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.
- 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 wedding DJ
- Get plenty of sleep and practice good nutrition
- Relax! It’s almost time for the big day!
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