Complete Wedding Schedule
Below is a list of everything you will need to do to make your wedding a complete
success, along with a time line when each task should be done. . Tasks in pink
are for the bride, and tasks in blue are for the groom. Tasks in black can be
done by either the bride or groom, preferably by both together (especially the 10-
12 month tasks).
10 - 12 months before the wedding
• Announce your engagement to family and friends
• Arrange for both families to meet if they haven't already done so
• Have an engagement party (optional)
• Decide on the style and size of the wedding
o Traditional or casual
o Religious or non-religious
o Decide whether to include ethnic traditions
• Set your wedding budget
• Start creating your guest list
• Set the wedding day and time
• Choose and book your wedding officiant
• Choose your maid of honor, bridesmaids, best man and groomsmen
• Choose and book your ceremony and reception locations
• Purchase wedding insurance (optional)
• Interview caterers and taste samples
• Interview florists
• Interview and audition musicians, bands, and/or DJs
• Interview photographers and/or videographers and review their portfolios
7 - 9 months before the wedding
• Shop for and order your wedding dress
• Shop for and order/purchase bridal accessories (veil, shoes, jewelry, etc.)
• Shop for and order bridesmaids dresses (should include bridesmaids, if
possible)
• Select caterer and sign contract
7 - 9 months before the wedding (continued)
• Select florist and sign contract
• Select musicians, band and/or DJ and sign contract
• Select photographer and/or videographer and sign contract
• Start planning your honeymoon
• Finalize the guest list
• Start making wedding favors (if you're making your own)
• If you're having an outdoor wedding , reserve rental equipment (such as
tents, chairs, etc.)
• Meet with bakers and sample wedding cakes
• Start looking at wedding invitations
• Start thinking about the wording of your wedding invitations
• Start planning the rehearsal dinner
4 - 6 months before the wedding
• Join one or more bridal registries
• Select the baker for your wedding cake and sign contract
• Order your wedding invitations
• Book a block of hotel rooms for out-of-town guests
• Contact out-of-town guests about the wedding (prior to sending out
invitations)
• Finalize dinner menu with caterer
• Select flower girl's dress and pass details on to the parents
• Purchase wedding guest favors
• Book the limousine or other wedding day transportation
• Book the rehearsal dinner site
• Book a calligrapher (if you're using one)
• Start looking at tuxedos or other formal wear
• Book the honeymoon
• Book a hotel room for the wedding night
• Book a photo session for engagement announcement in local newspapers
• Start thinking about wedding ceremony decorations
• Buy bridal lingerie in time for first dress fitting
2 - 3 months before the wedding
• Give the photographer your list of photos you want taken
• Purchase your wedding rings
• Purchase maid/matron of honor and bridesmaids gifts
• Purchase best man and groomsmen gifts
• Purchase the groom's gift
• Purchase the bride's gifts
• Finalize tuxedo/formal attire and pass on rental/purchase details to
groomsmen
• Finalize ring bearer attire and pass details on to the parents
• Send engagement announcement in local newspapers
• Schedule your dress fittings
• Make sure your maid/matron of honor and bridesmaids have purchased
their accessories
• Book your hair and makeup appointments
• If you're changing your name, complete the proper documents
• If your state requires it, have blood tests done
• Talk to your maid/matron of honor about a bridal shower
• Address and send out wedding invitations (invitations should be mailed at
2-month mark)
• Purchase your accessories including shoes, cuff links, handkerchiefs, etc.
