and suit and check the shoes.
- Rehearse the church or civil ceremony if needed.
- Prepare speeches, the first dance and surprises.
Relax and delegate.
- Delegate tasks to the best man, bridesmaids or wedding planner.
- Get a manicure, pedicure and final hair and make-up check.
- Check the weather forecast and a plan B for an outdoor ceremony.
- Do a final run-through with the restaurant — numbers, menu, timeline and tips.
- Update your wedding website with the final schedule and an emergency contact.
Your only job is to enjoy it.
- Bring ID cards, rings and any other required documents.
- Trust your team — planner, photographer, videographer and best man.
- Leave time for food and water between photo sessions.
- Enjoy the moment — the details are already taken care of.
Bulgarian specifics
What's different about a Bulgarian wedding
Registry office
In Bulgaria, civil marriage takes place at a municipal registry office. Book a slot at least 3–6 months ahead, especially in big cities.
Church wedding
For a church ceremony, choose a church, check the baptism certificate requirements and discuss the timing and photography with the priest.
Restaurant and menu
Most Bulgarian restaurants offer per-person packages. Check whether the price includes service, drinks, cake and decor, and whether there's an equipment fee.
Best man and bridesmaids
The best man and maid of honour usually help with organisation and coordination on the day, while bridesmaids support the bride. Agree on responsibilities in advance.
Wedding website and invitations
Instead of paper invitations, send an online wedding invitation with RSVP, venue and church addresses, schedule and dress code — all in one place.
Documents
A civil ceremony requires ID cards. A church wedding requires baptism certificates. For a second marriage a court decision may be required.
Frequently asked questions
Wedding planning — the essentials
When should I start planning the wedding?
Ideally 12 months before the date. That way you book the best vendors and the registry office without last-minute stress.
How much does an average wedding in Bulgaria cost?
For 80–100 guests the budget is usually between 25,000 and 60,000 BGN, depending on the location, restaurant and chosen vendors.
Do I need a wedding planner?
It's not required. For small, intimate weddings you can manage on your own with a good checklist and a wedding website. For complex events with many vendors, a planner saves time and nerves.
What should a wedding website include?
Date, venue, schedule, an online invitation with RSVP, menu and allergies, gallery, seating plan and an FAQ section for guests.
Your wedding website
Share the checklist with your guests today
A personal wedding website with RSVP, schedule, gallery and invitations — made so that planning your wedding is easier and more beautiful.