Last week, LTEC began a To-Do wedding series. Today, we bring you part two of the series: 6-9 months. This list, published and doled out to the bridal masses by New Orleans Bride Magazine, is a tool and useful guide on your journey and path to the Big Day. Month by month, item by item, we will provide what you need to know, when you need to know it to make for the picturesque wedding of every person’s dreams.
Just like part 1, keep this page handy – print it out, check the steps off, make notes, etc. – and let the stress slip away.
6 to 9 Months To Go
__________ Interview and select vendors: Yes, we said interview. These professionals are being hired by you to create your fairytale. You have every right to interview them and make sure you’re getting what you want and your money’s worth. This is the time to make sure you book the “big ticket” items, such as the photographer, caterer, florist and the entertainment.
__________ Send out save-the-dates: The typical rule on sending save-the-dates is six months before your wedding, but send them earlier if you’re inviting a lot of out-of-town guests so they can book flights.
__________ Go dress shopping: You need an appointment at most wedding boutiques, so call a few of your favorite stores to set up a time. If you’re indecisive or want to make sure you don’t miss a style, make sure to book multiple appointments. Don’t go overboard on putting all appointments in one day. Neither you, nor your entourage, will make it through a marathon day with a smile still on your face. Also, remember to think about budget and stick to it! It’s easy to get carried away while dressing like Cinderella, but there are extra costs to consider before saying, “Yes” to the dress.
__________ Register: Register at two or three stores. Choose items at a variety of prices so everyone can find something they can afford. Add more gifts than you think you need so your friends and family have some options. You can also take your wedding registry in a different direction with online-only registries like Food52.com, tech registries like Best Buy’s new registry or ditching gifts entirely and having your guests donate to your favorite charities.
__________ Think about the rehearsal dinner: It’s customary that the groom’s parents host the rehearsal dinner. Talk to your future in-laws about possibilities or begin to make other arrangements for the festive evening.
__________ Schedule transportation: Book a limo, trolley or another form of transportation to shuttle your wedding party from the hotel to your ceremony location. Decide whether you need transportation for your guests to get from the reception to the hotel at the end of the reception.
__________ Plan your honeymoon: If you’re going out of the country for your trip, make sure you and your fiancé have up-to-date passports and any other travel documents. Click here for honeymoon ideas.
__________ Figure out your rentals: Rentals depend on the location of your wedding, but if you’re responsible for common rental items such as chairs and plates, make a list of everything you need and where you’re going to find each item.
__________ Book a block of hotel rooms for out-of-town guests: Booking hotels for out-of-town guests is proper etiquette when asking those guests to attend your big day. Most hotels will offer your party a group rate and have the rooms blocked out for your wedding at a specific price. Booking the same hotel for your wedding prep makes for a convenient booking and can also be included in the group rate. Know what you’re looking for in a hotel and ask a hotel representative to show you a room if you are unfamiliar with the hotel.
__________ Order bridesmaid dresses: Depending on the party involved, you want to have enough time to accommodate everyone involved when choosing bridesmaid dresses. Don’t wait to order these dresses; some take almost the same amount of time to arrive as a wedding dress.
During your planning process did you find something that should have been planned earlier in the process? Share with other brides in the comments!
