the best thing
to hold onto in life is each other
WHO‘S GETTING MARRIED
&
WEDDING DATE
Congratulations on your engagement! You’ve found the love of your life and you can’t wait to share your joy with all of your family and friends. It’s going to be an amazing day and a beautiful start to a wonderful life together. But first, there’s some planning to do so you can have the best day ever. This planner will help you to...
design your perfect day so let’s get started!
table of contents Overall Prep Contact List Budget Breakdown Timeline
Bridal Prep
Wedding Dress Bridesmaid Dresses Formal-wear Flowers Shoes. Hair & Makeup Bridal Party Bridal Shower Bachelorette Party Gift Registry & Log
Event Prep Venues & Officiant Hotel Guest List Seating Chart Music Photographer Videographer Food Cake
Day of Schedule Ceremony
Honeymoon Prep Planning
on
we’ve decided
forever
WEDDING CONTACT LIST
Bridal Party Maid of Honor
Bridesmaid #1
Bridesmaid #2
Bridesmaid #3
Bridesmaid #4
Bridesmaid #5
Flower Girl Parents
Ring Bearer Parents
Name
Phone
Groom Party Best Man
Groomsman #1
Groomsman #2
Groomsman #3
Groomsman #4
Groomsman #5
Groom’s Parents
Bride’s Parents
Name
Phone
Vendor Wedding Planner
Rehearsal Dinner Venue
Ceremony Venue
Reception Venue
Hotel
Transportation
Photographer
Videographer
Name
Phone
Vendor Cake
Florist
Caterer
Furniture Rental
Music
Officiant
Hair & Makeup
Dress
Name
Phone
share the love
the more the merrier
by
You always gain
giving love
~Reese Witherspoon
BUDGET BREAKDOWN
STEP 1 Decide the overall budget
Maximum Amount You Want To Spend $$
MINIMUM AMOUNT YOU WANT TO SPEND $$
STEP 2
Decide who will contribute what $ or %
Bride’s $$ Contribution
Groom’s $$ Contribution
bride
expenses Dress Shoes Jewelry Hair & Makeup Bridesmaids Gifts Gift To Groom Bridal Shower Bachelorette Party Parent Gifts Honeymoon Clothes Nails Garter Belt Florist
Total
Estimate
Actual
Difference
Groom
expenseS Tux Shoes Groomsman Gifts Bachelor Party Parent Gifts Honeymoon Clothes
Total
Estimate
Actual
Difference
Other
expenseS Ceremony Venue Officiant Photographer Videographer Music Caterer Cake Reception Favors Furniture Rental Invitations Calligrapher
Total
Estimate
Actual
Difference
money may not buy love
but fighting over it will bankrupt
your relationship
a perfect marriage is
2 imperfect people who refuse to give up on each other
the supreme happiness in life
consists in the conviction that one is loved
TIMELINE SCHEDULE
day of the event
12 months before
• Announce your engagement with a cute WE’RE ENGAGED • • • • • • • •
photo Buy every bride and honeymoon magazine out there Determine your overall wedding budget Have your ring appraised & insured Set a date and time after checking with important guests Create a wedding website Start researching ceremony and reception venues Determine any religious conversions that need to be made by either party Hire a professional wedding planner
• • • • • • • • • • •
9-11 months before
Secure a ceremony venue Book your wedding reception venue Book an officiant Plan your engagement party Select your bridal party, groomsmen, flower girl and ring bearer Choose your wedding colors and style Start researching caterers Start wedding dress shopping Research photographers, videographers, bakers, DJs and bands Setup florist appointments Research furniture rentals if needed, depending on your venue
• • • • • • • • • • • • •
6-8 months before
Select a final wedding dress Create a gift registry Select bridesmaid dresses + let your bridal party schedule fittings Start premarital counseling Plan out ceremony with officiant Book your florist, cake, photographer, videographer, DJ/band Get engagement photos taken Start researching honeymoon ideas Reserve a hotel block for out of town guests near the reception Send out save the dates to all guests with hotel information Schedule the Rehearsal Dinner Order wedding invitations Finalize menu with caterer
• • • • • • • • • • • • •
4-5 months before
