Hello all you beautiful brides!
Well, we all know how difficult and stressful planning a wedding can be! And if you don't know by now I'm certain you will! Well, I am here today to try and help ease some of the pressure off your shoulders! I've complied a schedule, a time-line of sorts, to keep you on track with your wedding plans :) Bear in mind, this time-line assumes that you have given yourself a year long or more engagement, there are always ways to compress the time-line if necessary! So let us begin!
16-12 Months Before the Wedding
You'll need to set the date!
-Give yourself plenty of time for planning! I know you're in love and ready to be married tomorrow but planning a wedding takes a lot of time and patience!
Start a wedding file!
-A wedding folder or binder is a great way to keep things in order and that way you'll know all the plans, including a list of to-do and done items, pictures of dresses and flower arrangements, and color swatches, are in the same place!
Decide on a wedding budget!
- The budget is essential to every wedding. You and your fiance, and anyone else who may be financing the wedding, need to sit down and account for how much you'd like to spend, and what areas of the planning different portions of the budget will go toward.
Select a ceremony location!
-This is absolutely a huge part of your wedding planning. The ceremony location is going to give you the entire feel for what your wedding is going to be like, from the dress, to the flowers, to the formality and even the guest list!
Select a reception site!
- This is another essential part of the planning! Much the same as the ceremony location the reception site influences the feel of the wedding and these places often book up a year in advance so it is very important that you stay on top of things!
Start shopping for your bridal gown!
- This is a very tricky part of the planning. Here at The Wedding Tree we must emphasize that you should never go into a bridal shop with the intention to NOT buy! You will only hurt yourself by doing this. A lot of places offer discounted prices when you purchase a dress on your first time in the store. Here at The Wedding Tree you will receive 10% off any gown order on your first time in the store so it's important not to waste an opportunity to save money on your dream dress just because you think it's too early. Many times we recommend style shopping online in the early stages to get a feel for the type of dress you envision yourself wearing.
11-8 Months Before the Wedding
Select your bridal party!
- Now is a great time to choose who you want in your bridal party and ask them to join in your special day!
Hire your wedding officiant!
-This is the best time for you to make sure that you can have the religious leader or civil person of your choice!
Hire your reception caterer!
- If your reception site does not offer catering now is the best time to make sure that you're going to get exactly the food you want for your big day!
Hire your photographer and videographer!
- Please! If you can afford it, it is essential to get a professional! I've heard too many horror stories about couples trying to save money on the photographer and not getting photos back or getting blurry photos... these are you memories and you will only get one chance to hire the right person!
Hire your band or DJ!
- The band and DJ make the whole reception! Make sure you interview several and listen to demo CDs so you find just the right sound for your big night!
Order your Wedding Gown!
-It is so important to stay on top of this! Now, I understand that this a big decision and you most certainly can't go back once you decide (most bridal shops require nonrefundable deposits) so you need to be sure before making this big step. I also understand that you are probably worrying you might change your mind after you've ordered it... but there are ways to prevent this! Once you've ordered your dress... STOP LOOKING! Keep a picture of your beautiful dress somewhere where your fiance can't find it so that you can remind yourself why it's the perfect dress for you! And if you need a little more convincing as to why it's important to order your gown so early, sometimes things can happen at the company. Although these things are not common they do happen and it's important to give your bridal shop plenty of time for resolving issues if they need to. Plus, you need to remember to give yourself plenty of time for alterations.
Start looking for Bridesmaids' Dresses!
- It's important that you realize that it can take 4-6 months for bridesmaids', flower girls', and mothers' dresses to come in so you NEED to start finding styles and colors you like early on! Believe it or not people LOVE to procrastinate and it takes time even after you've picked out the dresses to get all your girls in to be measured and pay their 60% down payments. So start looking early!
Start compiling names and addresses for the guest list!
- Keep in mind that you still have to combine and refine your list, his list, his family's list, your parents' list and the final list.If you are limited to the number of guests that can be invited to the wedding, be sure to give your families the number of guests they may include in their list. By requesting a certain number of guest beforehand, you alleviate a lot of potential stress. Also, try to make the request even on both parents' sides.
Sign up for gift registry!
