Planning A Wedding: Order Of Operations For Your Big Day

Planning a wedding can be a stressful task, but creating a timeline and checklist can help you stay organized. The first step is to set a date and choose a venue, which will inform many of your other decisions. Next, you should determine your budget and guest list, which will impact the venue and other vendor choices. You should also start thinking about your wedding party at this stage, as well as choosing a theme and colour scheme. With these basics in place, you can begin to plan the finer details, such as food, drinks, flowers, music, and decorations. As the big day approaches, be sure to organize your wedding attire, stationery, and legal requirements, such as your marriage license. Finally, don't forget to enjoy the process and delegate any last-minute tasks to family or friends!

Budgeting and choosing a venue

Budgeting

Start by figuring out how much you and your partner can contribute to the wedding. Be sure to consider your daily expenses, such as rent or mortgage, car payments, and debt payments, as well as any upcoming costs like medical expenses or a down payment on a home. You should also discuss with your partner what your must-haves are and what you are willing to compromise on to stay within your budget.

Next, consider whether you will receive any financial contributions from family or friends and how much they are offering. Be sure to get clear on whether they have any expectations for how their money is spent. It is also a good idea to do your research and get quotes for the different elements of your wedding, such as catering, venue, and attire, to help you build a realistic budget.

Choosing a Venue

The venue you choose will set the tone and ambiance for your wedding, so it is important to select one that fits your style and theme. If you are going for a classic look, a grand ballroom or indoor setting might be a good choice. For a more rustic feel, consider a barn, ranch, garden, or winery. Modern weddings could be held in art galleries, well-designed restaurants, or warehouse spaces, while a bohemian wedding might call for an outdoor venue with a natural landscape.

In addition to the style of the venue, there are several other factors to consider. Firstly, make sure the venue is the right size for your guest list. You don't want to choose a space that is too small or too large for your expected number of guests. It is also important to ask about any scheduled renovations or projects that may be happening around your wedding date, as you don't want construction noise or an obstructed view to ruin your big day.

Other things to keep in mind include the ending time and any noise restrictions, overtime fees, and how the venue handles emergencies or natural disasters. If the venue has in-house catering, be sure to include tax and gratuity in your calculations.

With these tips in mind, you can confidently select a venue that fits your vision and budget.

Wedding outfits and accessories

Planning a wedding can be a complex process, but it's important to ensure that you and your partner's wedding outfits and accessories are on point. Here is a detailed guide to help you with the same:

Bride's Outfit and Accessories:

The bride's wedding gown is the essential item on her wedding list. It is advisable to order the dress early to avoid rush fees. The first fitting should be two to three months after ordering, and the second fitting should be about six weeks before the wedding. This will help determine the required undergarments, shapewear, or lingerie. Brides should also consider their hairstyle, jewellery, veil or cape, shoes, and a clutch to hold personal items. A garter is also an option for those who want to follow the tradition.

Groom's Outfit and Accessories:

The groom also has a wide range of options to personalise his outfit. He can choose to wear a tuxedo or a suit, and add accessories like a pocket handkerchief, cufflinks, a tie, a waistcoat, or a top hat. It is recommended to ensure that the groom's crew is fitted on time, especially if they live in different places.

Bridal Party Outfits and Accessories:

The bridal party includes the bridesmaids, groomsmen, parents, and ushers. Bridesmaids should have their dresses ordered at least three months in advance to allow time for alterations or exchanges. Their outfits can be complemented with matching shoes, jewellery, and hair accessories. Groomsmen can also wear suits or tuxedos, and ushers and dads can be offered ties, waistcoats, and top hats. Flower girls can carry a basket, and page boys or the best man can carry a ring cushion or box.

Ceremony and Reception Accessories:

The wedding ceremony and reception can be enhanced with carefully chosen accessories. This includes program leaflets for guests to follow the ceremony, a wedding cake knife and server, topper, stand, and cake boxes. The tables at the reception can be decorated with unique extras, such as a seating plan, escort cards, place names, and buttonholes or wrist corsages for the mums.

It is important to plan and order these outfits and accessories well in advance to avoid last-minute stress and ensure a memorable wedding day.

Food and cake

Food

First, decide on the type of food you want to serve. Do you want a casual buffet or a more formal sit-down meal? If you already know that you want a specific type of food, do your research to find a caterer who can meet your needs. While most catering companies can handle standard menu items and basic entrees, you might need to find someone more specialized if you're looking for something beyond that. Dietary-restricted foods, traditional cultural meals, and out-of-the-box requests are best handled by chefs with prior experience.

Once you've decided on a caterer, it's time to finalize the menu. This should fit your budget, tastes, and timing. Consider soliciting ideas and feedback from family members or offering a family favorite or cultural dish to make the dining experience more personal.

If you're trying to keep things casual but don't want a buffet, grilled kabobs are an easy option that are quick to cook, easily customizable, and delicious. Mini tacos are also a unique idea that your guests are sure to love.

