Tips for planning your Wedding Day

If you are in the process of planning a wedding (Congratulations!), you may have already discovered just how arduous the wedding planning process can turn into. Try not to jump ahead of yourself and your plans, or you may just find yourself in a bind over trying to find and coordinate a reasonably priced caterer with your already-booked reception site, or another similar situation. Slow down for a second and become organized. Begin by keeping a notebook with several pockets or pouches within it. Remember to jot down every bit of information as you gather it. Keep everything- from receipts, budget outlines and contracts- to catering menus, fabric swatches and music lists. It’s very important to keep your information organized. This will ensure that your plans will flow as smoothly as possible.

Form a Budget

After you’ve announced your engagement to family and friends, your next step, before all other wedding plans, would be setting a budget. Make sure to discuss this matter with all whom will be involved with contributing to the finances of your wedding day. If both your parents and your fiancé’s parents will be paying for the wedding, then be sure to set an appropriate time for everyone to meet and discuss the budgeting details. Maybe you and your fiancé will be paying for the wedding on your own. Regardless of who may be responsible for the final bill, be sure to sit down, talk and form a suitable budget for all involved.  Write down an estimated amount for each individual item/category of the wedding. Once a budget has been planned out and set you can then begin the rest of your wedding plans. Again, it is very important that you decide on a budget that is affordable and manageable for all involved. Imagine being newlyweds, stuck into a long-term loan, or knowing that your parents will have to pay off an enormous wedding debt for years to come. That simply would not be a good idea.

So what’s next?

There is much to take care of when planning for a wedding. This is especially true if you plan to have a large wedding. Start planning as early as possible. Twelve to ten months ahead of time is highly recommended, as this will usually give you an ample amount of time to get all the wedding details into order. If your engagement period does not permit this amount of time, or you are under an urgent circumstance and need to get married as soon as possible, then you will of course have to adjust your wedding plans accordingly. Keep in mind that regardless if you are planning to have a formal large wedding, or an informal small wedding in front of a J.P., you will still first need to obtain a marriage license. Call your local Muncipal office for the full details and requirements in your area. 

Getting your plans into order

The following timeline lists the order of planning events and the timeframe in which they should be taken care of.  Adjust the timeline to your own planning schedule and needs.

Twelve months before your wedding- at this time you will want to set a budget, select your wedding attendants, choose and book an officiant, ceremony and reception site. You will also want to begin shopping for your gown and veil.

Eight months before your wedding- during this time you will want to have chosen and purchased your wedding gown and book most of the remaining wedding professionals- such as your caterer, florist, band and/or DJ, and photographer.

Six months before your wedding- Order wedding invitations, select and choose your baker for your wedding cake, book hair and makeup stylist. Don’t forget to meet with a travel agent and begin your honeymoon plans!

Three months before your wedding- Reserve wedding day transportation (limousines, etc), reconfirm honeymoon arrangements (don’t forget your passports if leaving the country). Begin making or purchasing wedding favors at this time.

One to two months before your wedding- at this time you will have your final gown fitting. You should also discuss details with your officiant (vows, readings etc.), mail out the invitations and obtain your marriage license.

Two weeks before your wedding- Confirm all travel documents with your travel agent and go over all final confirmations with your hired wedding professionals.

One week before your wedding- Confirm guest count with your caterer, pick up gown and veil, and pack for your honeymoon!

The day before your wedding- Almost there! You need to attend your rehearsal dinner, give the Best Man the ring and get a LOT of rest! Don’t forget to discuss all wedding details with your wedding attendants.

Relax now and enjoy your wedding day. Begin making precious memories as a newlywed couple!