Confirm your bridesmaids have ordered their dresses Find matching shoes and jewelry for your bridesmaids outfits Research wedding insurance Research centerpieces Finalize your floral bouquets and arrangements with your florist Choose what the groom and groomsmen will wear Find a calligrapher + ensure she can send you the envelopes at least 3 months in advance of the wedding date Finalize your furniture rentals for the reception and ceremony Plan a welcome party Start making honeymoon travel reservations: flights, hotel, excursions, ground transportation Book your rehearsal dinner venue and menu Sign up for dance lessons Order the groom’s cake
2-3 months before
• Confirm bridesmaid dress, accessories and shoe deliveries & • • • • • • • • • • •
confirm hairstyles Research marriage contracts for the ceremony Buy/Rent any additional ceremony decorations Book pre-wedding beauty care appointments: facial, haircut & color) Shop for wedding ring bands Buy wedding or love theme postage stamps and drop all invites in the mail at the 3-month mark Choose wedding favors Schedule a bridesmaid luncheon Confirm day of transportation for you, the wedding party and guests Schedule your wedding dress fittings Have your bridal shower Determine ceremony readings & assign them to different guests
• • • • • • • • • •
2 months before
Create your song list: both must play and do-not play Write your vows Have your bachelorette party Create the ceremony program Buy your wedding veil, shoes and all accessories before the final fitting Find something old, new borrowed and blue Arrange for childcare or activities for kids at your reception Schedule trial hair and makeup appointments Find thank you cards for wedding gifts Attend your 1st dress fitting
1 month before
• Review ceremony schedule with officient • Send out rehearsal dinner invites - these are sometimes already • • • • • •
included in the official wedding invitation Create your ceremony program Create an hour by hour schedule for the day of Plan a day-after brunch for guests Order in-room welcome baskets: Fruit, water, chocolate and a nice note and directions for out of town guests at their hotel Purchase gifts for parents, wedding party and each other Plan out a night before activity for out of town guests
1-2 weeks before
• Call any guests that have no RSVP’d • Give the caterer, cake baker and reception venue a final head • • • • • • • • •
count Create the seating chart and create table assignments Create escort cards Confirm all vendors and honeymoon reservations Prepare wedding toasts Attend final dress fitting + pick up dress Arrange final payments and any vendor cash tips into separate envelopes and give to the wedding planner to distribute Confirm photo pose list with photographer Obtain marriage license Create day of emergency kit or confirm wedding planner will have one on hand
• • • • •
1 day before
Get a mani/pedi Pack for your honeymoon Give wedding party their gifts during the rehearsal dinner Remind wedding party of the day of schedule Get to bed early!
Marriage Definition
an endless sleepover with your favorite weirdo
BRIDAL
DRESS
DRESS
wedding dress inspiration board
STYLE
let’s narrow it down
Circle your first choice! Formal
vs Informal
Ornate vs Spare & Simple Modern vs Traditional White vs Color Conservative vs Sexy Fitted vs Flowy Sexy vs Lots of coverage Classic vs Unusual
Circle your first choice! Ball Gown vs Sheath A Line vs Mermaid
shape
Circle your first choice! Scoop neck vs Plunging cleavage neckline
Strapless vs Off the shoulder Halter Top vs Sabrina Bateau
let’s narrow it down
STYLE
Circle your first choice! Short sleeves vs Long Sleeves
Circle your first choice! Lace vs Ruffles Beading vs Floral appliques Busted fabric vs Smooth
Circle your first choice! Floor length vs Kneed length Chapel Length vs Cathedral
length
Circle your first choice! white vs ivory color
champagne vs cream bright colors vs pastels
BRIDAL STORE What to ask before buying 1. What size sample dresses are available to try on (it’s usually 8-10) 2. Do you need to schedule an appointment with someone 3. Do they carry the dresses that you’re interested in looking at -
4. 5. 6. 7.
