This is an exciting time with so many things to consider as you
plan your special day. To help you, here is a condensed timeline
devoted to different aspects of planning. Be prepared for a
good bit of hard work and a lot of fun. If you try to consume
the big picture all at once, you’ll end up eloping. If you take
each part of the wedding in small steps, your perfect wedding
will come true.
12 MONTHS TO THE DAY:
Reserve your reception venue
Once you’ve decided your favorite time of the
year, keep in mind summer and fall months
are most popular for weddings—expect more
competition for vendors. Most locations
require you to book the venue one year in
advance and each rental fee will vary. Some
reception sites have a coordinator who will work
with you to book your event and be available
throughout the entire process to make sure
everything goes according to plan.
10 MONTHS TO THE DAY:
For the bride, begin looking for your wedding dress
Although you’ve probably envisioned your wedding dress
at some point in your life, it’s time to make your dreams a
reality. There are local boutiques ready for you to make a
visit, but before you do, check out the web. You can go online
to browse gowns on countless dress galleries. Many sites have
their galleries broken into categories of fabric, silhouette and
color. Refine your search to the smallest detail and come to
your appointment ready to try on dresses that match your
checklist of must-haves. Once you make your selection,
fittings and alterations begin. Make sure to order the dress at
least 4-5 months before the big day.
8 MONTHS TO THE DAY: Select and confirm vendors
including the baker, florist, photographer and videographer.
Select and order your wedding gown (first fitting and
alterations will begin).
Your cake is a serious part of the reception. Choosing the
right one is not as easy as pie and it’s not as simple as vanilla
vs. chocolate. It’s a major decision with plenty of options.
You’ll need to decide the batter, filling, icing and overall
design. Since you have the basic style for your ceremony
and reception, your cake should reflect the overall style of
the wedding. For example, you can choose from traditional,
contemporary, ornate or regal-style wedding cakes. A few
suggestions for you to use atop your cake include pearls,
white or chocolate shavings, silver and/or gold leaves, cake
toppers, confection flowers or fresh flowers. Orchids, roses
or any other kind of decor made with edible fondant make
the most elegant cakes. The design of your cake is all about
the presentation, but the flavors and fillings are the heart of
the cake. The selection varies and includes such options as
angel food, chocolate, lemon, mousse, orange, raspberry, spice,
truffle, white chocolate or whipped cream and berries—to
name a few. With so much emphasis on the cake, remember to
taste test at this point, but don’t forget to order your cake at
least 3 months in advance.
The perfect bouquet makes any event special,
especially your wedding. Choosing your favorite
flowers for your bridal bouquet can depend
on the time of year. The season will influence
what kind of flowers you’ll have unless you have
special flowers imported. Keep in mind that the
cost of imported flowers can be 20-30 percent
more. When you visit your florist, bring along a
fabric swatch of the bridesmaids’ dresses and a photo
of your dress (should you have it already) to share the
style and color scheme of your wedding. If cost is a concern,
have your florist fill in your bouquet and the other floral
arrangements with less expensive flowers, including ivy, baby’s
breath or daisies. Keep in mind that if you’re planning to wed
around popular dates such as Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day,
the cost of flowers can double.
Your wedding day photos and video need to be taken by
a reputable photographer or videographer. The best way
to guarantee that you’ve selected a good photographer and
videographer is through word of mouth from family and
friends. Ask to review their wedding portfolio and demo reel
so you know exactly how they shoot and what style. Some
shoot candid shots; others go for more formal portraits, while
some can do a combination of both. Knowing your personal
style and the theme of your wedding will distinguish which
type of photography and videography you’ll choose. Most
importantly share with your photographer a list of shots and
specific people that you definitely want to be photographed.
6 MONTHS TO THE DAY:
Select & Order Your Invitations
Your invitations are a reflection of your wedding and should
express the tone of the day. A traditional invitation should
have the following components within
an outer envelope: the invitation,