- Gift registries are a great way of ensuring that you get items you really want and can use. It also makes your guests' shopping much easier. Be sure to choose items for your registry from every price range to accommodate each guest's budget.
Throw an engagement party!
- An engagement party is a fun way to get the families and friends together before the wedding!
7-5 Months Before The Wedding
Finalize the guest list!
- Finally determine the number of invitations and Thank You cards that need to be ordered.
Shop for your wedding stationery!
- Start picking out your invitations and your thank you cards!
Arrange any needed accommodations!
- Make sure and book hotel rooms for any guests from out of town who may need to stay in town for your wedding!
Select your wedding cake!
- Make sure you put careful thought into deciding what you and your fiance want as the style of your wedding cake, not to mention the cake flavor, frosting flavor, and what size or color you might want!
Begin preparations for you honeymoon!
-Consult with travel agents and figure out where you want to go for your honeymoon, how much you're willing to spend, and how long you'll stay! You also might want to warn your work or even ask off so there won't be any stressful hassel later!
4 Months Before The Wedding
Book your florist!
-Once you have found one that appeals to you be sure to secure your order with a signed contract and a security deposit. Be 100% sure of your selection, and know the refund/cancellation policies in the event you cancel or change your date.
Shop for your wedding bands!
- This is one of the most exciting times of you engagement and it can be a very happy day to spend just you and your fiance. You will both be wearing these rings for a long time and you both need to be happy with your selection!
Send out your Save the Dates!
-Now is a great time to get everyone excited for your upcoming wedding!
Pick out tuxedos!
- Here at The Wedding Tree we are very happy to help dress up mannequins and match colors to your bridesmaid dresses so you can get just the right look for those handsome men!
3 Months Before The Wedding
Send out invitations!
- Make sure that anyone who received a Save-the-Date gets an invitation! And make sure you get all the postage right so that your guests definitely receive your invites!
Make sure your groomsmen are getting measured!
- We don't generally recommend that you send your groomsmen in all at the same time to be measured. We prefer if they come in in pairs or individually so that they can receive the attention they need. MAKE SURE all your groomsmen are professionally measured whether you can get them into the same salon that your tuxes will be delivered to or not!
Make sure all the little details are being finalized correctly!
- Arrange for the rental of items needed for your ceremony and reception. This includes but is not limited to, arches, candelabras, china, crystal, flatware, flowing punch fountains, and silver if necessary. And finalize the menu and costs with your caterer!
Arrange for Limousine / Wedding Day Transportation!
Order any needed wedding favors and bridal party gifts!
Begin any necessary counseling sessions with your wedding officiant!
Schedule your alterations appointment!
- We do have seamstresses in the store who are happy to alter both you and your bridesmaids' dresses! Make sure that every every girl is prepared to try on her dresses when she does go in to pay it off after it has come in the store. This will help the bridal shop do whatever they can to fix any problems and help you decide what you may need done in alterations!
2 Months Before The Wedding
Choose your wedding music and share it with your band or DJ!
Select a location for your rehearsal dinner!
- Make sure to make the necessary reservations and deposits!
Make sure you and the bridesmaids and flower girls all have alterations appointments scheduled!
- This is very important because depending on the season, the seamstresses can get very busy! Here at the Wedding Tree, our seamstresses work independently from the store and simply rent space in our basement. You want to make sure they have time to do all the necessary alterations! (If you're lucky enough.. I know some seamstresses give discounts if you book appointments during the winter months and off seasons when they're least busy!)
Confirm with your formal wear shop!
- Make sure that they have received measurements from all your guys, and if they haven't make sure and pester your boys to get in and get measured! And make sure to warn them that there is often a nonrefundable $25 deposit required! You may also want to just reconfirm your style choices and make sure everything was written down correctly! Here a the Wedding Tree we make sure and give the bride and groom a call to Confirm Styles but some shops may not do this.
Order address labels with you and your future husband's new name and address!
- This adds a personal touch to your Thank You notes and celebrates your new life as husband and wife!
Confirm your order with the florist!
1 Month Before The Wedding
Design your wedding programs!
Apply for a marriage license!
Have a final gown fitting!
