The Five Most Important Steps of Wedding Planning
When planning your wedding everything is exciting and important, but there are 5 items on your checklist that you want to have timed beautifully.
1. Party central.
Your reception site is one of the most important elements of your wedding day, so you you’ll want to choose wisely, and early: Start looking for your location as soon as you’ve set your wedding date. There’s no such thing as looking too early.
Today’s wedding receptions are all about personality and creativity. Comparing yours to your friend’s or your mother’s may be fun, but remember that what worked for them may not necessarily work for you.
2. Tasty delights.
As you’re searching for your reception location you should also be investigating different caterers, bands and DJs.
Before you start sampling what they have to offer, decide on a few basics: Your budget, number of guests, the level of formality of the affair, and (for the caterers) if you want wait service or buffet-style.
You’ll want each element of your reception to compliment the rest, so it only makes sense to consider the three main aspects of the affair simultaneously.
3. Wrap it up.
As soon as your guests hear about your wedding they’ll look forward to congratulating you and celebrating your happiness. Make sure they’ll find the perfect way to express it! Select and register your gift preferences 6-9 months before the big day.
Spend some time window shopping (and page surfing) to determine your tastes and to find a good selection of items and price ranges. Your guests will appreciate the variety!
4. A cut above.
4-6 months before your big day you should have your gown chosen and ordered. You never know how long it will take you to find “the perfect dress,” so it doesn’t hurt to begin your search early. Whether you know exactly what you want or you only have the vaguest of ideas, there are a few things that you should consider:
Your gown should reflect your personality and tastes. Don’t be talked in to something trendy that doesn’t feel like “you.” On the other hand, it’s always a good idea to try on several different styles and cuts. It’s hard to recognize the perfect dress when it’s on a hanger or mannequin, but once you’re wearing it, you know.
5. Shout it from the mailbox.
About 3 months before your wedding you should begin addressing your invitations (unless you’re working with a calligrapher, in which case you should give yourself an extra month), and they should be sent no later than 2 months before your wedding. This will allow your guests to make travel arrangements, request days off from work, and have plenty of time to respond.
You’ll need those responses too, for place cards and your final head count, so request an RSVP date of 3 weeks prior to your wedding.
Before you know it that magical day will have arrived. Follow these steps and we’ll get you, and everyone else, to the church on time!
-Jason Drews
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