You just said YES! Congrats on your engagement! Take some time to enjoy your awesome news, you deserve it! But don’t take too long!
No matter the size or style of your wedding, planning it can be stressful, not to mention super involved. Take note of these top priorities to set into place as soon as you and your partner have set that wonderful date! Of course there is lots more to do, so if you need more detailed guidance, check out our comprehensive Wedding Checklist!
Wedding Dress/Bridesmaid Dresses
It’s happening! Time to shop for your beloved wedding gown. It’s so important to start your search at least nine months, a year is even better, before the wedding. Finding your dream dress is so much fun, but you don’t want to rush perfection, right? And, once you find “the one,” chances are you will need to order it, and of course it will take some time to arrive. Finally, save a window of time for alterations! The same rules apply for bridesmaid dresses.
Venue
Whatever your dream wedding venue is (you probably already have some ideas in mind!), for both the ceremony and reception area, should be a top priority. Give yourself at least a month to look around and see what fits your vision. Also, always keep in mind that some popular venues in your area may be booked up to two years in advance. This includes outdoor venues such as parks. So, choose your wedding date wisely and give yourself plenty of wiggle room in case your desired locations are not available.
Wedding party
Choosing who is going to be in your wedding party needs to happen way sooner than you might think. This makes way for selecting the perfect bridesmaid dresses, groomsmen attire, gifts, and more. Choose your squad at least nine months in advance so that your gals or guys can reserve that date and be fully prepared!
Photographer
Finding the perfect wedding photographer is everything. All your hard work, your smiles,
your tears, and everything in between will be captured by this person, so make sure you are 100% happy with their style. Start looking right away. Good wedding photographers also book up really quickly!
Caterer
Food for thought, literally! You may already know a fabulous caterer, or you may be starting from scratch. You need to think about what kind of cuisine you want, how it is to be served, do research, go to tastings and book it! Even if your chosen venue offers catering, you will want to sit down and discuss the perfect menu. Good food means happy guests!
Florist
If you are a bride who loves blooms, then finding a good florist should be a priority. He/she will need plenty of notice to prepare, plus, the two of you will need time to discuss budget, style and floral availability depending on what time of the year your big day is!