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Wedding Etiquette
hmaki1234
Post #1 of 3
(1218 views)
Timeline for booking wedding services.
I just recently got engaged (New Years Eve) and we're not planning to wed until June 21, 2008, so I am wondering, what is the general timeline for booking my reception site, my ceremony site,and the rest of the wedding services? Groom's mother has a reception site we can get for free, my father is a Pastor so I already have him booked (but we're doing it in a church outside of his in a different city). So what do you think the timeline should be for me to start booking things? I don't want to jump the gun but I don't want to end up waiting too long and then running out of booking options/times. Also--about when should I book/make a contract with a caterer for the reception and a DJ? Thanks! Heather Bride-2-Be
(This post was
edited by TWQadmin on Jan 5, 2006, 6:40 AM)
expertplanner
BRIDAL CONSULTANT
Post #2 of 3
(1210 views)
Re: [hmaki1234] Timeline for booking wedding services.
[In reply to ]
Dear Newly Engaged: My recommendation is to book services as early as possible. Doing so will put you in a better position to get any discounted rates available since your wedding is isn't until 2008. Also, it means you'll get your wedding planning completed sooner leaving you more time to enjoy your engagement. As for an actual timeline on when to book services, that depends on you and your resources. There are ample wedding timeline generators available online for you to look at to get a better idea on how services may be booked. Cheers!
TWQadmin
FORUM EXPERT
/ Moderator
Post #3 of 3
(1207 views)
Re: [hmaki1234] Timeline for booking wedding services.
[In reply to ]
Wedding Timeline as per My Wedding Planner NOTE: This timeline will be AUTOMATICALLY generated for you based on YOUR wedding date with the best-selling wedding software program entitled My Wedding Companion! Download a FREE trial copy today . Nine to Twelve Months Before Determine who will officiate at the ceremony. Select a wedding date and time. Announce your engagement in the newspaper. Determine how many guests may attend. Determine the type of wedding you want (size, formality, style, color scheme). Select and order the bridesmaids' dresses. Establish a preliminary budget. Select and secure a photographer. Select a caterer if not already provided by the reception. Select and secure your reception location. Select and secure your ceremony location. Begin choosing your wedding cake baker, videographer, musicians, and florist. Sign necessary contracts. Pick out engagement ring with fiancé. Six to Nine Months Before Start compiling the guest list (inform your families to do the same). Select the attendants for your wedding party. Shop for the wedding dress, headpiece, veil, etc. Start planning for honeymoon. Register with a gift bridal registry in your favorite store. Four to Six Months Before Make appointments for a physical exam with your doctor/dentist. Check requirements for blood test and marriage license in your state. Shop for wedding rings. Select and order the invitations and stationery. Make sure all the men's attire has been ordered. Decide where to live after the wedding. Complete the guest lists. Begin shopping for trousseau. Send your engagement announcement to the newspaper. Inform mothers to select their dresses. Select and order the men's attire. Finalize honeymoon details and make the necessary reservations. Two to Four Months Before Confirm the menu and catering details with the caterer. Prepare all maps and directions for the ceremony and reception. Select your wedding rings. Buy a wedding guest book. Set the dates and times with the officiant for the rehearsal. Plan the bridesmaids' luncheon and any other parties. Determine your resources for designing and printing the program for the ceremony. Finalize the florist details, photographer, videographer, musicians, etc. Arrange the necessary accommodations for out-of-town guests. Plan a rehearsal dinner, time and place. Confirm the wedding cake details with the baker. Six to Eight Weeks Before Mail invitations and announcements. Prepare a portrait for the newspaper. Check your local newspaper for details and timing. Set appointment with photographer for your formal bridal portrait. Select gifts for all your attendants. Set appointments with any hairdressers and/or makeup artists. Hire the limousine or other forms of transportation for the wedding. Four to Six Weeks Before Decide what your menu is going to be for the reception. Estimate the expected number of guests. Buy a gift for the groom. Schedule a final fitting for your gown so it can be ready for your formal bridal portrait. Purchase a going away outfit. Pick up your wedding rings. Purchase (borrow) all wedding accessories such as the ring pillow, goblets, garter belt, candles, etc. Confirm florist details and delivery times. Plan the seating for the reception as well as other details for the ceremony and reception. Start writing placement cards. Make sure all bridesmaids' attire has been fitted. Buy a gift for the bride. Two Weeks Before Make arrangements to have your wedding gifts moved to your new home. Handle business and legal details such as name changes, address changes, etc. Prepare the wedding announcement for the newspaper. Reconfirm your guests' accommodations Make sure all clothing and accessories for you and the bridal party are ready. Get your marriage license and any blood tests which are needed. One Week Before Review any seating details with the ushers. Make sure all wedding attire fits. Finalize the seating arrangements. Reconfirm your honeymoon reservations. Ensure you have any necessary plane tickets. Start packing for your honeymoon. Call any guests who have not responded yet. Finish all the place cards for the reception. Review all the final details with your photographer, videographer, etc. Give a final head count to the caterer. Confirm the availability of the musicians and vocalists. Delegate responsibilities to reliable individuals on your wedding day Wrap and present the wedding party gifts. Finalize your rehearsal dinner arrangements or other plans. One Day Before Get a manicure or massage to relax yourself. Stay with your family the night before and sleep early. Review and rehearse all the details of your participants. The Big Day Make sure the best man and maid of honor sign the wedding certificate. Allow yourself plenty of time to get dressed. Enjoy your wonderful wedding and cherish each and every moment!!! Be sure to eat properly. Rest and relax with a good bath. Prepare for your hairdresser and makeup appointments. Courtesy of My Wedding Companion Top Wedding Questions Forum Moderator - "Write your sorrows in the sand, your blessings in stone".