Planning Your Dream Wedding: One Month Countdown

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, but it's important to remember that it doesn't have to be stressful and can even be fun! The key to planning a wedding in a short amount of time is to stay organized and get started as early as possible. While the timeline for planning a wedding can vary depending on the couple's preferences and circumstances, a common recommendation is to allow for at least 12 months of planning time. However, it is certainly possible to plan a beautiful and memorable wedding in less time if needed. Whether you're working with a year or just a few months, here are some tips and tasks to keep in mind as you approach the one-month countdown to your big day.

Finalise your wedding venue, style and stationery

Finalising the wedding venue, style and stationery is a crucial step in planning your dream wedding. Here are some instructive and focused guidelines to help you navigate this process effectively:

Finalising the Wedding Venue

Finalising your wedding venue sets the stage for the rest of your planning. It determines the tone, theme, and logistics of your big day. When choosing a venue, consider the number of guests, the atmosphere you want to create, and any specific requirements you may have. Don't forget to book your venue in advance to secure your desired date.

Defining the Wedding Style

The wedding style encompasses various elements, including the theme, colours, and overall aesthetic. It is essential to have a clear vision and budget in mind when defining your wedding style. Consider factors such as your favourite colours, the time of year, and any themes that reflect your personality as a couple. The wedding style will influence other aspects, such as stationery, decorations, and attire.

Selecting a Stationer

Wedding stationery is a critical component, as it offers guests a glimpse into the tone and style of your wedding. It is advisable to start researching and comparing stationers or retailers early on. Consider the atmosphere and feeling you want at your wedding, and choose a stationer that aligns with your vision. Custom stationery design allows you to collaborate closely with the designer to create tailored paper goods.

Finalising Stationery Details

Finalise the details of your wedding stationery, including save-the-date cards, invitations, RSVP cards, and day-of stationery. Confirm elements such as the seating chart layout, menu options, ceremony programs, and place cards. Ensure that your stationery designer is aware of your wedding day details and that you have received all the necessary components before the wedding.

Enhancing the Guest Experience

Consider adding extra touches to your stationery to enhance your guests' experience. For example, include accommodation cards with recommended places to stay or provide direction/map cards, especially if your wedding venue is hard to find. You can also inform guests about different reception rooms or activities through your stationery.

Remember, finalising your wedding venue, style, and stationery is a collaborative process. Stay organised, be decisive, and don't be afraid to ask for help or recommendations from wedding planners or recently married friends. Enjoy the process of bringing your dream wedding to life!

Book your honeymoon

Booking your honeymoon is an exciting part of the wedding planning process. While traditionally the groom plans a surprise honeymoon, many couples now prefer to plan the honeymoon together. If you haven't already, now is the time to start planning your honeymoon in detail.

First, decide on your budget and how you will pay for your honeymoon. You may want to consider using a credit card with rewards to pay for your honeymoon, as this can help you accumulate points and miles that can be redeemed for flights and hotels. If you don't already have a credit card with rewards, it's worth signing up for one now. Some cards offer large welcome bonuses, so be sure to research the best option for you. Just be sure to pay your bill in full and on time to avoid high-interest charges.

Next, decide on your destination and book your travel and accommodations. The sweet spot for booking falls between 6 and 12 months before your departure, as this will give you the most options and flexibility. Booking early can also help you secure early bird discounts and special room categories. If you're travelling to a popular honeymoon destination, booking well in advance will ensure you get your desired accommodations.

When booking your flights, consider using any credit card or frequent-flyer points you may have accumulated. Be sure to allow plenty of time for the points to be transferred and remember that blackout dates may apply. If you don't have enough points, compare prices among different airlines, and consider being flexible with your dates to find the best deals.

When booking your hotel, check that it has all the amenities you're looking for, such as 24-hour room service, plush robes, or an indoor pool. Make sure your room has the bed size you want—for a honeymoon, a king-size bed is ideal! If you're staying at a beach resort, check if it has beach access, and if not, find out what transportation is provided.

Finally, don't forget to mention that you're booking for your honeymoon when making your reservations. You may be able to get a discounted rate, and you're more likely to get a special upgrade.

Get your dress fitted

A wedding dress fitting is an integral part of the bridal fashion journey. Even if you've purchased a dress that's close to your size, you'll likely still need to adjust it to your figure. It's typical for a bride to have three to four fittings to get everything just right, and most of this can be handled in the last two to three months before the wedding.

The first fitting usually takes place two to three months before the wedding. At this fitting, the seamstress will go over every aspect of the dress from head to toe to see what needs to be altered. They will look for places where the dress needs to be taken in, let out, shortened, lengthened, or altered in another way. The seamstress will start with the bodice to make sure it fits perfectly, then pin the hem.

The second fitting should take place about six weeks to a month before the wedding. At this appointment, your seamstress will begin to create the bustle, which will prevent your train from getting stepped on or torn during your reception.

