The wedding planning process is long and involved, and you should know what you’re getting in to. Here is part 2 of the 12-month timeline to planning your dream wedding.
6 MONTHS PRIOR
HAIR AND MAKEUP TRIALS
Trials are very important! When you find your hair and makeup professionals, make sure you have a few run-throughs to see what style you want to go with and whether or not your hair texture and length can hold up to the longevity of the day.
Planning trials on important days like bridal parties can also give you the added benefit of a good look on an important day.
ORDER THE CAKE
Get eager for cake tastings! When it comes to choosing a cake there are a handful of things to consider including design, flavor, size, budget and the potential temperature of your wedding day. A good baker and cake designer will be able to guide you through this process flawlessly.
THE FLORIST
If you have never purchased flowers from a florist you may not know where to start so check with friends, family, recent brides and online reviews. Florists come with a plethora of knowledge about what is and is not possible when it comes to the flowers you want for the time of year you plan to wed.
Make sure to meet with them with an open mind and discuss your weddings needs.
MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT
This is the time to consider whether you would like a DJ or live band. While doing your research also make sure to work on your playlist. If there are songs you definitely don’t want to hear make sure this list is also provided as guests will make suggestions throughout the night and it’s best the professional is aware beforehand.
ORDER THE WEDDING DRESS
It’s time for that big decision. You have had a few months to look for the right dress and now is the time to purchase. You might think there is more time between now and the wedding but keep in mind you will need time for alterations and tailoring to make sure the dress is perfect for you.
4 MONTHS PRIOR
BRIDESMAID DRESSES
Deciding on bridesmaids dresses can sometimes be just as difficult as the wedding dress as you will be trying to fit a variety of skin tones, body types and more!
WEDDING BANDS
This is a very big joint decision and may not always be rings! As times change the representation of your love changes too. While most couples opt for the classic rings some choose tattoos, bracelets and other means of personifying their commitment.
SAVE THE DATES
Sending save the dates may not sound important but be aware that some people may need to travel or make arrangements so they can be there for your big moment.
Make sure to include your names, the wedding dates, location and notice for a formal invitation to follow. This is also around the time you should be finalizing your actual guest list.
BOOK HONEYMOON
Planning, planning and more planning! Planning a honeymoon can seem like a job in of itself and it is! Try not to overstress yourself planning a massive experience while simultaneously planning a massive wedding.
Opt for an all-inclusive experience or go a lot more casual and realize you will just meld into the moment of your honeymoon experience without some by the second timeline.
GROOM AND GROOMSMEN ATTIRE
Only you know your partner. This is roughly the time you should begin renting or purchasing your groom’s and groomsmen’s attire normally. However, if you have a picky man who cares about his appearance it may be smart to start sooner.
The groom’s attire often reflects the same formality as the bride’s dress. If there is no bride or you choose to take a different approach, the sky is the limit!
Four months in and you still aren’t done! You are getting down to the grind. As the months go on you will notice more and more tasks will fill your plate as decisions and meetings need to be made with various professionals.
Part three of this 12-month timeline will see a lot of final counts and decision making that will bring your wedding and reception together.
James Novotny
Staff Writer
James Novotny, director of James Novotny Lifestyle Design and the wedding blog alwaysthebridesman.com, would like to help guide you down the aisle and ease your wedding day woes.
Feel free to send your wedding queries to lifestyledesign@jamesnovotny.org or drop them off at the Clarion office, 6-314.
James Novotny is an all-inclusive wedding planner and is open to questions regarding same-sex and multicultural weddings.