It is important to measure it well when planning a wedding. Here is a handy go-by that works for most of our brides here at Three Chicks Catering;
“I’m engaged… Now what?”
The first thing you want to do before you start planning details is to figure out a realistic budget. This will help you with ALL of your decisions here on out.
Next, pick a date! You may want to base this on your budget and how long it will take you to work all the overtime needed to afford the horse drawn carriage you simply must have.
Start buying the wedding magazines and researching online (if you haven’t already) for the style of dress you want for the ceremony.
Interview Caterers, Photographers, DJ’s, Florists, and Cake Designers. Enjoy the tastings! It’s even better than touring Costco when they are giving out samples!
Select your bridal party, and begin putting together your guest list. These girls will appreciate as much heads up as possible and your guest list is bound to go through a few revisions.
“… Only 8 months left!!!”
Finalize your guest list and get the “Save the date” cards in the mail/e-mail.
If you are going the traditional route, make sure you select your invitations around this time so that you can allow plenty of time for printing. If you are going green and e-mailing invitations you have a little more time to play with.
Get together with your bridal party and select the perfect dresses for your crew.
Make sure you hire or reserve your Wedding Officiant around this time. Some will require Pre-Marriage Counseling, so you will want to allow for some time for this.
Go out with your honey and get your gift registry going. Make sure to give your guests some upscale as well as some affordable options.
“The year is halfway over… what am I forgetting?”
At this point, you want to finalize floral selections with your florist. They will be able to steer you towards what will be in season when your wedding comes around if you are looking to be green/cost conscious.
… also, let your Cake Designer know what flavors and décor you have decided on. No turning back! There are usually extra costs involved with changes at the last minute.
Be cognizant of your out-of-town guests and make sure there is lodging available for them. This can be in the form of family and friend’s guest rooms or local hotels.
Make sure the Best Man and Maid of Honor have a handle on their timelines for “Bridal Showers” and Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties.
“The final countdown… Four months to go!”
Send out your carefully selected invitations.
Two words; Wedding Favors
Make a date to select wedding bands with your honey.
“Two months left”
Schedule hair and makeup with your favorite salon. You will want to do a trial run before the big day to make sure that you and the artist have the same vision.
Sit down with your DJ/Live Band and select songs that you want as well as those that you DO NOT want.
Plan rehearsal dinner and location.
“One month until wedding bells”
Make sure that you are paid and up to date with all of the vendors you are working with. No one wants to worry about payments on the day of the event.
Prepare your seating chart to avoid confusion the day of the wedding.
Get ready for final dress and tux fittings… then do not gain or lose weight (easier said than done.)
Apply for your marriage license. Be aware of your state’s waiting period.
“Buh-Bye single life! I’m getting married in a week”
Put together a Wedding Survival Kit;
• Gum/Mints
• Extra pantyhose
• Sewing kit
• Make up for freshening up
• Hairspray, bobby pins, etc
Arrange for your exit vehicle for after the wedding and reception
Pack for your honeymoon, and rest up for the big day!
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