Wedding a little help...expert planners...

[emilina22]

ok just curious...cause i think im underestimating what needs to be planned for our wedding and i was hoping you guys can help me come up with a "what i need to plan/book" list to help so far this is what i have done

*Ceremony Location- the church that we grew up in (im gonna try to find a picture of it...)*

the picture is from my friends wedding this past june

*my dress Siason Blanche 3035*

*invitations*

*reception location: The Old Orchard Country Club http://www.oldorchardcc.com/ *

and nothing else really, other than a photographer, videographer, and transportation what else is there that we would need....i feel lost...

 

[Cleopatra]

I don''t know what type of wedding you are having, but I''ll give you the list of what else I used/needed:

Florist
DJ/Band
BM Dresses
GM Tuxes
Caterer
Guestbook
Garter
Cake
Night Of Wedding location

I''ll try to think of more!

 

[Shoopy]

Hi there!

I''ve been using Real Simple Weddings Calendar to get an idea of what I need to consider. It''s general so there may be some things you don''t need to do but its a good tool: 16 month calendar

 

[Keepingthefaith21]

I am not sure when your big day is so many of these items may be able to wait for a bit but speaking generally:

Does your venue handle your flowers, DJ and cake? If not, those items should be added to your list.

I am guessing you already have an officiant lined up but just in case...thought I would mention it.

Hair/Make-up (unless you are doing those yourself), shoes, veil, garter, wedding bands (you and FI). If you have a bridal party you'll probably want to be touching base with your girls for dresses, shoes etc.

Favors (if you are having those), guest book (again, only if you want one), escourt cards, table numbers (if your venue doesn't provide these or you want to make your own). Do you have any guests who would be staying over for your big day - if so don't forget to try and get a block of rooms set aside.

 

[rubybeth]

Hey Em!

Some other things you might want to add to your list:

obtaining/renting other things you''re wearing/FI will be wearing--shoes, veil, tie, etc.
your something old/new/borrowed/blue (if you''re doing this tradition--I even got a sixpence on eBay!)
asking attendants/readers/ushers if they will be in your wedding (maybe you''re done with this?)
choosing attendants attire (renting tuxes for guys, finding dresses, etc., flower girl dress?)
choosing your cake/desserts
choosing favors (totally optional)
any marriage prep your church might require (for us it was a class and taking/reviewing the FOCCUS with a sponsor couple)
designing the wedding ceremony--procession order, music, unity candle, readings, etc.
doing some sort of program for the wedding ceremony
registering for gifts
attending bridal shower(s)
putting engagement announcement in local paper (not sure if you''re doing e-shots, but parents like this one)
getting the marriage license (easy, but also easy to forget, and they recommend doing it in advance)
transportation from church to reception (limo, car rental, etc.)
wedding rings (unless you already have this done? I thought I read something somewhere...)
planning the honeymoon/wedding night spots (this is fun!)

Hope this is helpful and not too overwhelming! It can get to be a lot, but these are just some basics.

 

[lovethejewels]

Here's info from a website with timelines you may find helpful. Pick and choose what you want.

The Bride's Wedding Checklist:

9 - 24 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING:

_ ANNOUNCE YOUR ENGAGEMENT TO FRIENDS & FAMILY

_ START PLANNING AN ENGAGEMENT PARTY/CELEBRATION

_ DISCUSS & SET YOUR WEDDING DATE

_ DISCUSS AND SET A BUDGET & DECIDE HOW EXPENSES WILL BE SHARED

_ DISCUSS LEVEL OF FORMALITY, # OF GUESTS AND COLOR SCHEME

_HIRE A WEDDING CONSULTANT (optional)

_MAKE A NEAT FILE FOR CONTRACTS, FORMS, IMPORTANT PAPERS, ETC.

