919-678-0092The Perfect Wedding Guide
No matter what stage of wedding planning you are in, we can all agree on one thing: Wedding planning can be, at times, a bit stressful and overwhelming.
The best way to combat feeling overwhelmed-- organization, organization, organization! You can never be too organized when you are planning the biggest day of your life!
We have taken time to compile the best tips by month, to create an essential wedding checklist to survive the madness, hopefully, allowing you to enjoy the planning process.
12-16 Months before the Wedding
- Choose a wedding date
- Get organized, start a wedding file
- Discuss and choose the formality of your wedding day
- Announce your engagement in your local paper(s)
- If you deem necessary, hire a wedding consultant
- Select a location for your ceremony
- Select a location for your reception
- Start shopping for your wedding gown
- Most important, decide on a wedding budget!
8-10 Months before the Wedding
- Select your bridal party
- Secure a wedding officiant
- Hire a reception caterer
- Contract a photographer, and/or videographer
- Hire a band or DJ
- Decide on bridesmaid's dresses
- Start compiling names and addresses for guest list
- Sign up for gift registries
- Plan an engagement party
5-7 Months before the Wedding
- Finalize your guest list
- Shop for your wedding stationary
- Arrange hotel accommodations for out-of-town guests
- Select your wedding cake
- Begin preparations for your honeymoon
4 Months before the Wedding
- Book a Florist
- Shop for wedding bands, at Joint Venture Jewelry we have great bands for every budget
3 Months before the Wedding
- Send out wedding invitations
- Select tuxedos
- Arrange for rental of items
- Discuss and finalize menu options and costs with caterer
- Order wedding favors
- Shop for bridal party gifts
- Begin any necessary counseling sessions with wedding officiant
2 Months before the Wedding
- Choose your wedding music
- Select a location for your rehearsal dinner
- Schedule Alterations
- Schedule fittings for your bridesmaids
- Order address labels with couple's new names and address- This adds personalized touch when sending out wedding thank you cards.
- Confirm order with florist
1 Month before Wedding
- Design your wedding program
- Apply for marriage license, Make sure you check with appropriate states on laws, each may have specific requirements
- Have your final gown fitting
- Choose all wedding accessories, Shoes, purse, jewelry
- Visit hair stylist & makeup artist
- Discuss and finalize details with wedding service providers
2 Weeks before the Wedding
- Call any non RSVP guests
- Give caterer finalized head count
- Pick up your marriage license
- Give a list of songs to the DJ or band
- Confirm rehearsal plans
- Complete floor and seating plans
- Confirm all rental and floral delivery dates and times
- Confirm arrival time for all attendants
- Check parking arrangements
1 Week before the Wedding
- Organize wedding day attire, give your maid/matron of honor instructions
- Confirm honeymoon reservations
- Confirm reservations for out-of-town guests
- Pack for the honeymoon, remember passport if required
- Confirm rehearsal plans with attendants
- Confirm reservations for rehearsal dinner
- Pick up tuxedos
1 Day before the Wedding
- Create a final checklist of things to do and make sure all bases are covered and proper instructions are given
- Pack a wedding day emergency kit
- Schedule a manicure/pedicure with your bridesmaids, mothers, etc.
- Get your rings cleaned at Joint Venture Jewelry so they can sparkle on your big day!
- Put all wedding attire and accessories together
- Give wedding bands to the best man and maid of honor, a small threat may be necessary that they don't lose the rings!
- Try to get a good night's sleep
Wedding Day
- Eat something, avoid sugars and caffeine
- Get hair and make-up done
- Have someone, not your maid of honor, check your reception site
- Dress for the wedding
Every wedding and needs for a wedding vary from bride to bride, based on individual personality. Pick the planning needs that best suit your special day. Congratulations and best of luck on a long, happy life together!
SHARE
