Planning is key when it comes to a wedding – just like any big party or event with multiple moving parts. Once you get engaged and the emotions settle, it’s time to get down to business. But where do you begin?
New Orleans Bride Magazine has a thorough breakdown of everything you need to do and exactly when to start planning. Within the magazine is a physical copy of the full checklist, (and a link online here), but we wanted to take some time again (because you can’t review this too many times) to highlight the items to tackle in those first few weeks of planning.
10-12 Months To Go
__ You’re engaged! Make sure you celebrate with your fiancé, friends and family.
__ Nail down the basics. Where are you getting married? Who’s paying for what? What is your budget? How many guests will be there? Getting the basics right and settled is the key to everything.
__ Alert the wedding party. Decide who you want in your wedding party and ask them as soon as you can. This is especially important if the wedding will be a destination wedding or require extra traveling and accommodations for the bridal party.
__ Pick the date. Check with your family members and wedding party before you make a final decision so there are no huge time conflicts.
__ Find a wedding planner. If you’re considering a wedding planner, find one in the early stages. He or she will make all the craziness more manageable.
__ Book your ceremony and reception location. Where you get married will affect a lot of your planning decisions, so reserving a place should be at the top of your to-do list. Many locations, and churches, require a certain amount of time – or book up quickly – before a wedding, so checking this off is imperative.
__ Insure your ring. Your engagement ring is special, but it’s also expensive. Make sure you get it insured, just in case.
__ Book officiant. Make sure your preferred officiant has your wedding date on the calendar.
__ Write thank you notes for engagement gifts. You will most likely receive a few gifts right after your engagement. Send a thank you note for each gift within three months of receiving it.
__ Take engagement photos. Book a session with a professional photographer so you have a few nice photos of you and your fiancé for save-the-dates, newspaper announcements and more. Some photographers will include an engagement shoot with a wedding package.
__ Pick your colors. Think about your wedding colors and the overall look of your day. Are you going for a classic look or trendy? Vintage or glamorous? Your color scheme will guide you through other big decisions, such as the bridesmaid dresses and the groomsmen’s ties.
This should get you started, but don’t forget to click above to see the full list and stay tuned for our next breakdown.