name the designers you found in your bridal magazines - and if not, will they order a sample for you to try on? What are their lowest and highest prices Should you bring your own shoes and bustier for try ons? What is the lead time from order to arrival of your dress Can they rush orders
8. Will alterations be done on-site or do they send them out
BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES
bridesmaid dresses inspiration board
What to ask before buying Are there color swatches for different styles Do you need to make an appointment How long is the lead time for ordering a dress Do they do alternations on site Can they ship the dress directly to out of town bridesmaids Can you get a discount or free alterations if you order the bridesmaid dresses from the same store as your wedding dress 7. Does the store carry matching shoes and accessories 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
groomsmen formal wear tip • Pay to rent all formal-wear at once and let them
men reimburse you - they are too irresponsible to get their orders in on time • Designate someone to collect all formal-wear the morning after and return it to the rental location so you are not charged late fees
GROOM
groom & groomsmen Inspiration board
STYLE
let’s narrow it down
Circle your first choice! 3-Button vs Double Breasted Shawl Label Tux vs Mandarin Jacket Tailcoat vs No Tailcoat Tux vs Suit vs Military
Circle your first choice! Black vs Navy
color
Gray vs Brown White/Cream vs Color
Circle your first choice! Tie vs Bowtie neck wear
Suspenders vs Cummerbund Vest
Circle your first choice! Evening vs Daytime
color
Current vs Classic Formal vs Informal vs Semi-formal
it’s not just
another dress
it’s the dress
you’ll remember forever
a woman’s dress should be like a barbed wire fence
serving its purpose without obstructing the view
FLOWERS
BOUQUETS
floral decorations inspiration board
let’s narrow it down
STYLE
Circle your first choice! Traditional vs Modern Minimal vs Ornate Rustic vs Beachy Romantic vs Bold Whimsical vs Practical Old World vs Corporate
Circle your first choice! Berries vs Exotics
flowers
Traditional vs Succulents Milk Glass Vases vs Reclaimed Wood Seasonal Flowers
Circle your first choice! Mo n o c h r o m a t i c s v s A l l - w h i t e colors
Dark Hues vs Citrus Shades Traditional White & Pastels vs Multicolored
WHERE Ceremony • • • • • • • • • • •
Bridal bouquet Tossing bouquet Bridesmaids bouquets Groom’s boutonniere Corsages for mothers & grandmothers Groomsmen boutonnieres Flower Girl Altar Rose petals for tossing Archway Bridal Path
TO ADD FLOWERS Reception • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Centerpieces Cake Table Dinner Table Assignment Cards Bar Bathrooms Reception Area Doorway Archway Welcome Party Rehearsal Dinner Chairs Lights Aisle Runners
flowers are
happiness
SHOES HAIR & MAKEUP
SHOES
his and hers footwear inspiration board
let’s narrow it down
STYLE
Circle your first choice! Heels vs Tennis shoes Open Toe vs Closed Toe
heels
Strappy Sandals vs D’orsay Chunk& Wedge Heels vs Stilettos
Circle your first choice! style
Ornate vs Plain Velvet vs Satin Leather Vs Plastic Seen vs Unseen - depending on dress length
HAIR & MAKEUP beauty inspiration board
let’s narrow it down
STYLE
Circle your first choice! Up-do vs Down Straight vs Curly vs Waves Hairpiece vs Free Flowing Braided vs Unbraided Veil vs Tiara Headband vs Barrette
Circle your first choice! Light vs Dark Daytime vs Evening
make up
Natural vs Heavy
hair & makeup tips
Schedule multiple trial sessions until it’s perfect Bring examples of what you love Show examples of what you hate Color your hair at least 2 months ahead Schedule a touch up appointment one week before the big event
makeup is art
