The 12 Step Guide For A Stress Free Wedding #1) Figure out your budget for everything : Reception ~ Secure a venue that includes the best value in their packages. A lot of venues will include the catering, cake, centerpieces, champagne toast, tables, linens, china, glassware, etc… Ceremony Site Bridal Gown and Accessories Bridesmaids Dresses (will you be picking up the tab or will each bridesmaid be paying for their own?) Groom and Groomsmen’s Tuxedos (will you be picking up the tab or will each groomsmen be paying for their own?) Flower’s ~ Bridal Bouquet ~ Bridesmaid’s Bouquets ~ Corsages/Boutonnieres ~ Arrangements for the Ceremony Site ~ Reception Centerpiece’s ~ Pew or Chair Flowers ~ Toss Bouquet ~ Cake Decor ~ Flowers for the Flower girl Basket Ring Bearer Pillow, Flower Girl Basket Unity Candle or Sand Ceremony Items Jewelry – Wedding Bands Invitations ~ Will you be doing Save the Date Announcements? ~ Don’t forget the cost of postage ~ Wedding Programs ~ Thank you Notes Wedding Cake (if not already included in your venue package) Cake Knife and Server Toasting Glasses Guestbook Transportation for Bridal Party (Limo, Shuttle or will they be driving themselves?) Favors for Guests Bridal Party Gifts Marriage License Ceremony Minister Hair and Makeup (professional or doing your own?) Entertainment (ceremony music, DJ., band) Photography (engagement and wedding day photos) Honeymoon
#2) Pick your Ceremony and Reception Site The more flexible you can be with your date, the better chance you will have of finding the best location for all of your needs. If you are working on a tight budget, consider hosting your special day on a Friday or Sunday. Several venues will be more flexible with pricing and/or minimums on those days. #3) Book your DJ/Entertainment, Photographer and Florist Ask your Reception Venue if they have recommendations for people that have worked at their facility on previous occasions. Local Bridal Shows can also be a great way to meet with several vendors all at once. Make sure you look at their work and check online reviews. #4) Order Save the Date Cards and/or Invitations. Save the Date cards should be mailed out 8 months in advance and are great if you are inviting several out of town guests. This will give them enough time to find a great rate on airfare. Your formal Invitations should be mailed out 3 months in advance and the RSVP date should be at least 1 month prior to your wedding day. Most venues will require you to have your final numbers two weeks before your wedding date so this will give you time to follow up with guests that have not mailed in their response to you . #5) Pick out your Bridal Gown and Bridesmaids Dresses. If alterations need to be made, schedule the alterations to be completed several weeks before your wedding. On occasion dresses will have to have several alterations prior to the big day #6) Find the Right Officiant, Clergy for your Ceremony. Ask them any tips they may have on getting your marriage license Be sure that the marriage license is issued for the county that your ceremony will be taking place in. #7) Purchase your Wedding Bands and have them sized if needed. #8) Find a place for renting all of the Tuxedos needed for your Wedding. #9) Hire Transportation for your event (Limo or Shuttle). #10) Book your Honeymoon #11) Purchase all of your smaller items Favors, Bridal Party Gifts, Cake Cutting Knives, Toasting Glasses, Guest book, Unity Candle Set or Sand Ceremony Set #12) Finalize all of your Details and Payment with your Vendors. What type of music will your entertainment be playing at your ceremony and reception? Make a timeframe for all of your vendors. Confirm the number of centerpieces you will need (per your final guest count) with florist. What pictures are important to you that you want your Photographer to capture? Go over the floor plan, menu, color selections, with your Reception Venue