Handle It Like A Business
While every bride dreams about her wedding and how it will be, the reality is that creating that dreamed of event requires real work. It requires planning and conferences, contracts and negotiations, purchases and coordination. Some experts have estimated that the average ceremony and reception will require 250 hours of planning. How to handle this "second job"?
The best advice is to treat your upcoming nuptial like a business. You need to get your tools together. Just like you do at your workplace, you need the right tools to get the job done. So get organized. Gather pens, paper, staplers, and file folders. Set aside a special place in your home for all wedding related materials. It can be a special drawer or a spot on the kitchen counter or a separate table. Just make sure that all the information concerning your wedding is kept in one place.
Buy an organizer and keep it up to date. It will be invaluable to you. According to a survey by BRIDE'S magazine, 20% of 2700 engaged women would rather lose their wallets than their wedding planners. Keep track of all names, phone numbers of people who are assisting with this wedding in any way. Keep careful notes of any conversations, plans and promises made.
Set goals and give yourself deadlines. Then stick to them. Record them in your organizer and make lists of your upcoming tasks plus expectated completion dates. Then comes the hard part-stick to them. If you are tempted to try and do them all at once or let some slide, think about how you would explain to your boss at work why you missed a deadline.
Appreciate how you work. When are you at your best? Are you a morning person? What about your work schedule? Can you take any time off? Try to schedule appointments that work well with the rest of your life.
Hire a professional. Businesses do this all the time. If they have a special project that requires special attention within a specific timeframe, they "bring in a specialist." They hire a consultant whose sole focus is the special project. You can do that as well. Consider a wedding consultant. Their assistance can range from helping with the basics of planning through hand holding on the big day. If your time is limited and/or your confidence shaky, meet with a wedding planning professional. It can be a lifesaver for you.
12 to 18 Months
- Select location and reserve dates of ceremony and reception
- Begin compiling guest list
- Purchase your gown and accessories
9 to 12 Months
- Register at bridal registries
- Choose bridesmaid dresses and accessories
- Select and book florists
- Select and book photographer
- Select and book videographer
4 to 6 Months
- Select men's formalwear
- Order wedding invitations and stationery
- Finish compiling guest list
- Check marriage license requirements
- Select baker and order wedding cake
- Reserve accommodations for out of town guests
- Arrange wedding day transportation
2 to 4 Months
- Start addressing invitations
- Confirm ceremony plans with officiant
- Plan rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
- Arrange for decorations
- Finalize honeymoon plans
- Plan ceremony music with musicians
1 to 2 Months
- Mail invitations to arrive 4-6 weeks before wedding
- Confirm details with all contracted services
- Have final gown fitting
- Have final fittings for attendants
- Get marriage license and blood tests (if necessary)
- Purchase gifts for attendants
- Get your accessories ready: ring pillow, candles, guest book, etc.
- Maintain record of gifts received and mail thank you notes immediately
- Confirm pre-nuptial dinner arrangements
2 Weeks
- Confirm rehearsal time and date with all wedding party members
- Arrange name and address changes on bank accounts, credit cards, drivers license
- Contact guests who have not yet R.S.V.P.'d
- Keep up with thank you notes
1 Week
- Provide final guest count to caterer
- Plan seating arrangements
- Confirm honeymoon reservations, pick up tickets
- Pick up wedding attire and check fit
Wedding Day
- Rings and marriage license
- If pictures are being taken before the ceremony, the entire wedding party should be ready two hours before
- Bring all accessories and an emergency kit including spare stockings, sewing needs, safety pins, etc.
- Give officiant's fee to best man for presentation after the ceremony