- When you have your final fitting be sure to give the seamstress a day when you will be picking up the dress so that it can be steamed and pressed for you when you need it! If your seamstress does not offer steaming and pressing, find somewhere that does and make sure to give the seamstress a pick up date that gives the pressers plenty of time to do an excellent job! Here at The Wedding Tree storage is free up until the day of the wedding and you'll also receive free steaming and pressing after alterations are complete!
Do a hair trial!
- Visit your hair stylist and let her play around with your hair. Have her style it and even add in your veil and headpiece so there won't be any guesswork the day of the wedding! But MAKE SURE your stylist DOES NOT use hair spray on the veil or it may burn when it is pressed out later!
Do a make-up trial!
- Have your make-up done on the same day you get your hair done to give you the full affect!
Get your formal bridal portraits taken if you like!
- You already have your hair and make-up done so why not do this on the same day!?
Discuss and/or finalize details with any wedding service providers!
2 Weeks Before The Wedding
Call any guests who haven't sent back their response card!
Give the caterer a finalized head count!
Pick up your marriage license!
Give your band or DJ a list of songs!
Confirm rehearsal plans with your officiant and church wedding coordinator!
Obtain any legal information regarding changing your name!
- Drivers License, Social Security Card, Vehicle Documents, Credit Cards, Bank Accounts, Investment Accounts, Passport, Change of Address Card with Post Office, Insurance Policies, Voter Registration Card, Subscriptions, Employment Records, Billing Address/Name Change.
Complete the floor and seating plan for the reception!
Confirm all rental and floral delivery dates and times!
Confirm arrival time for all attendants!
Check parking arrangements!
1 Week Before The Wedding
Make any last minute arrangements/adjustments!
Organize your wedding day attire!
- Often you will be picking it up from its safe place of storage (here at The Wedding Tree we offer free storage up until the day of the wedding and free pressing!) on the Thursday or Friday before the wedding. Make sure everything is organized and in order!
Confirm honeymoon reservations!
Confirm reservations for out-of-town guests!
Pack for your honeymoon!
-Of course this only applies if you intend to leave right after the wedding and gift opening.
Gather any documents necessary for honeymoon travel!
-Passports, plane tickets, etc.
Confirm rehearsal plans with the attendants!
- Make sure everyone knows what time to be there so they won't be late!
Confirm reservations for the rehearsal dinner!
Pick up your formal wear!
- At The Wedding Tree, all men wearing tuxedos are expected to come in the Thursday or Friday before the wedding to try on their tuxedo and make sure that any exchanges or alterations should be made! We do not recommend sending one person to pick up all the tuxes!
If your man's bachelor party is this week make sure to tell him to be on his best behavior! :)
Get yourself a relaxing massage!
The Day Before The Wedding
Go through your list of things to do!
Pack your wedding day emergency kit!
-Good things to include are a needle and thread, a Tide-to-Go Pen, some double sided sticky tape, aspirin, tissues, static guard, deodorant, a brush or comb, a mirror, make-up, make-up remover, perfume, nail polish and remover (just in case), extra bobby pins, hair spray, a curling iron and hair dryer(great for drying stains after you've removed them), a water bottle, your reception shoes and throw out garter, a phone list of all your vendors(just in case) and a few other things too! A great place to look for an emergency kit checklist is http://www.weddingcram.com/planning/checklists/listemergencykit.html
Get your manicure and pedicure done!
Take a steamy, relaxing bath!
Give the rings to the best man!
Make sure all your wedding day attire and accessories are together!
Enjoy your rehearsal!
Get a good night's sleep!
Your Wedding Day!
Eat something! It helps!
Get your hair and make-up done!
Have someone check out the reception site!
Dress for your wedding day and enjoy it!
Don't forget that even if something goes wrong... don't stress out! The guests probably won't know the difference!
After the Honeymoon!
Get your gown and veil preserved!
-At The Wedding Tree, we offer a service called "The Wedding Gown Preservation Box." You pack up the entire gown, you can also add your veil and crinoline if you'd like, and ship it off to The Wedding Gown Preservation Company. All the shipping is included and they will clean the dress. They then ship the dress back preserved in an excellent little display box. You can get a good look at www.gownpreservation.com
Write your Thank-You notes!
Change your name! You've started a new and exciting life!
Well there you have it lovely ladies! I hope this timeline helped you out!
