Perhaps some of you are unaware of all the prep-work that goes into a wedding. There are so many things to do that it can seem overwhelming! Lets start with a basic 12 month countdown from http://www.brides.com/ magazine:
12 months before:
-Budget!- scary word, but don't worry- at the bottom of the page I'll give you a couple of links to help!
-What's the big picture? -why are you getting married, what do you want to most remember about that day? What's the style, size and date of your wedding going to be?
-Mail save-the-dates if you like to announce your engagement, especially to guests who live out-of-state.
-Reserve your reception and ceremony venues as soon as you pick a date!- they might be booked so don't send save-the-dates out until you have a definite date set!
-Lastly, and possibly the most fun start shopping for that dress! :) Check magazines, websites, and any bridal store in your area- have fun with it!
10 months before:
-Start hunting your vendors: a caterer, a florist, photographer, DJ/ band- and adjust your budget as they give you estimates- you may choose to pay less for flowers and more for the music...it's up to you as a couple- allow the groom input brides, it's his wedding too! :)
-Select your officiant [and ask about pre-marital counseling if you like!]
-Choose your attendants- this might be really hard. Take your time- I'll post some great articles about this in the future!
-Begin compiling that guest list! The size will determine some costs for you- especially if you plan to feed them and hand out favors!
-Hire a wedding planner, if needed. I reccommend at least one consultation to get an expert's advice on how all your planning is going. It can put your mind at ease! But if you don't have that in your budget, then get this book, girl!:
8 months before:
-Create a wedding website- you don't have to be a techie, try the link at the bottom of the page!
-Book your caterer, florist, DJ, etc.
-If you are having a custom dress made, now would be the time to order it. Make sure you get everything in writing- style, price, number of fittings, cost of alterations, etc. (If you are buying a dress off the rack and think you'll only need minor alterations, if any, you can wait a few more months to find that dress.)
6 months before:
-Meet with your vendors to plan details (flowers, rentals, menu, playlist, etc.)
-Order the invitations, or start DIYing them!
-Register for gifts- plan several fun outings as a couple to put together your wish list! Dream big!
-Now, I'm a traditionalist and would prefer the groom surprise me with the honeymoon, but whether you two plan it together or he does it alone- now is the time to book flights, hotels, rental cars, and all that fun stuff.
-Reserve any transportation you need from shuttling guests to the ceremony and back, to the getaway car!
-Order the wedding rings
-Shop for bridesmaid outfits- set boundaries and goals before you enter a store or click a mouse!
4 months before:
-Finalize your guest list and give it to your calligrapher
-Schedule the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
-Talk to your fiance' about what he and the guys will wear
-Make sure the bridesmaids have ordered their dresses!
2 months before:
-Mail the invites- don't forget your parents or the bridal party (I know they know all about it, but it's polite- and they'll appreciate it!)
-If you are planning on giving away favors, now is the time to order them or begin making them!
-Do a hair and make-up trial with stylists or start practicing on yourself
-Go over the ceremony details, including the readings and songs you've chosen, with your officiant
-Check your state's requirements for a marriage license!
6 weeks before:
-Print the programs
-Send your wedding announcement to the papers
-Buy gifts for the members of the wedding party
-Write or select your vows; have your officiant approve them
2 weeks before:
-Submit a shot list to the photographer
-Call anyone who hasn't RSVP'd
-Go for your final dress fitting
-Make sure the gift registry still has plenty of options (if necessary, add more!)
-Write the rehearsal dinner speeches; reconfirm the dinner reservation
-Write out the escort and place cards
-Get the marriage license
-Give your official playlist to the DJ and/or band
1 week before:
-Pack for the honeymoon
-Pick up your dress
-Confirm all details with vendors
-Assemble the favors or programs
-Give the ceremony participants their scripts
-Break in your shoes by wearing them around the house
-Submit the final guest count to your caterer
1 day before!
-Assemble the wedding-day tips in envelopes
-Reconfirm all pickup times and locals with your limo and/or shuttle companies
-Get a manicure and pedicure (if you want waxings or facials...do that no fewer than 4 days before the ceremony)
-Hold the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner!
Day Of:
-Allott time for hair and make-up before the photographer arrives
-Put on your dress 30 minutes before picture time
-Eat small, light meals- you might have butterflies in your stomach! :)
-Check the honeymoon-flight status online
-Knock 'em dead!
That is the most basic list for a wedding and you can alter it any way you like. To have a neat paper copy of this, grab a copy of Brides, the magazine, and they will have it within the first 40 pages of every issue!
Links I love:
From starting your wedding website to budgeting it can all be done in one link: http://www.brides.com/myweddingplanner/tools-intro
Another fun budgeting website:
http://www.smartypig.com/
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