(This article first appeared in the April print edition of the Hendersonian.)
Planning a wedding is exhilarating! While the typical timeline is around 12 months, some couples start 18 to 24 months out, allowing for the best venue and vendor selections and time to choose attire and design elements that reflect your personal style. Starting early turns the planning process into a memorable adventure. So, why wait?
18 Months out
Establish Your Budget and Choose a Date. Outline your budget to align with your financial goals. Once you understand your budget, choose a date that works for you and your guests. Discuss this date with family, friends, and essential vendors before finalizing any commitments.
Celebrate Your Engagement. Back in the day, the bride’s parents hosted the engagement party, but now anyone close to the couple can throw it. There’s no strict timing for hosting; invitations are usually sent a few months after the proposal, about a month before the event. When inviting guests, focus on close family and friends who will also be invited to the wedding.
Select a Wedding Coordinator and Choose your Vendors. A Professional Wedding Coordinator manages everything from the initial design and budget to vendor contracts. By orchestrating all aspects of the event, the coordinator ensures a seamless and memorable celebration while you can relax and enjoy your day! Your Wedding Coordinator can be an invaluable resource when booking your photographer, videographer, caterer, cake baker, florist, photo booth, limo and other essential vendors.
Compile Your Guest List. Think about the key people in your lives and the atmosphere you want to create. Estimate the number of attendees for planning logistics like venue size, seating, and catering. Then, research and book your ceremony and reception venues.
8-12 Months out
Choose your Wedding Colors, Overall Theme and Say ‘yes’ to the Dress. Select your bridesmaids, groomsmen,bridesmen, ushers, flower girls, ring bearers, guest book and program attendants and their attire. If you’re custom-ordering your gown, make appointments with boutiques to find your dream dress and get it ordered with plenty of time for alterations.
5-6 Months out
Send out your Save-the-Date Cards. These cards will provide the first impression of your big day, so choose a design that matches your invitations and decor. Send them early during busy seasons or for destination weddings to give guests time to plan. Start by creating your wedding website and gift registry, then send out save-the-date cards. Book hotel room blocks as your guest list grows.
3-4 Months out
Organize the Details. Schedule dress fittings and makeup and hair trial runs to ensure everyone looks their best. Send out invites for bridal showers, the bachelor and bachelorette parties and consider fun supplies like themed t-shirts to enhance the celebrations. Order all wedding party attire for your gentlemen; tuxedos, suits, and shoes. Lastly, plan your honeymoon, looking for matching outfits and accessories to create lasting memories.
6 Weeks out
Order and send out Wedding and Rehearsal Invitations. With many styles available, consider requesting samples to find the perfect fit. Once you’ve chosen a design, think about hiring a calligrapher or asking a friend to do the addressing.
1-3 Weeks out
Confirm All Day-Of Details, including décor, food, floral arrangements, and vendor coordination. Arrange transportation for you and your guests, including those flying in. Apply for a marriage license. Finalize your gown fitting. Put together your emergency kit. Confirm all vendors. Delegate all wedding day duties.
Night before and wedding day
Pass on the alcohol, get plenty of sleep and moisturize. Don’t forget your marriage License.
My Love Note: You’ve done all the hard work! Enjoy your Wedding Day.
Pem Pfisterer Clark has been hosting the nationally syndicated radio show “Wedding Planning With Pem” for over 20 years. The show provides valuable advice, insider tips, etiquette and money-saving ideas to listeners across the country. Bill Stevens Stark is the executive producer of the show.