~Kacia
Well, we all know how difficult and stressful planning a wedding can be! And if you don't know by now I'm certain you will! Well, I am here today to try and help ease some of the pressure off your shoulders! I've complied a schedule, a time-line of sorts, to keep you on track with your wedding plans :) Bear in mind, this time-line assumes that you have given yourself a year long or more engagement, there are always ways to compress the time-line if necessary! So let us begin!
16-12 Months Before the Wedding
You'll need to set the date!
-Give yourself plenty of time for planning! I know you're in love and ready to be married tomorrow but planning a wedding takes a lot of time and patience!
Start a wedding file!
-A wedding folder or binder is a great way to keep things in order and that way you'll know all the plans, including a list of to-do and done items, pictures of dresses and flower arrangements, and color swatches, are in the same place!
Decide on a wedding budget!
- The budget is essential to every wedding. You and your fiance, and anyone else who may be financing the wedding, need to sit down and account for how much you'd like to spend, and what areas of the planning different portions of the budget will go toward.
Select a ceremony location!
-This is absolutely a huge part of your wedding planning. The ceremony location is going to give you the entire feel for what your wedding is going to be like, from the dress, to the flowers, to the formality and even the guest list!
Select a reception site!
- This is another essential part of the planning! Much the same as the ceremony location the reception site influences the feel of the wedding and these places often book up a year in advance so it is very important that you stay on top of things!
Start shopping for your bridal gown!
- This is a very tricky part of the planning. Here at The Wedding Tree we must emphasize that you should never go into a bridal shop with the intention to NOT buy! You will only hurt yourself by doing this. A lot of places offer discounted prices when you purchase a dress on your first time in the store. Here at The Wedding Tree you will receive 10% off any gown order on your first time in the store so it's important not to waste an opportunity to save money on your dream dress just because you think it's too early. Many times we recommend style shopping online in the early stages to get a feel for the type of dress you envision yourself wearing.
11-8 Months Before the Wedding
Select your bridal party!
- Now is a great time to choose who you want in your bridal party and ask them to join in your special day!
Hire your wedding officiant!
-This is the best time for you to make sure that you can have the religious leader or civil person of your choice!
Hire your reception caterer!
- If your reception site does not offer catering now is the best time to make sure that you're going to get exactly the food you want for your big day!
Hire your photographer and videographer!
- Please! If you can afford it, it is essential to get a professional! I've heard too many horror stories about couples trying to save money on the photographer and not getting photos back or getting blurry photos... these are you memories and you will only get one chance to hire the right person!
Hire your band or DJ!
- The band and DJ make the whole reception! Make sure you interview several and listen to demo CDs so you find just the right sound for your big night!
Order your Wedding Gown!
-It is so important to stay on top of this! Now, I understand that this a big decision and you most certainly can't go back once you decide (most bridal shops require nonrefundable deposits) so you need to be sure before making this big step. I also understand that you are probably worrying you might change your mind after you've ordered it... but there are ways to prevent this! Once you've ordered your dress... STOP LOOKING! Keep a picture of your beautiful dress somewhere where your fiance can't find it so that you can remind yourself why it's the perfect dress for you! And if you need a little more convincing as to why it's important to order your gown so early, sometimes things can happen at the company. Although these things are not common they do happen and it's important to give your bridal shop plenty of time for resolving issues if they need to. Plus, you need to remember to give yourself plenty of time for alterations.
Start looking for Bridesmaids' Dresses!
- It's important that you realize that it can take 4-6 months for bridesmaids', flower girls', and mothers' dresses to come in so you NEED to start finding styles and colors you like early on! Believe it or not people LOVE to procrastinate and it takes time even after you've picked out the dresses to get all your girls in to be measured and pay their 60% down payments. So start looking early!
Start compiling names and addresses for the guest list!
- Keep in mind that you still have to combine and refine your list, his list, his family's list, your parents' list and the final list.If you are limited to the number of guests that can be invited to the wedding, be sure to give your families the number of guests they may include in their list. By requesting a certain number of guest beforehand, you alleviate a lot of potential stress. Also, try to make the request even on both parents' sides.
Sign up for gift registry!
