Deborah Chan
Planning a wedding can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be. There are many things to consider, from the venue to the dress, and the budget to the guest list. It's important to start planning early, especially if you want an outdoor wedding or have specific vendors in mind. A wedding planner can be a great investment, helping you to save money and stay organised. Whether you're dreaming of a simple ceremony or an elaborate celebration, creating a checklist will ensure you don't forget any important details, and can savour every moment of your special day.
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What You'll Learn
Wedding attire and accessories
Planning and Preparation:
Start by picking a theme and colour scheme for your wedding. This will guide your attire choices and ensure a cohesive look for you and your wedding party. It's also important to consider your venue and the weather. For example, if you're having an outdoor wedding, you may need to prepare for different weather conditions and choose attire that's comfortable and practical.
The Bride's Attire and Accessories:
The wedding dress is often the focal point of the bride's attire. When choosing your dress, consider your personal style and the level of formality you desire. Don't forget to schedule fittings and allow time for any alterations that may be needed.
To complete your bridal look, think about the following accessories:
- Hair Accessories: Headbands, combs, or tiaras can add a touch of glamour or a boho vibe, depending on your style.
- Veil or Alternative: A veil is a traditional choice, but you could also opt for a statement cape or a simple shawl/wrap to complement your dress.
- Jewellery: Choose pieces that complement your gown without overwhelming it. Consider borrowing jewellery from a happily married friend or family member to fulfil the "something borrowed" tradition. You could also incorporate "something blue" into your jewellery choices.
- Shoes: Comfort is key! Look for stylish shoes that you can walk and dance in comfortably. You may even want to bring a pair of flats for the reception.
- Clutch or Bag: A small bag or clutch can hold essential items like tissues, makeup for touch-ups, and your phone.
The Groom's Attire and Accessories:
While the bride's dress often takes centre stage, the groom's attire is equally important. The groom's attire can range from a traditional tuxedo to a modern suit in a colour that complements the wedding's colour scheme.
- Shoes: Choose a pair of dress shoes that complement the suit or tuxedo.
- Socks: Don't forget about socks! They can be a fun way to add a pop of colour or a subtle pattern.
- Tie or Bowtie: This is a chance to add a touch of personality and style.
- Cufflinks: Cufflinks can be a subtle way to add a touch of elegance to the groom's attire.
- Watch: A classic timepiece can complete the groom's look.
Wedding Party Attire:
If you have a wedding party, including bridesmaids, groomsmen, and/or flower girls, you'll want to coordinate their attire as well.
- Bridesmaids: Choose dresses that complement your wedding colours and theme. You can opt for matching dresses or mix-and-match styles in the same colour family.
- Groomsmen: Their attire should complement the groom's, whether it's matching suits or coordinating colours and styles.
- Flower Girls and Ring Bearers: Choose outfits that are comfortable and fit the overall theme.
Emergency Kit:
Don't forget to prepare an emergency kit for last-minute touch-ups and minor wardrobe malfunctions. This kit should include items like safety pins, a sewing kit, band-aids, stain remover, and any other essentials you may need throughout the day.
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Wedding venue and vendors
Wedding planning can be a daunting task, but with a strategic approach, you can secure your dream venue and vendors to make your special day a success. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process:
Wedding Venue:
The venue is one of the first steps in wedding planning. It is recommended to start your search for a venue 12 to 18 months in advance, especially if you have your heart set on a popular location or a sought-after date. This will give you a better chance of securing your desired venue and date. Be prepared to be flexible, as some venues may have limitations on decorations, music, or other restrictions. Ask about all-inclusive packages, hidden fees, and cancellation policies to avoid unpleasant surprises. Reading reviews and checking references from previous couples can also provide valuable insights.
Vendors:
Wedding Planner:
Hiring a wedding planner is beneficial and can make your life easier. They can assist with venue selection and vendor recommendations. If you decide to hire a planner, it is recommended to do so early in the process.
Catering:
Catering is a crucial aspect of your wedding. If your venue does not include catering services, start your search for a caterer as soon as possible after booking the venue. Discuss serving styles and be sure to schedule a tasting to help you decide on the perfect menu for your reception.
Photography and Videography:
The photographer and videographer are important vendors to secure early in your planning process. Top-tier photographers and videographers in high demand may be booked up quickly, especially if you're looking at peak wedding seasons. Aim to book them at least 9 to 11 months in advance, or even a year if possible.
Music and Entertainment:
Whether you choose a DJ, a live band, or musicians for your ceremony, you'll want to create the right ambiance for your special day. Start researching and booking these vendors 9 to 11 months in advance to ensure you find talented professionals who align with your musical vision.
Florist:
Find a florist who understands your wedding style, vision, and budget. They will bring your floral arrangements to life and enhance the beauty of your venue.
Hair and Makeup:
Looking your best on your wedding day is essential. Book a hair stylist and makeup artist a few months in advance, and be sure to schedule trials to ensure you're happy with the look.
Rentals:
If your venue does not provide tables, chairs, linens, china, or flatware, you'll need to hire a rental company. Work with your venue and caterer to determine what rentals you'll need and book them accordingly.
Transportation:
Create a wedding-day transportation plan and book reputable companies for the bride, groom, and wedding party. If you require shuttle services for guests, this should also be arranged in advance.
Remember, staying organized and starting early will help you secure your top choices for vendors and ensure a smooth planning process.
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Wedding stationery and favours
Wedding stationery is more than just invitations. There are many paper goods to order throughout the wedding journey, from engagement party invites to thank-you cards.
