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BRIDE TIPS
While couples often hire professionals to help manage their wedding plans, there are plenty of reasons why they might choose to handle all the planning tasks and responsibilities on their own. maybe they are working on a tight budget, or maybe they simply love the DIY possibilities. In any case planning a wedding can be pretty overwhelming at times. It is possible to personally put together the wedding of your dreams, and being organized will help tremendously. Making sure you have plenty of time to plan your special day is key.
Here’s a wedding planning checklist to help you stay organized and on track as you prepare for your special day. Customize it based on your specific needs and timeline.
12-18 Months before
- Set a budget:Determine your budget and allocate funds to each aspect of the wedding.
2. Select a date and Venue: Choose a wedding date and book a venue that accommodates your guest count. Physically go to the venues and get a feel for the venue. Remember the backdrop of your venue will be the backdrop of your photos. If you want something bright find a venue that has lots of windows and natural light. Make sure the space offers a bridal suite and a groom’s suite so you don’t have to pay for another space to get ready.
3. Hire a Wedding Planner: Wedding planners are extremely helpful, and will ease the stress of planning.They can also recommend reliable vendors that they can refer to you.
4. Research and Book Vendors: Start researching and booking essential vendors such a s wedding photographer, videographer, caterer, florist, makeup artist. Do not wait to do this. Booking them this far in advance will give you options of the best vendors around. If you Wait they may be booked, and leave you scrambling.
5. Choose your wedding party: Select your bridesmaids, groomsmen and other members of the bridal party
9-12 Months before:
7. Get Engagement Pictures Done: This gives you the opportunity to meet your photographer, and get comfortable in front of the camera.
8. Order Save-the-Dates: Design and order Save-the-date cards.
9. Find a Wedding Dress: Begin shopping for and order your wedding dress.
10. Book Officiant: Secure your officiant for the Ceremony.
11. Book your Hair & Makeup artist: Start researching hair and makeup artist and schedule your trial.
12. Plan Honeymoon: Research and plan your honeymoon.
13. Create Wedding Website: Build a wedding website to share details of your day with guest.
14. Finalize guest list: Confirm guest list.
15. Wedding Colors and attire: Pick out colors and dresses for your bridal party, and research groom and groomsmen suits whether renting or purchasing.
16. Flowers with florist: Go over your flower choices and desired look of your ceremony and reception space.
17. Register for gifts: Create a wedding registry.
6-9 Months before
18. Order Invitations: Design and order wedding invitations.
19. Book Entertainment: Arrange for music or entertainment during the ceremony and reception.
20. Plan Rehearsal Dinner: Coordinate the rehearsal dinner details.
21. Arrange transportation: Book transportation for the wedding day.
22. Research and Book Accommodations: Secure accommodations for out of town guest.
4-6 months
23. Finalize menu: Work with the caterer to finalize the menu.
24. Schedule dress fittings: Schedule fittings for your dress.
25. Purchase Wedding Bands: Choose and purchase your wedding bands.
26. Send invitations: Mail out wedding invitations.
27. Plan Bachelorette/Bachelor parties: Coordinate pre-wedding celebrations.
2-4 months
28. Apply for Marriage License: Obtain a marriage license.
29. Confirm Details with Vendors: Confirm arrangements and details with all vendors.
26. Create a seating plan: Develop a seating plan for the reception.
27: Finalize ceremony details: Finalize ceremony details and readings.
1-2 months before
28. Hair & Makeup Trial: research styles and makeup options you like to guide your stylist at your preview.
29: Rsvp Tracking: Track and follow up on your RSVPs.
30. Finalize day-of-schedule: Work with planner and photographer to create a detailed schedule for the wedding day starting with arrival
31. Photo List: Create a family photo list to give to photographer so you make sure to get all desired photos
32. Confirm Final Payments: Confirm and pay final payments with all vendors.
1 week before
33. Pack for your Honeymoon: Begin packing for your honeymoon
34. Finalize details: Confirm all details with vendors.
35. Pack for the wedding Day: Pack a bag with essentials for the wedding day.
36. Hydrate your Skin: Exfoliate twice a week leading up to your day, and apply moisturizer to your skin daily and also to your lips. This will help the foundation of your skin when applying makeup
On the Day:
37. Take a deep breath your day has finally arrived. Make sure to eat, and drink plenty of water the morning of your day. Most importantly enjoy your day. Dont stress little things. relax and enjoy every moment it goes by so quickly.
Remember flexibility is key. Its okay if not everything goes according to plan. You hired your vendors for a reason and they will help keep things on schedule, along with help to keep peace of mind during the day. Remember your celebrating the love you share between you and your new husband.
Contact us today to book us for your wedding! We can’t wait to hear from you.
Meet Amy, owner of Veil of Grace Photography, and check out her introduction HERE.