beauty is spirit
BRIDAL PARTY
BRIDAL SHOWER
bridal shower ideas
spa day
formal afternoon tea or party
informal cheese & crackers at someone’s house
how to plan it
INVITES Who’s Invited Family & Friends Close girlfriends only Men and women
Who’s Paying Maid of Honor Bride Groom Groom’s Family Bride’s Family Attendees
Logistics Reserve a venue + buy decorations Decide on a menu and desserts Create a bridal registry Send out invites at least 2 months in advance Follow up on unanswered RSVPs Give final headcount to venue
BACHELORETTE PARTY going out
Who’s Planning it Maid of Honor Bride
When A week before the wedding
Where Usually local
staying in
how to plan it
INVITES Who’s Invited Close girlfriends only Coworkers Men and women
Logistics If it’s a destination party like Vegas, plan it at least 2 months in advance If it’s an informal stay at home night in, send out invites a month out If it’s a fun night out on the town, send out invites a couple weeks out Get a fun veil + Team Bride t-shirts for everyone
friends are the
sunshine of life
GIFTS
GIFT REGISTRY
advice
Who Register for gifts together at each store - either online or in person
What Use a universal gift registry so you don’t have multiple stores with individual accounts at each
When At least 6 months in advance - well before you send out invites so those not attending can send a gift instead.
What Else If you’re merging two households, do an inventory first of what you both already have before registering for new items
GIVING who you need to buy gifts for ahead of time - add in your gift ideas
Each Other
Bridesmaids
Groomsman
Bride’s Parents
Groom’s Parents
Flower Girl
Ring Bearer
___________
___________
Bridal Shower Gifts
From
Thank You card SenT
Wedding Gifts
From
Thank You card SenT
the more you thank life
the more life gives you to be thankful for
VENUES
CEREMONY VENUE
Possible locations
religion
church | temple | synagogue | megachurch
Possible locations
outdoors
beach | park | vineyard | castle | rooftop
Possible locations
indoors
hotel | theme park | auditorium | barn
OFFICIANT find someone you both like
or ask a friend to get ordained
Potential Officiants list names | contact info | availability | costs
QUESTIONS
TO
ASK
Are there any restrictions on music at the ceremony site i.e....... do you have to use inhouse musicians
What will the site supply: aisle runners, wine goblets, prayer bibles for a full mass
Are there restrictions on decorations or rules on photography or video
Can you write your own vows
Are there any attire restrictions
RECEPTION gothic interior
castle
all-inclusive resort
RECEPTION destination resort
favorite reception venues
definite no’s
venues to visit
REHEARSAL rehearsal dinner restaurant
menu
invite list
Venue type
Ceremony | Reception | Rehearsal
Name + Address
Cost $
Officiant Name
Contact Info
Cost
a sweet ending
to a new beginning
HOTEL
HOTEL ROOM BLOCK Negotiate a discounted rate for guests
Supply Welcome Gifts
Ensure transportation is available to all venues
Schedule a morning after brunch at the hotel
Find out the cancellation policy
considerations
HOTEL Price Point Are there rooms available at all price points
Amenities Gym Restaurant Cafe Lounge Entertainment
Child Care Are there babysitting services and activities available for kids
considerations
HOTEL
Kid Activities Are there nearby Gymborees or other kid-friendly venues that parents can explore
Pets are dogs and cats allowed in hotel guest rooms
Kid Food All of your events should have kidfriendly food expect parents to be annoyed when you don’t provide a kids menu at events
Hotel Name
Address
Cost
and together
they built
a life they loved
&
GUEST LIST
SEATING CHART
GUEST LIST
hers
GUEST LIST his
LIST RULES Stick to your budget which is.....
