Hi I just got engaged about a month ago, and we've already set the date for October 15, 2005. That is about 14 months away. My problem is that I don't know when I should really start planning and what are the things that I should take care of first. My mom first told me that I should start now, but everytime I mention something about the wedding she tells me that I have over a year to plan. I mean I don't really expect to be buying anything at this time but I have no clue as to when things should be bought, reserved, etc. I am also a senior in college, so my time for planning a wedding is limited. I will only have about 5 months left after I graduate until I get married, and most of that time will be spent looking for a job, a place to live and so on. I just don't know what to do. I already have my colors picked out, but that's about it. I could really use some advice on what I should be doing.
Here is an example of a typical wedding timetable.
NINE - EIGHTEEN MONTHS BEFORE WEDDING 1. Determine type of wedding (formal or informal) 2. Make an appointment with your officiant (Priest, Rabbi, Minister, etc) and discuss their requirements. 3. Determine size of the guest list. 4. Determine your budget 5. Purchase wedding insurance 6. Select a wedding planner if using one. 7. Shop for a wedding gown 8. Visit reception locations, some are booked over 2 years in advance so make your reservations as soon as possible.
SIX - NINE MONTHS BEFORE WEDDING 1. Choose a color scheme and theme. 2. Choose your attendants and their attire 3. Book your photographer, videographer, Music (DJ, Band, Etc) 4. Plan ceremony, vows, music selections 5. Prepare guest list 6. Make any hairstyle changes. Now is the time to experiment; not two or three weeks before the wedding!
FOUR - SIX MONTHS BEFORE WEDDING 1. Select your florist and wedding flower arrangements. 2. Order wedding invitations 3. Order wedding favors and bridal party gifts. 4. Order Wedding favors and bridal party gifts. * Grooms and groomsmen select tuxedos 4. Finalize arrangement for the church and ceremony 5. Make transportation arrangements (book limousines) 6. Make honeymoon reservations and plan itinerary. 7. Confirm all contracts are signed and returned 8. Make all final deposits. 9. Select bridal registry 10. If you don't already have a hair stylist and/or makeup artist you're comfortable with, begin your search now. Schedule consultations with several candidates to find someone you like and trust.
THREE MONTHS BEFORE WEDDING 1. Buy wedding rings 2. Order wedding cake, cake top and knife set.
TWO MONTHS BEFORE WEDDING 1. Plan wedding rehearsal & dinner 2. Make hotel reservations for out-of-town guests 3. Address and send (4 to 6 weeks before) wedding invitations
ONE MONTH BEFORE WEDDING 1. Final gown fittings for bride and attendants. 2. Confirm honeymoon reservations 3. Obtain marriage license
TWO WEEKS BEFORE WEDDING 1. Prepare wedding announcement to send to newspapers 2. Contact guests who have not responded
ONE WEEK BEFORE WEDDING 1. Pick up your gown, attendants' dresses & accessories 2. Pack for honeymoon 3. Have rehearsal and rehearsal dinner 4. Manicures, pedicures, waxing, etc. 5. Give final guest count to reception hall / caterer
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When to start planning?
