After he pops the question and the big news is shared, there is much to plan! After setting your wedding date, you must organize all the small and big details leading up to the day. This blog sets up a timeline of when things need to be reserved, purchased, and arranged.
Reserving your Venue: Most venues are booked months in advance, some even years. That is why the most important thing to do primarily after the proposal is to pick a date and contact your desired venue. Picking and deciding on a venue should take place 10-12 months before your planned wedding date. After picking the time and place, all the other planning details will fall into place along the way.
Booking your Photographer & Videographer: After picking the place and time, capturing the moments of your special day is the next most important step. Therefore, you should contact and reserve dates with your favorite videographer and photographer (wink wink). Booking a photographer 10-12 months in advance is always important in securing your wedding date and allowing time for engagement photos and bridal portraits before the wedding.
Booking a Wedding Planner: If you are someone that needs a little extra help with planning and staying organized during the planning process, you might want to hire a wedding planner. If you decide this is a service you will benefit from, you will need to contact them as soon as possible so they can help you through the process. You should book your wedding planner at least 10-12 months before the wedding day.
Reserving your Officiant: When it comes to who will be officiating your wedding ceremony, it is important to notify them of your date and time as soon as possible so they can reserve the date. Letting them know this helps with avoiding scheduling conflicts. We suggest notifying and reserving them 10-12 months prior to the wedding date.
Finding that Perfect Dress: Searching for the right dress is a #1 priority on every girl's list. It is normally one of the first things most future brides scratch off the list. Regardless of when you go dress shopping, it is important to have one picked out and purchased at least 10-12 months before the wedding day. Keep in mind you might need to have alterations done and if you are taking bridal portraits, it will need to be ready before the actual wedding date.
Reserving your Hairstylist and Makeup Artist: We suggest booking your hairstylist and makeup artist 10-12 months in advance. The important thing to remember when inquiring about their services and booking is to let them know exactly how many people will need to have hair and makeup done that day. It is helpful to share the timeline of your wedding day so they are prepared in knowing what time they need to be there and if they need an extra person with them. Keep in mind as well, you might need to schedule a day for hair and makeup for engagement photos or bridal portraits.
Reserving your Caterer: When deciding on food options and picking the right caterer for you and your venue, make sure to have an estimated head count for guests and if you are interested in a formal dinner setting or buffet style. We suggest you should find and book a caterer 8-10 months before the wedding.
Booking your DJ or Band: Whether you decide to have a live band, strings quartet, or DJ - we suggest finding and booking those services at least 8-10 months in advance
Contacting a Stationary Designer: Save-the-dates should be sent 6-8 months before the wedding. Therefore, contacting someone to design your save-the-dates and invitations needs to take place at least 8-10 months before the wedding date.
Ordering Bridesmaids' Dresses: On average, it normally takes about 6 weeks for bridesmaids' dresses to come in after ordering them. However, we all know most dresses have to be altered. We suggest choosing and ordering bridesmaids' dresses 8-10 months before the wedding so that there is plenty of time for shipping errors or alterations to be completed.
Ordering your Flowers: When it comes to ordering your flowers, most suggest that this should be done within 8-10 months so your florist can consult with you on what flowers are easily accessible and available during the time of year for your wedding.
Ordering your Wedding Cake: Wedding cakes should be ordered at least 6-8 months before your wedding day, by then you should have a head count so they know how much cake will be needed to feed your crowd.
Ordering the Groom and Groomsmen's Suits: Normally, it takes about 6-8 weeks for suits to arrive after measurements have been sent in and the suits are ordered. Therefore, having all groomsmen and the groom fitted 6-8 months prior to the wedding allows plenty of time for error in receiving the suits and needing any last-minute adjustments. Make sure to plan any last-minute purchases and special items to go with the suits, such as socks, ties, pocket squares, etc.
Picking Out & Purchasing Rings: We suggest purchasing your wedding rings at least 3 months before the wedding date. This gives time for resizing or any special orders that need to be placed, along with time for shipping.
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