The adventures of wedding planning have just begun! Planning requires a checklist and timeline to keep it all organized. We gathered tips from the finest wedding planners to bring you the ultimate list of things to do. Let’s talk weddings and create your wedding planning checklist.
Wedding Planning on a Twelve Month Timeline
Most couples plan their weddings around a magical date on a twelve month timeline. Before you start planning, celebrate the engagement. Traditionally, the parents of the bride host the engagement party. It is also recommended that you have a professional engagement photo shoot. Pick a wedding date that works with your timeline and doesn’t feel rushed. Send out your save-the-dates as soon as you pick the day. This will put your special day on hold for your guests. Take the time to create your budget, create a total guest count, scroll through inspirational pages on social media and tour wedding venues. Find your dream location and book your wedding venue before you plan any other details. After you have secured a venue, you can start picking your wedding party. Hire your caterer, photographer and entertainment before other vendors. These are extremely important vendors that will define your entire event.
Nine Months to Go
Your wedding day might seem like it is so far away, but avoid falling into a pattern of procrastination. Move forward at the required pace and start shopping for important wedding fashion details. Shop for the wedding dress and tux. You probably need to schedule a couple fittings before the wedding. This is also the time to reserve a hotel block for out of town guests. You might want to reserve a room to enjoy with the wedding party on the night before and on the morning of your wedding day. Create a gift registry. Sign up for a gift registry at three different retailers to accommodate the disparate budgets of your guests. Create a wedding website to share wedding planning information with your guests and wedding party. Once you have accomplished these tasks, take a breath, because there is so much more to plan.
The Six Month Countdown
You are halfway to the finish line, yet have so much to do. You will not be sending out invitations until about six to eight weeks before your wedding day, but you will need to start shopping paper, fonts, techniques and embellishments. If you are hiring a calligrapher for invitations and table cards, you will need to work it into your timeline. Plan the honeymoon. Do not wait until the last minute. Planning a honeymoon takes thought and time to make it a truly magical experience. Think about your destination and make travel arrangements. If you will be traveling abroad, make sure you check travel advisories, research visa and vaccination requirements and obtain your passport. Shop for the wedding party. Traditionally, the wedding party purchases their own wedding attire; however, you will need to provide guidance and go dress shopping. Hire an officiant. This is one of the most important tasks of wedding planning, because your wedding ceremony is the most important part of it all. Arrange transportation, limos and cars. Make sure that you have secured your transportation for your grand entrance and exit. Create your day of event timeline. This will involve the timing for all of the wedding day events, such as the cutting of the cake, the first dance and bouquet toss. Wedding venues, such as Crystal Ballroom at Sunset Harbor, offer day of event coordinator packages to make sure your most important day unfolds according to your timeline. Check with your wedding venue when developing your timeline.
Four Months Left of Wedding Planning
There is still more to plan. Traditionally, the parents of the groom plan a rehearsal dinner, which usually involves a venue and catering. The rehearsal dinner occurs a couple days before the wedding, but the details will need to be planned in advance. This is the time to place the order for the cake. Provide your bridal shower host with your guest list. Create a playlist for your deejay or band. Finalize the floral arrangements. Purchase favors for your guests. Schedule another fitting for your wedding dress. Purchase the wedding rings. If you want the glamorous look, secure your hair and makeup artist.
The Last Two Months
The last couple months of wedding planning moves fast. This is the time to connect with your vendors and make sure you are all on the same page. Make sure they have your day of event timeline. Talk to your deejay or band about your timeline and playlist. Go over details with your photographer and make sure you have properly conveyed your ideas about photography style. Make a list of shots with people that you want in photographs together. You should have a photography timeline that makes room for your posed images as a couple, and with friends and family. Mail out invitations six to eight weeks prior to your wedding day.
The Last Month of Wedding Planning
During the last month of wedding planning, you will be counting RSVP’s, giving a final headcount to your caterer and venue, applying for your marriage license, scheduling a last fitting, making sure all of your vendors are paid, creating a seating chart, preparing your wedding favors and writing your vows. You will probably attend the bridal shower at this stage in planning. Avoid chemical peels and coloring your hair too close to your wedding day.
The Final Week
The last week of wedding planning should be about you. Relax, go to a spa with your wedding party and take the time to reflect. You will need to follow up with vendors during the final week. Make sure your day of event coordinator has your timeline and list for who will be bustling your dress and carrying out specific tasks. Pick up the dress, tux and wedding party attire. Pack for your honeymoon. Attend the rehearsal dinner and bachelor or bachelorette party. Make sure everything is laid out or packed the day before your wedding.
Crystal Ballroom at Sunset Harbor
Crystal Ballroom at Sunset Harbor makes wedding planning for the fairy tale a simple process. The all-inclusive wedding venue combines all of the furnishings, designs, and banquet services to make dream weddings come true. Take all the stress out of wedding planning, and let the professional designers and planners at Crystal Ballroom at Sunset Harbor create your wedding day from fantasy. Schedule your VIP tour and begin planning today.