Wedding Invitations
The wedding invitation is the most important aspect of your wedding stationery. It should include the host of the wedding (bride's parents, both families, etc.), the bride and groom's names, wedding date and time, venue name, and the city and state. The card size is typically A7 (5" x 7") with a coordinating A7 envelope. Formal invitations may also include an outer A7.5 envelope. It's recommended to include a separate response card with your invitation, even if you request online replies. You can also include a wedding website on a separate card insert or as part of the invitation.
Other Wedding Stationery
- Save the Date cards: These usually include the couple's names, date, and location of the wedding. They may also include a wedding website.
- Belly bands, detail cards, rehearsal dinner cards, and accommodation cards: These can be included as part of the invitation suite.
- Vow booklets: If you're writing your own vows, you'll need somewhere to write them down.
- Order of service/ceremony booklets: These contain the names of the bridal party, the officiant, the plan for the ceremony, and any songs or music.
- Menu cards: These inform guests of the meal options, including choices for those with dietary restrictions.
- Seating or table plans: These are often displayed at the entrance of the reception area, showing guests the table layout so they can find their seats.
- Wedding day signage: These can be used to indicate the wedding timeline, custom cocktails, and facilities. They can be small or large and come in various styles.
Wedding Favours
Wedding favours are small gifts for your guests to show your appreciation for their attendance. They are not required, but they are a nice gesture. They can be universal, like edible treats, or themed, like tea bags for a Chinese and English wedding. They don't have to be expensive or time-consuming to create, but they should fit your style and budget. You can purchase affordable favours or create your own. Welcome bags for out-of-town guests are also a thoughtful gesture, typically including snacks, beverages, keepsakes, and a schedule of events.
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Wedding activities and entertainment
Planning a wedding can be stressful, but it is important to savour and enjoy the process. The wedding can be as simple or as elegant as you want, and there are a few basics to consider when planning the activities and entertainment.
Firstly, the venue is one of the most important decisions you will make. It will affect the theme and style of the wedding, as well as the budget. If you are having an outdoor wedding, you will need to prepare for all kinds of weather. Consider the parking situation and your guests' access to transport. If you are having a large number of guests, you will need lots of parking.
The next step is to decide on the theme and colours. This will help you plan the decorations, attire, and other details. If you are having bridesmaids, you can plan their dresses to match the theme. You can also incorporate the theme into any wedding games or activities you plan to have.
Now, on to the fun part—planning the activities and entertainment! There are countless options to choose from, and you can select those that suit your theme and style. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- A photo booth with props and colourful backgrounds is a great way to keep guests entertained and provide them with memorable wedding favours.
- A live band or DJ is a popular choice for wedding entertainment and will get your guests on the dance floor.
- A magician can astonish your guests with sleight-of-hand tricks and mind-bending illusions. This is a great icebreaker and conversation starter.
- For outdoor weddings, lawn games like cornhole, giant Jenga, or ring toss are a fun way to keep guests entertained during cocktail hour or between dances.
- A unique idea is to have a flash mob dance scene to surprise your guests and celebrate your family heritage.
- For the kids, face painting, colouring books, and a treasure hunt will keep them entertained for hours.
- A VR arcade, axe-throwing, or a dance machine are some interactive and engaging activities for guests of all ages.
- For a memorable keepsake, hire a live wedding painter to capture the special moments of your day on canvas.
- Fireworks are always a crowd-pleaser and will leave your guests captivated.
Remember, your wedding day is about celebrating your love and creating memories. Choose activities and entertainment that reflect your personality and style, and don't be afraid to think outside the box!
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Wedding day logistics
Wedding planning can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be. Here is a comprehensive guide to wedding day logistics to ensure your big day runs smoothly and is memorable for all the right reasons.
Planning and Preparation
The key to successful wedding day logistics is planning and preparation. It is recommended that you create a checklist to ensure nothing is forgotten. This should be done well in advance of the wedding day, with some sources suggesting that couples should prepare an emergency kit around three months before the wedding. This kit should include items such as safety pins, a sewing kit, band-aids, and stain remover pens to help get you through the day.
Venue and Vendors
The wedding venue is one of the most important decisions you will make. It will impact other aspects of your wedding, such as the date, and whether you need to provide transport and accommodation for your guests. When choosing a venue, consider the parking situation, guest access to transportation, and any potential costs for your guests. If your venue does not include a wedding planner, it may be worth hiring one to guide you through the process and handle the logistics.
Budget
Your budget will impact many of your decisions, from the venue to the food and entertainment. It is important to prioritize what is most important to you and your partner and be mindful of your budget when planning.
Timing
It is important to consider the timing of your wedding day. A traditional formal wedding will have a different timeline to a small, casual ceremony. Think about the time of day you want to get married and whether this will impact transport and accommodation for your guests.
The Day Before
The day before your wedding is a great time to try on your wedding attire, including shoes and accessories, to ensure everything is ready for the big day. This is also a good opportunity to relax and rest before the wedding, especially if the lead-up has been hectic.
On the Day
On the day of the wedding, most tasks should already be taken care of. However, there are some last-minute things to remember, such as checking the weather forecast, making any final changes to the seating chart, and ensuring you have all your wedding day attire and accessories. Don't forget to eat something before the ceremony and allow time for hairstyling and makeup.
Enjoy the Day
Finally, remember to enjoy your wedding day and trust that your friends, family, and vendors will do their part. It is normal to feel anxious, but try to embrace the excitement and savor each moment.
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Frequently asked questions
You should send out "Save the Date" cards as soon as you have a confirmed venue and date. This can be followed up with a formal invitation closer to the date, which should include details such as timings and any dress code.
It is recommended that you try on your wedding attire, including shoes and accessories, the day before the wedding to ensure everything is ready for the big day.
Most tasks should be taken care of before your wedding day to ensure it is as stress-free as possible. However, some last-minute things to do on the day include checking the weather forecast, making final changes to the seating chart, and ensuring you have all your wedding attire and accessories.
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