You’re engaged! Now what? It is completely normal to become swept up in the emotions of an engagement and not think seriously about the planning process. But the reality is planning a wedding, without wanting to go crazy, will take the better part of a year. The task may seem daunting, but Let Them Eat Cake is here to assist. In a new series based on the handy checklist we publish in each issue of New Orleans Bride Magazine, we will be tackling each step of the planning process, not by category, but on a month-by-month basis.
To begin, we’ll look at the starting tasks of your planning process from 10 to 12 months out. Keep this page handy – print it out, check the steps off, make notes, etc. – read the steps and let the stress slip away.
10 to 12 Months To Go
_________ CELEBRATE! You’re engaged! Before you do anything, make sure you plan celebrations and festivities to revel in you and your honey before planning for the Big Day.
_________ The Big Day! Pick the date of your upcoming nuptials. Remember to consult immediate family and make sure your day has no competition. (Are you getting married in the fall in the South? Consider checking the football schedules.)
Basics:
_________ Wedding Location: where are you getting married? Book the location! Look into ceremony and reception locations (if not the same venue) and make a decision.
_________ Budget: What is the budget? Who is paying for what?
_________ Guests: Realistically, how many guests will be invited?
_________ Wedding Party: Decide who will be standing next to you and your fiancé on the big day.
_________ Extra Wedding Party: Plan a fun way to ask your bridal party
_________ Theme: Before you get to the flowers and linens or bridesmaids dress, it’s important to pick a theme. This theme can be huge or it can just include your wedding colors. Think about the look you are trying to achieve with your wedding. Are you going for rustic chic? Or maybe a glamorous soiree in the city? Whatever it may be, your color scheme and theme will guide many aspects of your planning.
_________ Wedding Planner: are you planning on seeking out help for the Big Day? The sooner you find your wedding planner, the faster the stress is off your shoulders. Remember, you can find planners to help one month out or for day-off necessities as well.
_________ Officiant: Who will be officiating your wedding? Whether it’s your favorite priest or your parrain, make sure they have your wedding date on their calendar.
_________ Engagement Photos: If you’re lucky, your preferred photographer will include an engagement session in their wedding packages; however, this is the time to take engagement photos. These photos can be used for announcements, save-the-date cards, etc.
_________ Thank You Notes: Usually, an engagement party is thrown for the couple in the first few months. This is a good time to gather thank you notes for every occasion. First, send any for engagement presents you may have received already. Then make sure you have additional cards for bridal showers and your wedding presents.
During your planning process did you find something that should have been planned in the early stages? Share with other brides in the comments!
