So many things running through your mind, when should we get married, where? Who should I have in my Wedding Party, what colors? The list goes on and on....
Take a Deep Breath! Go out on a date with your fiancé and enjoy the moment together, everything will come together, unless your planning a wedding in 6 months there is no reason to rush. Over the next few weeks you can tell family and friends maybe plan a engagement dinner and tell everyone together. Once all the excitement has calmed down (just a bit) you can start the planning.
12+ Months Before
Set a Budget
Think about what you want your wedding to be, Formal, Casual, Large, Small, indoor, outdoor, once you have an idea what you and your fiancé would like, figure out how much you think you can spend, are the parents helping or is it all on you two? If your getting help, rather then just excepting money put that money towards something particular, the DJ, The photos, etc.. that way your families will feel they really contributed and you can rest knowing that one of the vendors are taken care of.
Get Organized
Now you need to decide if you would like to hire a Wedding Planner, this is one of the best investments you can make ( I am not just saying that because this is my business), if you have time to make phone calls, read emails, visit venues while working fulltime, going to school or maybe you have kids then great, but if this is just too much and you want guidance we can be your best friend! So if your going to do the majority of the planning get organized, use a binder and get folders or get a flex folder that has it all in one, make your tabs, Venues, florists, Music, Etc. keep your notes proposals and samples all together and with you at all times, you never know when your going to be out and see something and you don't have your samples to match it to!
Set the Date
When selecting a date, keep in mind, the Weather, Sunset times, School start dates and Holidays. November through March are considered Off Season so rates tend to be lower, April-October are Peak Season and higher rates apply. Look at a Friday wedding discounts are available with most venues. Also consider a afternoon wedding to get a lower rate. Which ever date and time you pick, make sure you have a backup date. If you fall in love with a venue and they don't have your date your back to square one trying to plan.
Prepare your Guest List
Yup you need to start thinking about that now, you have to have an idea how many guests your going to have so you can find a venue that will accommodate your list large or small and of course for budgeting. Since this is just a preliminary list cushion it incase you forget a few people.
Look and Book Your Venue
Venues book quick so make this a priority. Try to visit them while they are setting up for an event so you can see how it will look, see the staff they have working there. Make sure they offer you a tasting if they are providing the food and when you can set one up.
Start to think about who you are going to ask, just keep in mind not EVERYONE you know has to be in the wedding. You can have people close to you do a reading, be an usher, make a toast or ask them to make or do something special forth wedding so they are still included.
You want to spread the word once you have your date and some details set. This is usually a small intimate party for family and close friends.
Also at this point you want to start dress shopping and ordering dresses can take 3-6 months sometimes longer. Also if you think you may need them apply for or renew your passports there is no telling ho long these will take.
8-10 Months Before
Order your gown if you have not done so, then you need to start getting your Bridal Party attire ordered. They don't take as long but you can not control things either, anything can happen with dye lots, backorders so be proactive!
Weather your making them or ordering them get them ordered and sent out, especially if you have out of town guests they need to make travel arrangements.
Research, interview and Book your vendors. This is the most time consuming and can be most frustrating part. You will need patience (or a Wedding Planner, LOL) You will be playing phone tag, emailing for a while before you can set u a time to meet the vendors. You should interview at least three from each category before making a decision.
Make Hotel and transportation reservations for you and your out of town guests. Hotels will give you blocks and a discounted rate. Be courteous to your guests and have at least two options with different prices. As for transportation, there are many Taxi companies that will work with hotels and give you discounted rates to get your guests to and from the reception safely.
Rentals
Depending on your venue you may need to rent tables, chairs, linens, check with them first BEFORE booking. This should be done now to ensure you have everything you need.
6-8 Months
Time to order your invitations out. Make sure you order extra for any errors or again guests you may have missed.
Register for your gifts
By now your family and friends are planning a shower time to register. Just because your living together doesn't mean you don't need things. Who doesn't like new towels, sheets. You can also register for wedding items, Cake Knife Server, Toasting Glasses.
Honeymoon
Start researching your airfare, hotels and of course location. I suggest going to a travel agent, unless you already know where and when they can do the leg for you and the fees are minimal.
4-6 Months Before
4-6 Months Before
If your getting married in a church or even having a religious ceremony check to see if your required to have pre-marriage counseling or classes.
All of your vendors should be booked by now if not, get this done chances are its going to be harder to find someone this close.
Grooms
Should be shopping for their attire
Rehearsal
Select the rehearsal dinner time and location, if sending invites get those done now as well. Keep it simple, and keep the list to Wedding Party and dates/Spouses, Parents and Grandparents.
3 Months Before
Cake Anyone?
Time to order your cake and or desserts. YUM! Keep in mind if you do a cake make it a flavor you know everyone will like. You do not want to take home a lot of cake, or even worse pay for it and it has to be thrown away because no one ate it. Think about Cupcakes you can get a variety of flavors and guests can take it home.
Invitations
Mail out the invitations, also remember to order extra postage invitations will use a regular stamp and usually a twenty cent. Plus the response envelope needs a stamp!
Groom/Groomsmen
If they haven't done so order their attire. Plan the Bachelor Party
Bride/Bridesmaid's
Finalize our look with jewelry, Veil and accessories f not already done. Plan your Bachelorette Party.
2 Months Before
Complete all your Vendor Tasks
List of photos for your photographer, Song list and line up for Dj/Emcee Vows and ceremony outline to Officiant, Floorplan/Seating Chart for Venue.
Hair and Makeup Trials for Bride
Create your day of Time line for vendors/Wedding Party
1 Month Before
Get your marriage license! States do vary, but make sure you have proof of identification, social security card, if there is a divorce you may need those papers.
Bride
Schedule your final fitting and bring two people who will be in charge of your bustle.
2 Weeks Before
Finalize your RSVP's contact anyone you have not heard from. Complete your Seating chart
Bride, final Haircut and Color (nothing drastic!)
1 Week Before
Give Venue the final head count, remember vendors count, under 21 and kids.
Call all vendors and confirm details and times they will be arriving
Create a list for the Venue of all your Vendors include a good contact phone number.
Mani/Pedi's for the Wedding Party
2-3 Days Before
Bride
Make sure your Dress is pressed wear your shoes the next few days break them in.
Groom
You and groomsmen pick up Attire make sure it fits
If you have not decided on the order in which everyone will walk down the aisle, get this done and to your officiant, if you don't have a wedding planner they will run the rehearsal.
Hand over any décor or set up items to person in charge. If your lucky enough to be able to drop the items off the day before do it than.
Deliver any welcome bags to hotels
Day Before
Write out any last minute payments and gratuities to vendors. Place in envelope and give to someone to distribute day of.
At rehearsal, bring all ceremony décor and reception décor and give to the designated person (s)
At Rehearsal dinner present bridal party and parent with gifts
Go home drink plenty of water and rest!
Only a few things to do! Then you can marry your best friend!
Present your gift to him, have your Maid if Honor meet the best man and give it to him.
Make sure your designated person(s) is taking care of your setup
Have a Mimosa and Relax!
GET MARRIED!!!
We have created a Bridal Planning Guide in a short printable version, if you would like one please email us at
yourdayyourway07@yahoo.com
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