Wow, is it that time already? Yes, we are getting that much closer to the wedding day!! At this point in the planning process, we are shifting over to focusing on the details of the day that are going to make the wedding day as personalized as possible. Along the way are some other essential details that should be happening around this time in the planning process!
Brides, dresses should be arriving to the bridal salon any day now and it is so very important that the first fitting and alterations appointment is scheduled right away! This ensures there is plenty of time for the first round of alterations, a second fitting for other minor adjustments and then a final fitting to ensure everything fits just right. To prep for these fittings, purchase the wedding shoes and undergarments that are being worn and have them in hand before the appointments, especially the final fitting! Grooms, customizing a suit takes longer than anticipated, so we recommend starting that process now. Otherwise, organize a day with the grooms party to go and get fitted for the wedding day suits. Some of our favorite places for groomsmen attire are Generation Tux, Jos A. Bank, Indochino, The Black Tux, etc.
Complete the wedding website and then send out those wedding invitations! It is better to do this on the earlier side so that if any guests are unaware of a wedding website, they now have the details to plan their travel accommodations and schedules for the wedding weekend. Pro-tip: Set the RSVP date to 3-4 weeks prior to the wedding date. This gives plenty of time to follow up with anyone who has not responded by the deadline and allows extra time for those last minute details, such as, finalizing the seating chart, creating place cards (if needed), passing along final guest count to catering, bakery and venue, etc.
Start talking to vendors! If the final tasting is not booked, get it on the books with the caterer. Reach out to hair and makeup to book the hair and makeup trials. Check in with the photographer, florist, DJ, officiant, etc. to talk through any planning questions and start to finalize those details. Most likely, the photographer has sent or will send their questionnaire form that will ask about the shot list. This will include family, friends, wedding party and, of course, the lovely couple and will ask when these photos are planned to take place. This will also ask for any special photos or specific shots that are requested. For example: if there is a first look before the ceremony, that would be a good time to complete all of the wedding party portraits. Then, after the ceremony would be family and any additional couple portraits. If there is no first look before the ceremony, take as many separate photos as possible, then after the ceremony, take all family, wedding party and couple portraits. Pro-tip: For family formals, start with the biggest groups and go down to the smallest groups! It is very important that the timeline formed by the wedding planner has enough time slotted for these photos, so that the photographer, family, friends and couple are not rushed!
Start talking to vendors! If the final tasting is not booked, get it on the books with the caterer. Reach out to hair and makeup to book the hair and makeup trials. Check in with the photographer, florist, DJ, officiant, etc. to talk through any planning questions and start to finalize those details. Most likely, the photographer has sent or will send their questionnaire form that will ask about the shot list. This will include family, friends, wedding party and, of course, the lovely couple and will ask when these photos are planned to take place. This will also ask for any special photos or specific shots that are requested. For example: if there is a first look before the ceremony, that would be a good time to complete all of the wedding party portraits. Then, after the ceremony would be family and any additional couple portraits. If there is no first look before the ceremony, take as many separate photos as possible, then after the ceremony, take all family, wedding party and couple portraits. Pro-tip: For family formals, start with the biggest groups and go down to the smallest groups! It is very important that the timeline formed by the wedding planner has enough time slotted for these photos, so that the photographer, family, friends and couple are not rushed!
Along those lines, meet with the officiant sooner rather than later to discuss ceremony wants and needs. In this discussion, touch on how the wedding party is walking in, how the couple is walking in and the transition to the start of the ceremony, whether vows are being repeated or personalized, if there will be a unity ceremony element, readers or singers and the pronouncement at the very end. When moving forward with writing personal vows, start writing them now and agree on a word length together. This is the star event of the day, we want everyone on the same page!
Start working on personalized décor items and wedding details such as signage, programs, alcohol choices, signature drinks, cake toppers, menus, ring bearer pillows or briefcases, flower girl baskets, etc. Include the conversation of favors here! When in doubt, providing little bags or to go containers for the dessert table is the best favor out there. Remember, these personalizations will make the world of difference when looking back at photos and talking with friends and family. They want to see special interests, favorite flowers, favorite colors, stories of meeting and falling in love and all those details that brought everything together!
In the last blog we mentioned sending out invitations for other wedding events such as the bridal shower, bridal luncheon, rehearsal dinner, morning after brunch, etc. This is the perfect time to do that, as well as, a great time to plan out décor and details for other events that are surrounding the wedding itself. This includes the rehearsal dinner décor, welcome bags for guests staying at nearby hotels, the morning after brunch décor, etc.
Enjoy the bachelor and bachelorette parties! Take a load off and relax for a long weekend with your closest friends and family. This is YOUR party, we hope you have the absolute best time!
Items to Order
Keep on steadily ordering items for the wedding so that it does not all hit at once!