PLANNING
the
PERFECT
WEDDING
From choosing your location and finding
the right dress, to ordering your rings
and cake, here is a timeline of to-do’s to
prepare you for your I do’s.
By
Reese
Randall
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,
16 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Woodland Hills
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 regalstyle 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, a reception card (if so desired), a response card
accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope and printed
directions to the ceremony and reception sites. If you want to go
the formal route with engraving, keep in mind the process can
take 1-3 months, so allow time for proofing. In terms of