The third and final fitting should take place about a month or two weeks before the wedding. This is the bride's last chance to make any adjustments, so it's important to speak up about any reservations you may have. The final fitting is also a quality check to ensure that all prior adjustments have been made according to plan.

To get the most accurate fit, be sure to bring your day-of essentials to each fitting, including your shoes and undergarments. It's also a good idea to bring along your jewellery and any accessories you plan to wear.

Plan the order of the ceremony

Planning the order of your wedding ceremony is an important step in the lead-up to your big day. While it can be stressful, staying organised and planning ahead will help you to create your dream ceremony.

Order of the Ceremony

The first step in the ceremony is the processional. This is when members of your immediate family and wedding party head down the aisle and either take their seats or their places on either side of the altar. Traditionally, the processional begins with the bride's mother, followed by the groom, best man, paired-up wedding party, flower girl, and ring bearer. It ends with the bride making their entrance, escorted by their father, who "gives her away" to the groom. However, you can customise the processional order to suit your preferences. For example, some couples choose to walk down the aisle together to symbolise that they are continuing, not beginning, their life together.

Once everyone is in place, the officiant will welcome the guests and give a brief introduction and some thoughts on marriage. This could be a recounting of the couple's love story, words on what marriage means to them, or a statement about the ceremony. The officiant will then address the couple, emphasising the significance of the responsibilities of marriage and the vows they are about to make.

Next comes the declaration of intent, also known as the "I do"s. This is the legally binding part of the ceremony, where you and your partner verbally acknowledge that you are choosing to marry each other. After this comes the exchange of vows, which provides an opportunity to add a personal touch to the ceremony. Couples may choose to write their own vows, share how they first met, or reflect on their relationship.

Following the vows, the couple exchanges rings. The officiant first gives each partner the other's wedding ring, and the couple may choose to say a few words about why the ring exchange is significant to them. The officiant will then pronounce the couple as married and introduce the married couple to the guests for the first time.

The couple then shares their first kiss as a married couple, and some couples opt to have a unity ceremony at this point, such as mixing two different colours of sand or lighting a candle to symbolise two becoming one. The officiant will end the ceremony with a few closing words and, for a religious ceremony, a blessing for the couple.

Finally, the recessional brings the ceremony to a close. The newlyweds lead the way, followed by the bride's and groom's parents, then the flower girl and ring bearer, and the rest of the wedding party in the reverse order of the processional. The officiant is usually the last to leave.

Other Planning Tips

In addition to planning the order of the ceremony, there are several other tasks you should aim to complete a month before your wedding:

• Finalise the details with your vendors and ensure they are reputable and trustworthy.
• Purchase insurance for your wedding rings.
• Create a wedding website and include the URL on your save-the-date cards.
• Consider blocking out rooms and securing a discounted rate for your guests.
• Start working with a graphic designer or stationer to create your wedding invitations.
• Decide on your transportation and book any necessary travel arrangements.
• If you are planning a honeymoon, ensure you are on the same page about the budget, timing, and itinerary.
• Determine your budget and start allocating funds to different areas of the wedding.

Insure your rings

With all the excitement of your upcoming wedding, it's easy to forget about the more mundane tasks, like insuring your rings. However, this is an important step to take, as it will give you peace of mind and protect you financially in the event of loss, theft, or damage. Here are some detailed instructions to help you insure your rings:

Understand the Importance of Ring Insurance

Engagement and wedding rings are valuable, not just financially but also sentimentally. The average amount spent on engagement rings is around $5,500, but this figure can be much higher depending on factors such as the type of metal and gemstone. Considering the significant investment, it makes sense to insure your rings against any potential risks.

Choose a Reputable Insurance Provider

Opt for a specialised jewelry insurance provider, such as Jewelers Mutual, which has over 110 years of expertise and offers protection from a wide range of risks, including loss, theft, damage, and worldwide travel. They also work with your chosen jeweller to ensure a seamless repair or replacement process.

Assess the Value of Your Rings

Before insuring your rings, it's essential to have them professionally appraised to determine their current value. The insurance provider will use this value to set the premium and reimbursement amount in the event of a claim. Keep all the required paperwork, including receipts, photos, and up-to-date appraisals, as these may be needed when filing a claim.

Compare Policies and Costs

When choosing an insurance policy, carefully read the fine print to understand what is and isn't covered. Consider factors such as the reimbursement process, deductibles, and any exclusions. The cost of insurance is typically 1-3% of the ring's value, but it can vary depending on individual risk factors, such as the theft rate in your area.

Maintain and Reappraise Your Rings

To ensure your insurance coverage remains valid, it's important to maintain your rings by taking proper care of them. Additionally, have your rings reappraised every two to three years, as their value may increase over time due to fluctuations in the market or changes in the condition of the rings.

Frequently asked questions