How To Set Up A Guideline For A Cheap, But Elegant WeddingWhen planning a wedding on a budget you have to lower your requirements just a bit. For example, you can't try to have to filet mignon if you are throwing the wedding on a fish stick budget. I have broken down the various aspects of the wedding planning to the last details so that you will get a better idea of what I mean. Ideally, you would want to have at least a year to plan the wedding, but that is not always possible or desired. For the purposes of this guide, I have set up a 12 month wedding timeline that will certainly make it a little bit easier to host your wedding. 12 months before your Wedding day · Announce the engagement · Set your wedding date · Create a budget · Hire a Wedding Coordinator (optional) · Create your guest list · Start brainstorming ideas and themes · Reserve your Ceremony spot · Book an Officiate · Make reservations for your Reception area · Book a Photographer and Videographer · Book Caterer, Florist and Music (Band, DJ, etc.) · Look for a Wedding gown and Tux, allowing time for alterations and fittings · Register for gifts · Select and call the bridesmaids and groomsmen. · Agree on a date to order bridesmaids' dresses and groomsmen's tuxes · Choose a destination for your Honeymoon · Apply for passports, if required 6 months before your Wedding day · Finalize your guest list · Decide on the timeline and details of Ceremony and Reception · Order/make invitations, and thank you notes · Make airline and hotel reservations for the Honeymoon · Choose a caterer, a florist and place an order for the wedding cake. · Book Transportation (Limo, Antique Car, Etc.) for wedding day · Shop for any Party rentals 3-4 months before your Wedding day · Mail out/hand deliver invitations · Confirm wedding details and contracts with all wedding vendors · Choose gifts for your attendants · Set a date and time for the rehearsal dinner · Help make travel arrangements for any out-of-town guests · Make final alterations and fittings for the Wedding Gown and Tux · Set time with your Photographer for the Bridal Portrait or Engagement shoot 1 month before your Wedding day · Apply for the marriage license · Buy your wedding bands · Finalize music list and no-play list with band or DJ · Attend showers · Make insurance arrangements 1-2 weeks before your Wedding day · Schedule the rehearsal a day or two before your wedding day · Make an appointment with a Beauty Salon for day of wedding · Send a wedding announcement to the local newspapers (optional) · Make necessary arrangements for name & address change, if any. · Discuss final details with the reception Site and the Caterer · Pack for honeymoon · Write out all checks needed for wedding day · Send reminders to the rehearsal dinner attendees about the location & time · Discuss final details of the ceremony and reception with family and bridal party Wedding day or day before · Visit your Beauty Salon for manicure and pedicure · Host the rehearsal and dinner. · Make sure the ushers have the final guest list. Print this out and use it as a guideline when planning your wedding. Bear in mind that everything in this timeline is optional and may change the timeline as you add and remove certain aspects. |