- Gift registries are a great way of ensuring that you get items you really want and can use. It also makes your guests' shopping much easier. Be sure to choose items for your registry from every price range to accommodate each guest's budget.
Throw an engagement party!
- An engagement party is a fun way to get the families and friends together before the wedding!
7-5 Months Before The Wedding
Finalize the guest list!
- Finally determine the number of invitations and Thank You cards that need to be ordered.
Shop for your wedding stationery!
- Start picking out your invitations and your thank you cards!
Arrange any needed accommodations!
- Make sure and book hotel rooms for any guests from out of town who may need to stay in town for your wedding!
Select your wedding cake!
- Make sure you put careful thought into deciding what you and your fiance want as the style of your wedding cake, not to mention the cake flavor, frosting flavor, and what size or color you might want!
Begin preparations for you honeymoon!
-Consult with travel agents and figure out where you want to go for your honeymoon, how much you're willing to spend, and how long you'll stay! You also might want to warn your work or even ask off so there won't be any stressful hassel later!
4 Months Before The Wedding
Book your florist!
-Once you have found one that appeals to you be sure to secure your order with a signed contract and a security deposit. Be 100% sure of your selection, and know the refund/cancellation policies in the event you cancel or change your date.
Shop for your wedding bands!
- This is one of the most exciting times of you engagement and it can be a very happy day to spend just you and your fiance. You will both be wearing these rings for a long time and you both need to be happy with your selection!
Send out your Save the Dates!
-Now is a great time to get everyone excited for your upcoming wedding!
Pick out tuxedos!
- Here at The Wedding Tree we are very happy to help dress up mannequins and match colors to your bridesmaid dresses so you can get just the right look for those handsome men!
3 Months Before The Wedding
Send out invitations!
- Make sure that anyone who received a Save-the-Date gets an invitation! And make sure you get all the postage right so that your guests definitely receive your invites!
Make sure your groomsmen are getting measured!
- We don't generally recommend that you send your groomsmen in all at the same time to be measured. We prefer if they come in in pairs or individually so that they can receive the attention they need. MAKE SURE all your groomsmen are professionally measured whether you can get them into the same salon that your tuxes will be delivered to or not!
Make sure all the little details are being finalized correctly!
- Arrange for the rental of items needed for your ceremony and reception. This includes but is not limited to, arches, candelabras, china, crystal, flatware, flowing punch fountains, and silver if necessary. And finalize the menu and costs with your caterer!
Arrange for Limousine / Wedding Day Transportation!
Order any needed wedding favors and bridal party gifts!
Begin any necessary counseling sessions with your wedding officiant!
Schedule your alterations appointment!
- We do have seamstresses in the store who are happy to alter both you and your bridesmaids' dresses! Make sure that every every girl is prepared to try on her dresses when she does go in to pay it off after it has come in the store. This will help the bridal shop do whatever they can to fix any problems and help you decide what you may need done in alterations!
2 Months Before The Wedding
Choose your wedding music and share it with your band or DJ!
Select a location for your rehearsal dinner!
- Make sure to make the necessary reservations and deposits!
Make sure you and the bridesmaids and flower girls all have alterations appointments scheduled!
- This is very important because depending on the season, the seamstresses can get very busy! Here at the Wedding Tree, our seamstresses work independently from the store and simply rent space in our basement. You want to make sure they have time to do all the necessary alterations! (If you're lucky enough.. I know some seamstresses give discounts if you book appointments during the winter months and off seasons when they're least busy!)
Confirm with your formal wear shop!
- Make sure that they have received measurements from all your guys, and if they haven't make sure and pester your boys to get in and get measured! And make sure to warn them that there is often a nonrefundable $25 deposit required! You may also want to just reconfirm your style choices and make sure everything was written down correctly! Here a the Wedding Tree we make sure and give the bride and groom a call to Confirm Styles but some shops may not do this.
Order address labels with you and your future husband's new name and address!
- This adds a personal touch to your Thank You notes and celebrates your new life as husband and wife!
Confirm your order with the florist!
1 Month Before The Wedding
Design your wedding programs!
Apply for a marriage license!
Have a final gown fitting!