• Start writing wedding vows, especially if writing your own
• Decide on whether to light a unity candle or honor past loved ones during
the ceremony
• Start working on wedding program
1 month before the wedding
• Order liquor and wine, if not provided by the caterer
• Confirm parking at the ceremony and reception locations
• Get your marriage license
• Finalize wedding vows
• Have your final dress fittings
• Finalize and print wedding program
1 month before the wedding (continued)
• Finalize your music list with musicians, band and/or DJ
• Buy a guest book and pen
• Contact any guests who haven't replied to the invitation
• Write speeches for rehearsal and wedding dinners
• Attend your bridal shower
• Sent out thank-you cards for bridal shower gifts
• Send rehearsal dinner invitations, if necessary
• Do trial-runs of your hair and makeup
• Start working on the ceremony and reception seating plans
• Confirm honeymoon details and reservations
• Have your bachelor party
• Have your bachelorette party
1-2 weeks before the wedding
• Finalize seating plan and write place cards
• Create a seating chart to hang in the reception site
• Break in your wedding shoes by wearing them around the house
• Pick up your wedding dress
• Pick up wedding rings and check that the inscriptions are correct
• Pick up "something old”, “something new”, “something borrowed” and
“something blue"
• Purchase a garter
• Plan your wedding day itinerary
• Plan your receiving line
• Leave your honeymoon travel plans and itinerary with a family member
• Confirm headcount with caterer, baker and liquor/wine provider
• Confirm details musicians, band, photographer, limousine, florist and any
other vendors
• Confirm ceremony details with officiant
Day before the wedding
• Get manicure and pedicure
• Pick up your tuxedo
• Decorate the ceremony and reception locations (if possible)
• Drop off wedding favors, guest book and seating chart at reception site
• Rehearse the ceremony with the officiant and wedding party
• Give your wedding party their gifts
• Enjoy the rehearsal dinner
• Get a good night's sleep!
Day of the wedding
• Take a relaxing bath or shower and enjoy the moment of solitude
• Have breakfast; you'll need your energy
• Give your partner their wedding gift
• Get dressed
• Relax and enjoy the day!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Thursday, March 12, 2009
4 Tips for Saving Money on Your Wedding Online
Four Ways you can use the internet to save money on your wedding.
Wedding Planning Tips
Wedding Planning Tips
- Purchase expenisve items like wedding dress online. Make sure it is an American company like Bridalonlinestore.com.
- You make your wedding gifts unique by finding things not easily found locally. Most website will negotiate if you are going to buy a bunch of any item.
- You can online services or your own blog for people rsvp and save money on paper and postage. People can also post their wedding photos to flick.com.
- Realize that lavish doesn't make a great wedding. Making a great environment for friends and family is what matters and you don't have to worry if you pay less for your wedding.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Engagement Ring Sales Still Strong In Today's Economy
Recent data shows that Jewelry stores nationwide report a sharp decline in sales across all categories except one, Engagement rings. Engagement rings have held steady over several years. This is because this is not a luxury purchase but a necessary and purposeful purchase. The number of engagement rings sold in 2008 has held steady with past years sales but the size of the diamonds has shrunk. People are still getting married, as in better economic times, but they are doing it on a budget. Florists, caterers, and many ancillary wedding vendors are reporting that couples tying the knot are opting to do many of these services themselves or sharply curtail their spending on such services. Couples are deciding to make their own centerpieces and have cold cuts over a sit down surf and turf dinner. In a related side note: Divorce attorneys are reporting a decline in divorces being filed for.
With money issues being one of the leading causes for divorce one would think that hard economic times would lead to a rise in splits among couples. The opposite is holding true. Couples are choosing ( many times out of sheer necessity) to stay together. The added costs of divorce and maintaining two separate households is proving impossible in the face of recession. The lack of money and credit that is facing couples today are forcing them to work out their differences instead of giving up on the marriage. It just goes to show that adversity can many times show you what is really important in life.
With money issues being one of the leading causes for divorce one would think that hard economic times would lead to a rise in splits among couples. The opposite is holding true. Couples are choosing ( many times out of sheer necessity) to stay together. The added costs of divorce and maintaining two separate households is proving impossible in the face of recession. The lack of money and credit that is facing couples today are forcing them to work out their differences instead of giving up on the marriage. It just goes to show that adversity can many times show you what is really important in life.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Monday, January 5, 2009
Where Can I Find the Wedding Dresses from Bride Wars
Are you looking for the wedding dresses from the movie Bride Wars starring Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway? If you are then you are probably like every women who is getting married who wants to find that perfect wedding dress.
The reality is for most of us even if we find the right wedding dress from Bride Wars can we afford it? The budget for a movie wedding and an average person on a budget lets face it are not the same.
Bride and Groom Blog has learned that discount high end wedding dress store Bridal Online Store will have available the same looks and styles from the movie at prices you can afford. You will have to check the store or check back to this blog for photos and the actual gowns.
