You're Engaged! How to Start Planning...

Planning a wedding can be some of the happiest time of your life, but where do you start? Here’s some tips to get you moving in the right direction:

Shortly After the Big Announcement

• As you begin to have ideas about the wedding, sit down with both families to formulate a budget. Remember, parents who planned their wedding twenty or thirty years ago can be surprised by today’s costs. Expect to be flexible.
• Decide on a date that works for both families and your work schedules. Be aware of family birthdays, anniversaries or annual events that may cause a conflict.

12 to 18 Months Prior to the Wedding

• Begin visiting venues! Peak dates go quickly, so if you have your heart set on a Saturday in June, lock in your venue early.
• If you are using a wedding planner, begin interviewing now. They can help you with the decisions to follow.
• Visit bridal shows, the Internet, and look in current magazines or directories for ideas for your wedding day.

9 to 18 Months Prior

• Hire the photographer, caterer, videographer, officiant, and DJ. Prime dates book quickly, as do good vendors. The earlier you book, the better chance you’ll secure your first choice vendors. Click here to learn more.
• Begin looking at wedding dresses. If you are considering a custom designed dress, you’ll want to leave plenty of time for it to be prepared.
• Schedule your engagement session with your photographer.

6 to 9 Months Prior

• Bridal party dresses should be ordered, save-the-dates mailed, overnight accommodations reserved for wedding guests.
• Order your wedding cake, flowers and transportation for the wedding and reception.

4 to 6 Months Prior

• Reserve rehearsal dinner location, establish bridal registries, rent tuxedos, order wedding invitations, reserve necessary rental equipment.

2 to 4 Months Prior

• Book your honeymoon and secure arrangements for wedding night accommodations.
• Schedule appointments for hair, makeup, facials, massages and spa treatments
• Order reception favors
• Begin dance lessons if you want a choreographed first dance

2 Months Prior

• Mail wedding invitations
• Verify requirement for marriage license
• Purchase bridal party gifts
• Create ceremony program

Final 6 Weeks

• Confirm all vendors, finalize food and beverage choices with your caterer or reception site. Schedule a final dress fitting (tuxes for the gentlemen) and plan seating arrangements for your reception.
• Establish a timeline for the wedding day.
• Select songs for your ceremony and special dances
• Schedule a consultation for your hair and makeup. Many brides do a “dress rehearsal” to make sure they like the look.

Week of Your Wedding

• Confirm timeline and desired shot list with your photographer and videographer
• Discuss song selections with your DJ
• Get plenty of sleep and practice good nutrition
• Relax! It’s almost time for the big day!

How can we help with your wedding? Email Us or call 248-689-0777