You're engaged. Now what...? (Part 2)

rosiedweddings
Nov 26, 2014
4 min read

Welcome to Part 2 of the 'You're Engaged. Now What...?' post.

This post provides insight into the race to the finish line that is your wedding. Again, this is in no means set in concrete - purely a guide as to what needs to be done.

6 months to go

Book your cake
Decide on flavour, design and style
Ensure that a tasting is included in the price.
Book your caterer (if required)
Again, ensure that a tasting is included in the price.
Book florist and determine the overall style for personal flowers, ceremony and reception décor.
Book musicians / entertainment.
Book photographer and/or videographer.
Finalise guest list and mailing addresses.
Be 150% sure that you have the correct addresses for all your guests.
Research invitation designs.
Check out some free printables available online if you are counting your pennies!
Begin discussing ceremony service with officiant.
Ensure wedding dress, bridesmaid’s dresses and flower girl dresses have been ordered.
keep all official receipts (if you are paying for the attire) or request copies of receipts (if each person is paying for their own).
Book wedding day transportation.
Reserve a hotel room for your wedding night.
Look for reception packages that include this!
If your reception package doesn't include this - one word. SPLURGE!

5 months to go

Begin planning for bridal shower and hen’s night.
Provide a guest list to the maid-of-honour.
Research honeymoon destinations.
Look for packages that include special extras for the honeymooners!
Finalise invitation design and order / make.
Ensure you have extra envelopes on hand.
Reserve any items that need to be rented.

4 months to go

Book honeymoon.
Meet with hair and make-up stylist(s).
Create play list for reception.
Select first dance and other special dance songs – keep these secret until the big day!
Order wedding rings.
Reserve or purchase suit for Groom (and Groomsmen / Page Boy / Usher – where required).
Draft wedding program information.
Schedule a rehearsal with your officiant and bridal party
This normally happens the day before, but anytime during the week before is a good time to aim for.

3 months to go

Attend dress fittings.
Speak up until you are happy with any alterations that need to be made.
Order or make bomboniere / favours.
DIY! Google and Pinterest are really good for clever, inexpensive ideas!
Purchase a guest book.
Attend pre-marriage counselling or classes if required.
Request time off from work.
Don’t forget to include your honeymoon time.
Finalise all florist arrangements.
Order / print wedding programs.
Ensure all vendors are up-to-date with payments / deposits.

2 months to go

Ensure all licencing paperwork is completed.
Your officiant may submit these documents on your behalf, but it is your job to make sure it is done, otherwise your marriage will not be legal. See http://www.bdm.nsw.gov.au/bdm_mge.html or The Office of Births, Deaths and Marriages in your state or territory.
Mail invitations.
Keep a RSVP register.
This could be a spreadsheet that contains name, addresses, travel arrangements and dietary requirements.
Schedule hair and make-up trials.
Select gifts for bridal party.
Attend bridal shower as planned by Maid-of-Honour.
Begin drafting your vows – if you are writing your own.
Schedule a tasting with the caterer and confirm reception menu.

1 month to go

Draft seating plan.
Review ceremony details with officiant.
Distribute copies of selected readings and songs to ceremony participants.
Send a photo shot list to the photographer.
Send play list to musician / DJ.
Attend Hen’s Night / Buck’s Night.
2-3weeks prior, preferably held on the same night.
Write your wedding speech / toast (if you are going to give one) and ensure other toast-makers are writing theirs.
Start breaking in your wedding shoes (if you fear they are going to give you grief on the wedding day).
Walk on carpet first, this will hopefully keep scratch / scuff marks to a minimum.
Attend hair and make-up trials.
Make sure you take pictures of yourself.
Book Groom in for a haircut.
Find something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue.
Attend a final dress fitting.
Keep viewers to a minimum.
Pick up wedding rings.
Begin printing / making placecards as you should have all your RSVPs back by now.

1 week to go

Pick dress up from bridal salon
This should involve a final final fitting.
DO NOT leave the salon until you are 150% happy with your dress.
Make sure all the men have their suits ready to go
pick up from rental place if being rented.
Give caterer / reception venue your final headcount.
Give reception location manager final seating chart and drop off place cards.
Ensure your Maid-of-Honour, the Groom, one other person (outside the bridal party) and the respective location managers / wedding planners have a list of contacts for the big day.
Be sure to include all vendors and mobile contacts for the VIPs.
Confirm all appointments and details with all vendors.
Pack for honeymoon.
Arrange for someone to return the Groom’s suit (if rented).