27 Things to Prepare You for Your Wedding Day
Planning a wedding can be stressful, but there are ways to make it go smoother. Following a checklist is sure to make your life a lot easier. Here is a detailed list of what to expect in the year leading up to your big day.
Six To Twelve Months before the Wedding
1. Deciding Budget
Questions you need to ask yourself are how much to spend, where to spend, and when to spend. Break down the things you want to spend on, and what would require expenditure. Select what is most essential and create a ballpark figure. This might be the time to cut some unnecessary expenses. Maybe you only go to Starbucks two times a week instead of ten.
2. Finalizing Guest List
Create a list of categories, such as close relatives and friends, office colleagues, neighbors, and mutual friends or acquaintances.
Before you start, think of an approximate number of guests that you would want to have. Highlight the names that are absolute musts, and make sure they are in the final list.
Now is the time for everyone to be on their best behavior!
3. Wedding Venue Selection
Make sure you start scouting for your dream wedding venue at least 10 to 11 months in advance. Consider location, ambience, space, and size of the venue. Here at The Venue Fort Lauderdale, we have two extravagant ballrooms to choose from!
4. Hiring a Wedding Planner (If Required)
Hiring a wedding planner is always helpful, since organizing your special day can be very hectic. Make sure to book them far in advance so they can get started right away. At The Venue Fort Lauderdale we can help you with all of the planning in house!
5. Checking the Latest Trends
Wedding trends are always changing. This is the best time to do your research and see what’s popular in all things wedding. For 2022, the trends we are seeing are Themed Parties, Silver Touches, Wallpaper Accents, Serious Wedding Guest Style, Big Blowout Weddings, Virtual Save-the-Dates, Technicolor Schemes, Open Air Tents, Multiple and Specialty Bars, Hanging Florals, Art-Inspired Design, and The Long Wedding Weekend. If you want to start your own new and whacky trend, have at it!
6. Wedding Invitation Selection
Design, as well as content, really matters when selecting your invites. You can keep it simple, or get creative with the wedding theme. It’s nice to keep everything cohesive and tie it all together. It gets people excited and curious about the wedding theme.
7. Contacting Photographer and Videographer
Booking a photographer and videographer is the most important thing on your wedding planning checklist. Candid photography has been very popular for most people, but some still admire the traditional style of capturing memories. Make sure you have decided if you want theme photography, candid, or the old-school style, then book the photographer and videographer as soon as possible.
8. Entertainment Preparations
A wedding isn’t complete without good music and some entertainment. Decide if you want to find a live band or a DJ for your special day. You can also have dance performers, or another type, to keep your guests entertained all night.
9. Get Your Makeup Artist On Board
Booking a makeup artist in advance is also very important. They tend to fill up very fast and you want to make sure your top choice is available. Get some quotes to see which is the best option, or maybe you already know someone that might even gift it to you for your wedding present. If you are skilled in the art of makeup yourself, have at it!
10. Start Planning Your Honeymoon
Of course there have been many discussions on where your destination will be (arguments, too), but now it’s time to actually start planning it out. This includes flights, hotels, and even looking up fun things to do.
11. Shop for Jewelry
Shopping for the right wedding rings and jewelry takes a lot of time and patience. Think about what designs you like best ahead of time. Keep in mind which stores might be running some sales as well.
12. Shop for Your Attire
This also takes a lot of time and patience. It is important to do ahead of time, as adjustments might have to be made to the garments. Keep in mind your theme and colors of your wedding. Don’t forget all of the accessories! This might include shoes, garters, veils, and cuff links.
13. Book an Accommodation for Guests
Now is the time to consider where your guests are located, and finding those comfortable accommodations. Research some good hotels or guest houses that provide great hospitality and amenities to ensure your guests are happy. Make sure these accommodations are also in close proximity to the wedding venue. You don’t want anyone to me late on your wedding day!
14. Send out Your Wedding Invites
This is the ideal time to send out those invites. Check the invite, get the respective names/addresses, and mail them to your guest list right away.
Two Months before the Wedding
15. Book Your Honeymoon
Since you have already done your research, this should be a piece of (wedding) cake. You are ready to book everything from flights to hotels. Maybe you can even do a little shopping for your new outfits for your trip!
16. Send out Your Wedding Invites
This is the ideal time to send out those invites. Check the invite, get the respective names/addresses, and mail them to your guest list right away.
17. Book an Officiant
Discuss all of your requirements with the officiant. They can fill up fast, so make sure they are booked quickly.
18. Party with Your Friends or Take a Trip
It’s time for your Bachelor and Bachelorette party! Some people opt for just one night out, while others take a mini vacation. These parties also involve some planning, so make sure you have someone to help you get all of the party favors, bookings, and invites sent out. Make sure not to do your party the week before your wedding! You want to be feeling 100% for your special day.
One Month before the Wedding
19. Book a Special Stay for Your First Night
Look for luxury hotels or any place that you’ve been wanting to visit with your partner. Request that the hotel management make special arrangements like a wedding celebration cake, flowers, or a private candlelight dinner in advance.
20. Follow Up With the Vendors
It’s time for a final follow up with all of the vendors for your wedding. Contact management of your wedding venue, florist, DJ, makeup artist, photographer/videographer, etc. You want to make sure that everything goes smooth and all of the bookings were made correctly.
21. Try on Your Attire
Wear your outfit and put on your shoes for a final trial to see if you need any more alterations.
2 Weeks before the Wedding
22. Follow Up With the Guests
It’s important to prepare a final list of guests. There could be some last minute changes with their plans. Follow up with them and formally greet them to the wedding.
23. Get Ready and Grooming
You want to look amazing for your special day. It might be time for a haircut or to touch up your hair color. Maybe you even want a new tan or to get rid of existing tan lines. This could also be the time for a spray tan or tanning bed. Some hair removal might be done now, or you may even wait until it gets a little closer.
24. Give Final Headcount
Make sure that you give the final plate number to your caterer. This includes exact count of meal choices, if plated. Be sure to order extra plates, just in case!
25. Send Music Choices to DJ
Take some time to think about your perfect playlist. You want your guests to have a fun time and also make sure you have some sentimental things for you and your partner. Send your song requests to your DJ.
1 Week before the Wedding
26. Lay out Wedding Clothes
Check and make sure everything is still perfectly intact. Let’s not forget ironing and conditioning your garments. This is the first thing in the last week that you should do.
27. Prepare Payment Receipts
A spending sheet should be maintained. Keep everything organized so you can keep track of what you are spending for your big day. You want to make sure you stick close to your budget.
Now you are ready for your special day! Make sure you give yourself more time to get ready than you think you need. Also, get a good nights’ rest. Relax... Breathe... and get ready to say I do!