Bridal Online Store understands your need for getting the perfect dress that you can afford. Bride and Groom Blog will be excited to show you the dresses as soon as they are available.
The reality is for most of us even if we find the right wedding dress from Bride Wars can we afford it? The budget for a movie wedding and an average person on a budget lets face it are not the same.
Bride and Groom Blog has learned that discount high end wedding dress store Bridal Online Store will have available the same looks and styles from the movie at prices you can afford. You will have to check the store or check back to this blog for photos and the actual gowns.
Bridal Online Store understands your need for getting the perfect dress that you can afford. Bride and Groom Blog will be excited to show you the dresses as soon as they are available.
Friday, January 2, 2009
A Few Tips for Your Wedding
Don’t have a Cash Bar
When it comes to the alcohol being served at your reception, it is entirely up to you. Whether you want to have full bar, limited cocktails, or no alcohol at all will be based on different factors including the budget. The one option that is not recommended is a Cash Bar. The guests should be gracious enough to accept what is being offered to them.
Wear Flats
A large number of brides have feedback after the reception that they wish they had worn flats instead. As a bride you should expect to stand for 8-12 hours on your wedding day. Be sure to break in your shoes in advance. Unexpected blisters can form after a few hours on your feet, even with wearing flats.
Have faith in your D.J.
D.J.'s are usually the wedding vendor most closely managed by couples. Too many song requests may actually impede the flow of your party. You hire your D.J. to judge when to play what music. You wouldn't instruct your Caterer step by step on how to prepare food, or your Photographer on what angles and lenses to use. Limit your D.J. request list to a few favorites and a do-not-play list of only the songs you cannot stand. Do not get carried away and have some trust.
Prioritize
What really matters most to you, the photographer, the music and dancing, the food and wine, the decorations, or being able to accommodate a large guest list? Put your money towards what you care about. You will have regrets if you skimp on what really counts. When you, the Bride and Groom are not footing the bill yourselves however, you may have to forfeit some financial decision-making. If this is the case you will need to compromise on certain priorities or if you really want that pricey photographer offer to pay for one yourself.
Have a Wedding Coordinator
With no Director there are too many details left to too many people at your ceremony. Having a Wedding Coordinator allows for one person to coordinate your wedding party processional, music, minister, seating guests and to resolve any unexpected last minute complications. A Coordinator will ease the stress level of everyone, including you, tremendously on your wedding day. So if your location does not include a Wedding Day Coordinator who also directs your rehearsal, hire your own. A Wedding Coordinator may be much more affordable than you think.
Be Smart about your Bachelor or Bachelorette party
DO NOT hold your Bachelor or Bachelorette party the night before your wedding! This may seem like a no-brainer but many brides and grooms still practice the archaic ritual of drinking all night on that fatal evening. It is simply not worth it, as the Bride/Groom and your attendants will no doubt feel tired, look tired, have a hangover, or worse be sick walking down the aisle. If necessary, request that any out of town attendants arrive a day earlier to help you to prepare and celebrate a different night.
When it comes to the alcohol being served at your reception, it is entirely up to you. Whether you want to have full bar, limited cocktails, or no alcohol at all will be based on different factors including the budget. The one option that is not recommended is a Cash Bar. The guests should be gracious enough to accept what is being offered to them.
Wear Flats
A large number of brides have feedback after the reception that they wish they had worn flats instead. As a bride you should expect to stand for 8-12 hours on your wedding day. Be sure to break in your shoes in advance. Unexpected blisters can form after a few hours on your feet, even with wearing flats.
Have faith in your D.J.
D.J.'s are usually the wedding vendor most closely managed by couples. Too many song requests may actually impede the flow of your party. You hire your D.J. to judge when to play what music. You wouldn't instruct your Caterer step by step on how to prepare food, or your Photographer on what angles and lenses to use. Limit your D.J. request list to a few favorites and a do-not-play list of only the songs you cannot stand. Do not get carried away and have some trust.
Prioritize
What really matters most to you, the photographer, the music and dancing, the food and wine, the decorations, or being able to accommodate a large guest list? Put your money towards what you care about. You will have regrets if you skimp on what really counts. When you, the Bride and Groom are not footing the bill yourselves however, you may have to forfeit some financial decision-making. If this is the case you will need to compromise on certain priorities or if you really want that pricey photographer offer to pay for one yourself.
