Staying On The Wedding Planning Track

When planning your wedding, it's a MUST to stay on track because procrastination and lack of focus can take over...or the dreaded BRIDEZILLA could kick in.  Check out some of the "stress-relievers" that could make the planning process flow a little better.

Once you get engaged...SET A REALISTIC TIMETABLE and BUDGET.  Your actual wedding date won't be set until you book your ceremony and reception location(s), but you can select the season, month and year you'd like to get married.  That will determine how long you have to plan this grand event.  Then have the uncomfortable conversation with your fiancee and family about the budget and how much each person can contribute.  It's extremely important to know the budget you are working with before you start planning your big day.

Not everyone you have ever known in life should be invited to your wedding.  Start working on your GUEST LIST as soon as possible because this list will drive a lot of the wedding planning process.  Remember catering and your bar will consume half of your wedding budget so be thoughtful when inviting family and friends.

Make a SEPARATE E-MAIL ACCOUNT for your wedding correspondences.  This way, e-mails won't get intermingled with your business and personal e-mails.  Plus as you begin planning, your e-mail account will become saturated with e-mails from vendors and other wedding-related messages.

Then of course, start interviewing PROFESSIONAL WEDDING PLANNERS to assist you with the wedding planning process.  A planners resources and skills will become invaluable as you move forward with your special day.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - www.vsphoto.com)

Save The Dates Examined

 

 

I recently attended a bridal show and one of the vendors there, a wedding planner/coordinator/consultant, was giving out a handout to passing brides that said Save The Dates should be mailed "4 to 5months" before the wedding.  In my opinion...NOT! Below I have listed some Save The Date etiquette to follow should you decide to mail them out.

• Save The Dates should be mailed 6-9 months before the wedding. This will allow traveling guests to make the necessary arrangements with their employers for the time off.  Plus, at the 6 month mark you should be focusing on your wedding invitation suite.


• Although you may not have selected your wedding invitation, the Save The Date should speak about the couple.  Maybe choose your favorite engagement photograph or use your wedding colors/theme when selecting the style.


• Keep your Save The Date short and sweet.  List your names, wedding date and city/state. Also add your wedding website and the phrase "Invitation to Follow".


• I still find Save The Date magnets to be the going trend because if placed on the fridge, it will be seen by your guests all the time.  Regardless of your selection, don't over do it, especially with weight and awkward shapes. You want to use a standard postage stamp when mailing.


• I shouldn't have to say this, but I will...if you mail that particular guest a Save The Date, please make sure they are on the guest list to receive a wedding invitation.

 

Until next time...WEDologize!

 

(photo credit - Sofia Invitations;  Atheneum Creative)

Blast Off! The Wedding Countdown!

As a wedding planner in the game for over 12 years, wedding timelines are a staple when working with couples. NEVER hire a planner that is not willing to create one! There are plenty of tasks that need to be accomplished before the big day and I've listed a few things based on a monthly breakdown as you journey to your wedding day.

Based on a 9 month calendar, these mentionables will need to be checked off your checklist at latest by the month listed:

Month 9

Select your ceremony and reception location

Contact the Officiant

Month 8

Hire your photographer and/or videographer

Month 7

Order your gown, attendants gowns and mother's gowns

Month 6

Select your invitation ensemble/suite

Month 5

Order your wedding cake

Month 4

Hire your DJ and/or reception entertainment

Month 3

Make final selection for men's attire

Month 2

Mail your in-state wedding invitations

Month 1

Get your marriage license

Week of Wedding

Confirm all arrangements with hired vendors

Have wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - Image Makers Photography)

The Week of Your Wedding

Now that wedding season is in full swing, many couples are preparing for that week before their big day. If you have hired a wedding coordinator, that week should be fairly easy because he or she should be handling the final details of your wedding day. But there are still some items that will need to be handled by you or by your Maid of Honor or Best Man. I've listed a few of them below:

• Pick up wedding bands from jeweler and make sure they fit


• Give final count to caterer


• Have the final walk-through of the reception venue detailing the days events


• Groom and groomsmen should pick up tuxedos, shoes and accessories


• Pack for the honeymoon


• Pick up wedding gown and accessories and make sure someone is with you to learn how to bustle the train


• Have final meetings or make final calls confirming all arrangements with hired vendors + give them a detailed timeline of the wedding day events - a task that certainly will be handled if you hired a wedding coordinator


• Prepare and deliver welcome bags to hotels where out-of-town guests will be staying


• Attend wedding rehearsal and dinner, and give wedding party gifts at the dinner or on wedding day


• Write thank you notes for gifts received

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - http://www.blogcritics.com/)

Blast Off! Wedding Countdown!

As a wedding planner in the game for 10 years, wedding timelines are a staple when working with couples. NEVER hire a planner that is not willing to create one! There are plenty of tasks that need to be accomplished before the big day and I've listed a few things based on a monthly breakdown as you journey to your wedding day.

Based on a 9 month calendar, these mentionables will need to be checked off your checklist at latest by the month listed:

Month 9

Select your ceremony and reception location

Contact the Officiant

Month 8

Hire your photographer and/or videographer

Month 7

Order your gown, attendants gowns and mother's gowns

Month 6

Select your invitation ensemble/suite

Month 5

Order your wedding cake

Month 4

Hire your DJ and/or reception entertainment

Month 3

Make final selection for men's attire

Month 2

Mail your wedding invitations

Month 1

Get your marriage license

Week of Wedding

Confirm all arrangements with hired vendors

Have wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner

Until next time...WEDologize!