Cake

The wedding cake is one of the sweetest parts of your big day. Whether you're dreaming of a classic tiered cake or something more unique, you'll want to find a baker who can create your dream design for a reasonable price. Schedule tastings to sample cakes and discuss your design ideas and budget. Ask your friends for recommendations, or check with your other vendors, as they may have preferred vendor lists.

Ensure that your baker handles the logistics seamlessly. Cakes are usually delivered a few hours before the reception to keep them fresh, so confirm the delivery window and make sure there's a designated spot for the cake at your venue, away from direct sunlight and high traffic. Don't forget to confirm the cake table decor and lighting, too! The cake cutting is a major photo op, so consider practicing beforehand and deciding how you'll feed each other (or not).

Invitations and save-the-dates

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, but creating a timeline and checklist can help ensure that nothing is missed. One of the most important aspects of wedding planning is sending out invitations and save-the-dates.

Save-the-dates are typically sent out six to eight months before the wedding, or even earlier if you're planning a destination wedding or getting married during peak season. They are a polite way to give your guests a heads-up about your wedding date and location, so they can plan their schedules and make travel arrangements. Sending out save-the-dates also allows you to finalize your guest list and ensure that everyone can attend. While save-the-dates can be designed to match your wedding invitations and overall wedding aesthetic, they don't have to. A simple and classic approach, such as a photo save-the-date, can be a perfect way to give your guests a preview of your special day.

After sending out your save-the-dates, it's time to focus on the formal invitations. These should be ordered and sent out two to three months before the wedding day. When it comes to the design and wording of your invitations, the options are endless. However, it's important to remember that the invitations set the tone and give your guests a first impression of your wedding. You can choose to work with a graphic designer or stationer to create a custom suite that reflects your personal style and the vibe of your wedding. Ordering enough invitations and accounting for potential mistakes is crucial, as well as setting up a system to record RSVP replies and confirming all addresses and spelling.

While there is no specific order in which to book your vendors, it is recommended to have your venue and date confirmed before sending out your save-the-dates and invitations. This allows your guests to make informed travel plans and gives you a better idea of how many people to expect.

Wedding party and guests

Deciding on the wedding party and guests is an important part of the planning process. Here is a detailed guide to help you navigate this aspect of wedding planning:

Wedding Party

The wedding party typically includes the couple's closest friends and family members, who will stand with them during the ceremony and offer support and celebration. It is common to have a mix of family and friends from both the bride and groom's sides. Here are some key considerations:

• Choosing the Wedding Party: Start by deciding who you would like to be in your wedding party, including bridesmaids, groomsmen, maid of honour, and best man. It is essential to choose people you trust and who will be able to fulfil the duties required of them.
• Proposing to the Wedding Party: Once you have decided on your wedding party, it's time to propose to them! This can be done in a fun and creative way, such as with a gift or a personalised note.
• Outfits for the Wedding Party: The outfits of the wedding party are an important consideration. It is recommended to order bridesmaid dresses at least three months in advance to allow time for fittings and alterations. For groomsmen, suits can be ordered, made, or rented, but it is still important to allow sufficient time for alterations and exchanges.
• Duties and Responsibilities: The wedding party will have specific duties and responsibilities on the day of the wedding. Be sure to communicate these expectations clearly and delegate tasks accordingly.
• Gifts for the Wedding Party: It is customary to select gifts for the wedding party as a token of appreciation for their participation and support. These gifts can be given before or after the wedding, and they can be something that the wedding party can wear or use on the wedding day.

Guests

The guest list is another crucial aspect of wedding planning. Here are some steps to help you manage the guest list and ensure your guests have a memorable experience:

• Creating the Guest List: Begin by deciding on the number of guests you would like to invite. Consider your budget and the capacity of your chosen venue. Be mindful that you may not be able to invite everyone you know, so prioritise those who are closest to you.
• Save the Dates and Invitations: Send out save the dates to your guests 12 to 6 months before the wedding. This will allow them to mark their calendars and make necessary arrangements. Follow up with formal invitations 2 to 3 months before the wedding, and don't forget to include RSVP cards.
• Managing RSVPs: Keep track of your RSVPs and reach out to guests who have not yet responded. It is important to confirm the final guest list to finalise numbers for catering and seating arrangements.
• Accommodations: If your wedding venue does not have accommodation, book a block of rooms in a nearby hotel for your out-of-town guests. This ensures that they have a convenient and comfortable place to stay during the wedding festivities.
• Guest Entertainment: Consider ways to entertain your guests throughout the wedding. For example, you could hire a live event painter to paint your first dance, providing a unique experience for guests and a memorable keepsake for you.
• Guest Comforts: Think about the little details that will make your guests comfortable. For example, providing welcome bags with small gifts or activities for out-of-town guests, or even choreographing a fun dance routine to surprise and delight your guests.

Remember, the wedding party and guests play a crucial role in your special day, so give them the attention they deserve during the planning process.

Frequently asked questions