Have a Wedding Coordinator
With no Director there are too many details left to too many people at your ceremony. Having a Wedding Coordinator allows for one person to coordinate your wedding party processional, music, minister, seating guests and to resolve any unexpected last minute complications. A Coordinator will ease the stress level of everyone, including you, tremendously on your wedding day. So if your location does not include a Wedding Day Coordinator who also directs your rehearsal, hire your own. A Wedding Coordinator may be much more affordable than you think.
Be Smart about your Bachelor or Bachelorette party
DO NOT hold your Bachelor or Bachelorette party the night before your wedding! This may seem like a no-brainer but many brides and grooms still practice the archaic ritual of drinking all night on that fatal evening. It is simply not worth it, as the Bride/Groom and your attendants will no doubt feel tired, look tired, have a hangover, or worse be sick walking down the aisle. If necessary, request that any out of town attendants arrive a day earlier to help you to prepare and celebrate a different night.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Risky Wedding Dresses from Chinese Bridal Online Stores
Are you looking for a wedding dress and with today’s economy you need to find a deal? You may feel to get a high end look that you may have to go with a Chinese dress online store? Before you make that jump I want to share real work issues that have arose from people who have attempted to buy from these websites. Don’t confuse American online wedding stores with the ones from China.
6 Tips on Why Buying Wedding Dress from China is a bad idea
Bridal gowns from China may take a long time to come in. With all the plans that go into your wedding, worrying if your dress will ever arrive is not one of them. Most people don’t even start looking for a wedding dress in a long enough time for a Chinese wedding dress online stores item to arrive.
Chinese bridal gown sites often steal the photos from American based online bridal stores. When women open the dress that arrives they find that the dress is nothing like the photo.
So there is an issue with your dress, good luck attempting to return your bride’s dress back to China. Unfortunately you take the risk. Even if they do decide to take it back they often want you to pay the return international shipping and new shipping to send a new dress back. You could buy a new dress for what it costs to ship something to China.
There is a something still for American made. Many women complain that dresses from China are not the quality they are looking for. Many dresses are not made to be able to handle simple stresses from just wearing it on your wedding day. Alterations start to add up which you have to take into account with the total price.
The worst of all is people have actually never even gotten there dress. There is also no way to get your money back as rules for American businesses don’t apply to sales online from China. You do take all the risk when you buy dresses from China.
The last issue is the obvious issue of language. Almost all women have specific alterations or questions as it relates to your bridal gown. The language barrier can bake it impossible to get the wedding dress the way you want it.
United States bases online bridal stores are your best option for discount wedding dresses and other wedding supplies that you can trust you are getting the quality and the price you need.
6 Tips on Why Buying Wedding Dress from China is a bad idea
Bridal gowns from China may take a long time to come in. With all the plans that go into your wedding, worrying if your dress will ever arrive is not one of them. Most people don’t even start looking for a wedding dress in a long enough time for a Chinese wedding dress online stores item to arrive.
Chinese bridal gown sites often steal the photos from American based online bridal stores. When women open the dress that arrives they find that the dress is nothing like the photo.
So there is an issue with your dress, good luck attempting to return your bride’s dress back to China. Unfortunately you take the risk. Even if they do decide to take it back they often want you to pay the return international shipping and new shipping to send a new dress back. You could buy a new dress for what it costs to ship something to China.
There is a something still for American made. Many women complain that dresses from China are not the quality they are looking for. Many dresses are not made to be able to handle simple stresses from just wearing it on your wedding day. Alterations start to add up which you have to take into account with the total price.
The worst of all is people have actually never even gotten there dress. There is also no way to get your money back as rules for American businesses don’t apply to sales online from China. You do take all the risk when you buy dresses from China.
The last issue is the obvious issue of language. Almost all women have specific alterations or questions as it relates to your bridal gown. The language barrier can bake it impossible to get the wedding dress the way you want it.
United States bases online bridal stores are your best option for discount wedding dresses and other wedding supplies that you can trust you are getting the quality and the price you need.
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