- When you have your final fitting be sure to give the seamstress a day when you will be picking up the dress so that it can be steamed and pressed for you when you need it! If your seamstress does not offer steaming and pressing, find somewhere that does and make sure to give the seamstress a pick up date that gives the pressers plenty of time to do an excellent job! Here at The Wedding Tree storage is free up until the day of the wedding and you'll also receive free steaming and pressing after alterations are complete!
Do a hair trial!
- Visit your hair stylist and let her play around with your hair. Have her style it and even add in your veil and headpiece so there won't be any guesswork the day of the wedding! But MAKE SURE your stylist DOES NOT use hair spray on the veil or it may burn when it is pressed out later!
Do a make-up trial!
- Have your make-up done on the same day you get your hair done to give you the full affect!
Get your formal bridal portraits taken if you like!
- You already have your hair and make-up done so why not do this on the same day!?
Discuss and/or finalize details with any wedding service providers!
2 Weeks Before The Wedding
Call any guests who haven't sent back their response card!
Give the caterer a finalized head count!
Pick up your marriage license!
Give your band or DJ a list of songs!
Confirm rehearsal plans with your officiant and church wedding coordinator!
Obtain any legal information regarding changing your name!
- Drivers License, Social Security Card, Vehicle Documents, Credit Cards, Bank Accounts, Investment Accounts, Passport, Change of Address Card with Post Office, Insurance Policies, Voter Registration Card, Subscriptions, Employment Records, Billing Address/Name Change.
Complete the floor and seating plan for the reception!
Confirm all rental and floral delivery dates and times!
Confirm arrival time for all attendants!
Check parking arrangements!
1 Week Before The Wedding
Make any last minute arrangements/adjustments!
Organize your wedding day attire!
- Often you will be picking it up from its safe place of storage (here at The Wedding Tree we offer free storage up until the day of the wedding and free pressing!) on the Thursday or Friday before the wedding. Make sure everything is organized and in order!
Confirm honeymoon reservations!
Confirm reservations for out-of-town guests!
Pack for your honeymoon!
-Of course this only applies if you intend to leave right after the wedding and gift opening.
Gather any documents necessary for honeymoon travel!
-Passports, plane tickets, etc.
Confirm rehearsal plans with the attendants!
- Make sure everyone knows what time to be there so they won't be late!
Confirm reservations for the rehearsal dinner!
Pick up your formal wear!
- At The Wedding Tree, all men wearing tuxedos are expected to come in the Thursday or Friday before the wedding to try on their tuxedo and make sure that any exchanges or alterations should be made! We do not recommend sending one person to pick up all the tuxes!
If your man's bachelor party is this week make sure to tell him to be on his best behavior! :)
Get yourself a relaxing massage!
The Day Before The Wedding
Go through your list of things to do!
Pack your wedding day emergency kit!
-Good things to include are a needle and thread, a Tide-to-Go Pen, some double sided sticky tape, aspirin, tissues, static guard, deodorant, a brush or comb, a mirror, make-up, make-up remover, perfume, nail polish and remover (just in case), extra bobby pins, hair spray, a curling iron and hair dryer(great for drying stains after you've removed them), a water bottle, your reception shoes and throw out garter, a phone list of all your vendors(just in case) and a few other things too! A great place to look for an emergency kit checklist is http://www.weddingcram.com/planning/checklists/listemergencykit.html
Get your manicure and pedicure done!
Take a steamy, relaxing bath!
Give the rings to the best man!
Make sure all your wedding day attire and accessories are together!
Enjoy your rehearsal!
Get a good night's sleep!
Your Wedding Day!
Eat something! It helps!
Get your hair and make-up done!
Have someone check out the reception site!
Dress for your wedding day and enjoy it!
Don't forget that even if something goes wrong... don't stress out! The guests probably won't know the difference!
After the Honeymoon!
Get your gown and veil preserved!
-At The Wedding Tree, we offer a service called "The Wedding Gown Preservation Box." You pack up the entire gown, you can also add your veil and crinoline if you'd like, and ship it off to The Wedding Gown Preservation Company. All the shipping is included and they will clean the dress. They then ship the dress back preserved in an excellent little display box. You can get a good look at www.gownpreservation.com
Write your Thank-You notes!
Change your name! You've started a new and exciting life!
Well there you have it lovely ladies! I hope this timeline helped you out!
~Kacia
