Planning Your Memorable Wedding
You have finally said, “Yes.” This is the start of your life as a couple. And prior to that much-awaited big day, you, both the bride and groom, have so many decisions to make and wedding related tasks to complete.
Preparing for your wedding day need not be stressful. On the other had, it should be fun and memorable. And to do this, start off by putting together a wedding timetable.
Following is a short list of wedding related tasks including a rough estimate of when the activities should be done. It presents tips and guidelines to keep you organized and help you think of all the matters that you must take into consideration in the course of planning for your big day. Of course, these are mere suggestions. All activities and schedules are still up to the couple to decide on depending on their priorities.
At the Time of the Engagement
- You must tell your parents the happy news as soon as possible that is if they don’t already know. If you are having an engagement party, it would be good to keep your close friends and relatives informed also. You may want to send Engagement Announcements to far away friends and family.
- An organizer would be best to have in handy. This will help you keep track of all the appointments, payments and other wedding-related activities that you must attend to. There are several different styles from which to choose. Zazzle.com is now offering Avery Wedding Binders to consolidate all of your wedding plans in one place. A Wedding Collection by Lora Severson Photography sells many wedding planners featuring her original photography. The Knot Wedding Shop also has a wide variety of wedding planning kits and The Deluxe Wedding Planner & Organizer
to keep the bride and groom organized. Create the ultimate wedding website with Wedding Tracker and get wedding planner tools including gift registries, event calendars and more.
- Have your engagement photo taken. Once you have your professional photograph, you can use it to create personal Save the Date Photo Cards or Thank You Photo Cards, if desired.
6 to 12 Months In Advance Before the Big Day
- The couple should have already picked and decided on the wedding date. At this time, reserve the venue where the ceremony and reception is to be held.
- Set an appointment with the wedding officiant.
- Establish a budget for the wedding, and try as much as possible to stick to it.
- Prepare a wedding guest list. You wouldn’t want to leave somebody uninvited unintentionally.
- Shop around for a photographer, florists, musicians, and a caterer. Obtain estimates for these services.
- Register at the bridal gift registry.
- Pick a wedding dress and accessories to go with it. If you are having a seamstress make you one, this is the time to have it arranged. Several fittings may be required for this.
- For the bride, select your bridesmaids. A Wedding Attendant Invitation or Will You Be My Bridesmaid card is a fun way to ask them to be a part of your wedding day. Set a date for ordering dresses for them.
4 to 6 Months In Advance Before the Big Day
- Have the invitations, wedding programs and thank you notes ordered. Zazzle.com and A Wedding Collection by Lora Severson Photography carries a wide variety of customizable wedding invitations, announcements, cards and postage stamps. A bulk rate is available to help keep costs down.
- The photographer, florist, musician, and caterer should have already been chosen. Go over details with each of these services to make sure that everything is as agreed upon.
- For the groom, select attire.
- Honeymoon reservations should be made already at this point.
- Confirm the delivery of the bridal gown.
2 Months In Advance Before the Big Day
- Plan your rehearsal dinner. Custom rehearsal dinner invitations are available at Zazzle.com and A Wedding Collection by Lora Severson Photography.
- If you are having out-of-town attendants, arrange for their lodging.
- Make an appointment with your chosen photographer for the shooting of the bridal portrait.
- Order the wedding cake.
1 Month In Advance Before the Big Day
- The couple should decide on a wedding band set.
- Mail the invitations. Adding coordinating Wedding Postage Stamps is always a nice touch.
- Check the apparel for the wedding party.
- The couple attends showers.
2 Weeks Before the Wedding.
- It is time to apply for marriage license and attend to other legal matters, especially for the bride - name and address changes on bank accounts and other official documents.
- Plan a wedding hairstyle and make-up appointment with your stylist.
- Check with the caterer and the reception venue for last minute changes.
1 Week Before the Wedding
- Do your honeymoon packing.
- Wrap gifts for the groom and attendants.
- Schedule the wedding rehearsal.
- Remind the wedding party of the exact time and place for the occasion.
On Wedding Day
- Eat breakfast! Fainting in the aisle is embarrassing.
- Have your hair and make-up done.
- Shake off all your wedding details worries and enjoy your day.
-Be sure to bring your Wedding Day Survival Kit to the church and reception with you to fend off any wedding emergencies that may arise.