Split your list into Friends vs Family in order of priority - cut the bottom
Can you remove the PLUS GUEST option to save money
Even if you say adults only, parents WILL bring their children so just accept it and budget for it
Pushy parent rule: Extra parent requests must be financed by said parents
SEATING CHART
Must have items 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Head table for the wedding party Parents table Cake Table DJ/Music Table Seating Card Table Gift Table
Your venue will have suggested seating arrangements
falling in love
is the beginning
of everything
MUSIC PHOTO
VIDEO
MUSIC Potential DJs
Potential Bands
SONG must play
LIST do not play
PHOTOS
wedding photo inspiration board
QUESTIONS
Is the photographer open to a list of musthave poses or does he like having free rein
Will s/he be shooting any other weddings that same day
How soon will the gallery of photos to choose from be available
What kind of lighting will her use
What exactly is included in the fee: time, editing, transportation
VIDEOS
wedding video inspiration board
QUESTIONS How will s/he stay unobtrusive during the event
How long will it take to get the finished video
Who will be shooting the wedding
Does s/he have other weddings that same day
What exactly is included in the fee: time, editing, transportation
vendor type
Music | Photo | Video
Name + Address
Cost $
vendor type
Music | Photo | Video
Contact Info
Cost
photography
helps people to see
FOOD & CAKE
MEALS TO PLAN rehearsal dinner
cocktail hour
passed hors d’oeuvres
MEALS TO PLAN dinner
brunch
QUESTIONS Can your caterer accommodate infinite individual Dietary Restrictions
Is there a separate setup fee included
Who is responsible for breaking down the food and cleaning
What happens to the leftover food
Will they provide kids meals for children
let’s narrow it down
MENU
Circle your first choice! Sit down vs Buffet Passed hors d’oeuvres vs buffet White glove service vs informal Food Stations vs Family Style
Circle your first choice! Open Bar vs Cash Bar
drinks
Wine vs Beer Signature Cocktail vs Specialty Bar
main course options Beef Seafood Chicken Pork Pasta Lamb Vegetarian Vegan
courses Starter Appetizer Palate Cleanser Soup Salad Fruit & Cheese Amuse-bouche Antipasto Main Dish
MENU courses
menu items
CAKE
wedding cake inspiration board
let’s narrow it down
CAKE
Circle your first choice! Round vs Square Ornate vs Simply Traditional vs Quirky Modern vs Classic Tall & grand vs Petite Cupcakes vs Cake
Circle your first choice! Primary Desserts
feature
or Photo Opp Only
Circle your first choice! toppers
Monogram vs Theme Family Topper vs Couple Flowers vs Unique Piece
DECISIONS Cake Filling
Color & Theme Ideas
# of slices
Icing Fondant vs Buttercream
Cake Budget $
Meal Vendors
Rehearsal | Wedding
Name + Address
Cost $
Cake Vendors Cake | Dessert | Cupcakes
Contact Info
Cost
photography
helps people to see
CEREMONY
sample day of schedule
YOUR SCHEDULE Time
am | pm
activity
who
MORNING OF Check the weather + plan accordingly
Grab Emergency Kit or check that Weeding Planner has one on hand
Remind wedding Tipper to bring cash envelopes with to wedding
Text Good Morning to entire wedding party
Bring a backup copy of your vows
Contact Bride Groom Maid of Honor Best Man Flower Girl’s Parents Bridesmaid #1 Bridesmaid #2 Bridesmaid #3 Bridesmaid #4 Bridesmaid #5 Groomsman #1 Groomsman #2 Groomsman #3 Groomsman #4 Groomsman #5 Bride’s Parents Groom’s Parents
Cell
Hotel Info
Alternate Contact
and we’re married
HONEYMOON
WHERE TO GO tropical
road trip
cruise
PREPARATION Request vacation + put an out of office autoreply
Confirm Pet-sitters, Babysitters (or bring the kids with) & Plant Waterers
Confirm your travel itinerary
Book travel insurance in case of weather or illness
Pack Passport, Global ID Card & Paper Copy of Itinerary
W