Let me start off by wishing you Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! If you're not sure where to go from being engaged to planning a wedding we've come to the rescue with this handy dandy, can't go wrong list. At the end of this post you will find a print button to print this list out and start a wedding notebook to keep things organized.
12 to 18 months
ahead
- Determine your budget and the type of wedding (formal,informal)
- Choose a location for the wedding (banquet hall, church, etc)
- Visit your officiant (church) with your fiancee. Select date
- Plan and attend several bridal shows for ideas
- Choose your attendants (wedding party)
- Write up a tentative invitation list, for number of guests
- Select your entertainment: Band or Disc-Jockey. NOTE:Since bands and mobile DJ's do private events you may not be able to view one of their receptions live. Ask to see a video, and check references. Ask the band how long they have been in business and what is their long term projection for being together for your wedding date. Ask the band what style of music they play and do they take requests. Ask the DJ service about Back-up equipment and what they use for their music source to stay current. Look for a DJ who is a wedding specialist. Ask how long they have been in business. Some DJ's may help you with photographer and videographer (Since larger DJ's work with most of these professionals in your area regularly.) Ask about discounts and specials if you utilize multiple services. The Band/DJ will actually be your wedding/time coordinator and make or break your reception. If you plan on a memorable event, hire a "professional wedding specialist" and not a friend of a friend or uncle Joe and his CD player! As far as what you pay, look at what you just paid for your cake and even your veggie trays. Is the person who will actually run your special day worth more than these items? Most services like the reception hall, Band, DJ and photographer will require a deposit. Either way, make sure you have a signed contract. Also check their refund policy on your deposit. It is not uncommon for many wedding professionals to have a "no refund" policy as they have reserved your date expressly for you.
- Choose your location for the reception. Call around to several locations(just in case) and compare prices and services.
- Pick your date, determine day or evening, color schemes etc.
- Enroll with a bridal registry at your local department store
- Select your dress, veil, accessories. Select your bridesmaid's dresses. The Groom should also consult a formal wear specialist.
- Select photographer and/or Videographer
- Select a florist or floral supplier, determine fresh or artificial flowers
- (NOTE: If traveling out of the USA, have appropriate proof of citizenship and other travel documentation (Passport). Check with your travel planner or travel agent.)
4 to 6 months
ahead
- Order your invitations.
- Order napkins, personalized wedding favors/gifts if you expect a warm venue.
- Plan accommodations for out-of-town guests. Adding a "Welcome" packet to each room is a professional touch. Welcome Packs can include extra toiletries, map, water bottles, snacks, coupons for area stores and restaurants along with a note from the bride and groom.
- Arrange for your rehearsal dinner. Rehearsal Dinner Invitations add a nice touch especially if you're including more than the wedding party such as out of town guests.
-
Select a baker for your wedding cake. (This is the best part! Go out
and try samples of different bakeries and choose your baker. Then decide
the configuration of the cake(s).)
2 to 4 months
ahead
- Address wedding invitations - Ask your wedding consultant for correct protocol for addressing, stuffing, and sealing envelopes.
- Draw up a seating plan for invited guests. Order your Place Cards and Place Card Frames or Holders.
- Don't forget you'll need a cake knife and server, along with your cake topper. Favor and Cake boxes may also be needed. We always suggest using Cake Boxes. Boxes are the same price as bags but make for a better take home presentation.
- Select music for your church service (if any)
- Choose and purchase gifts for your attendants (bridal party). Don't forget the parents gift.
- Buy Wedding Rings
- Make a date to get your marriage license
-
Make a map to the church and reception hall, for local and out-of-town
guests
2 to 3 months
ahead
- Buy wedding gift for your future spouse
- Make appointment with hairstylist, manicurist, etc
- Have final dress fitting, bride and bridesmaids
- Groom verify all groomsmen have been fitted for their outfits
- Mail invitations - before stamping bring one "finished" invitation to your local postoffice and verify the cost. Then purchase additional outer and inner stamps. (TIP: The post office makes self-adhesive stamps for most wedding envelope costs, much better than licking them if you have a lot to do.)
- Have formal wedding portrait taken
- Did you plan on honoring departed relatives at your ceremony? Memorial Candles or Picture Frames add a nice touch.
- Pick up wedding rings
-
Confirm with all hired professionals (DJ, Photo,Video, Reception) Correct
dates and times
1 month
ahead
- Send your wedding announcement and photo to local newspaper.
- Review seating plan for reception
- Meet with DJ to select music and special events during the reception. Remember the DJ will be the coordinator for events at your reception, as well as master of ceremonies and playing music. You should be able to see a breakdown of time frames for the entire reception as far as what is being done (cocktail hour, dinner, traditional wedding events) Most DJ's have a wide selection of music and will play for your crowd appropriately. Don't be misled and think you need to choose every song, that is the job of a professional entertainer. If you would like special songs for your wedding dances , choose them at this time.
-
Confirm your honeymoon arrangements.
2 weeks
ahead
- Have final consultation with caterer and florist
- Write out checks(or withdraw cash) for hired professionals to give to Best-man for distribution.
- Verify tickets and seating (if flying), obtain all travel documents. (NOTE: If traveling out of the USA, have appropriate proof of citizenship and other travel documentation. Check with your travel planner or travel agent.)
- Pack for your honeymoon.
From Love and Marriage to Baby and Carriage
Volner's Love and Carriage www.volnersloveandcarriage.theaspenshopscom
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