_SELECT YOUR BRIDAL PARTY

_SELECT READERS FOR CEREMONY (optional)

_ START COMPILING AN INVITATION LIST

_ATTEND BRIDAL SHOWS/EXPOS

_ TAKE AN ENGAGEMENT PHOTO

_ SEND ENGAGEMENT ANNOUNCEMENT AND PHOTO TO LOCAL NEWSPAPER(S)

_ CHOOSE AND BOOK YOUR RECEPTION SITE

_ HIRE A CATERER (if necessary)

_ SELECT A SITE FOR THE CEREMONY

_ SPEAK TO AND RESERVE AN OFFICIANT

_ DISCUSS APPAREL FOR THE BRIDE, GROOM AND BRIDAL PARTY

_ DISCUSS HEADPIECE & OTHER ACCESSORIES FOR THE BRIDE

_ ORDER BRIDAL GOWN, HEADPIECE AND OTHER ACCESSORIES

_ ORDER BRIDESMAIDS' DRESSES & TUXEDOS

_ SCHEDULE FITTINGS FOR THE BRIDE, GROOM AND BRIDAL PARTY

_ SEND THANK YOU NOTES FOR ENGAGEMENT GIFTS

_ CHOOSE AND HIRE A PHOTOGRAPHER

_ CHOOSE AND HIRE A VIDEOGRAPHER

_ CHOOSE AND HIRE A DJ/BAND/OTHER ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE RECEPTION

_ CHOOSE AND HIRE CEREMONY MUSICIAN(S) (optional)



6 - 9 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING

SCHEDULE SPECIAL EVENTS

_ Rehearsal and Rehearsal Dinner
_ Bachelor Party (optional)
_ Bridesmaids' or Bachelorette Party (optional)


RESERVE ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR THE CEREMONY & RECEPTION (if necessary)

_ Tents
_ Tables, Chairs and Linens
_ Dishes, Glasses and Utensils
_ Arches
_ Balloons
_ Additional Decorations
_ Other Items


_ HIRE A FLORIST AND CHOOSE FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS

_ CONFIRM DELIVERY DATE OF GOWNS AND DRESSES

_ MAKE NECESSARY ARRANGEMENTS FOR TIME OFF FROM WORK

_ MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO TAKE DANCING LESSONS IF NECESSARY (optional)

_ MAKE HONEYMOON PLANS AND RESERVATIONS

_ RESERVE A BRIDAL SUITE FOR THE WEDDING NIGHT



3 - 6 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING

PURCHASE OTHER NECESSARY ITEMS FOR THE CEREMONY & RECEPTION

_ Toasting Glasses
_ Cake Knife, Server Set & Cake Top
_ Guest Book & Pen
_ Ring Pillow
_ Flower Girl Basket
_ Aisle Runner (optional)
_ Candelabras (optional)
_ Wishing Bubbles (optional)
_ Rice or Confetti (optional)
_ Wedding Bells (optional)
_ Candle(s) for Ceremony (optional)
_ Candle Holder(s) (optional)


FINALIZE HONEYMOON PLANS

Be sure to find out about passports, photo identification and other documents required if you will be leaving the country.

_ ORDER INVITATIONS & THANK YOU NOTES

_ ORDER CEREMONY PROGRAMS (optional)

_ HIRE A CALLIGRAPHER (optional)

_ FINALIZE YOUR INVITATION LIST

_ START ADDRESSING INVITATIONS

_ HIRE A LIMOUSINE OR TRANSPORTATION SERVICE

_ HIRE A MAKE-UP ARTIST AND/OR HAIR STYLIST (optional)

_ SET UP AT LEAST TWO BRIDAL REGISTRIES

_ HELP BOTH MOTHERS SHOP FOR THEIR DRESSES

_ PURCHASE SHOES, GARTER AND OTHER ACCESSORIES FOR THE BRIDE

_ BUY YOUR WEDDING RINGS

_ GROOM BUYS A WEDDING GIFT FOR THE BRIDE

_ BRIDE BUYS A WEDDING GIFT FOR THE GROOM

_ BUY GIFTS FOR THE BRIDAL PARTY

_ SELECT A SONG FOR YOUR FIRST DANCE

_ SELECT SONGS FOR PARENT DANCES

_ SELECT OTHER SPECIAL SONGS (Cake Cutting, etc.)



1 - 3 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING

DISTRIBUTE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS TO BRIDAL PARTY

_ Wedding Day (Time & Place To Meet and Other Details)
_ Rehearsal and Rehearsal Dinner
_ Bachelor Party (if available)
_ Bridesmaids' or Bachelorette Party (if available)
_ Final Fittings and Pick-Up Dates for Tuxedos and Dresses


CHECK MARRIAGE LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

_Blood Tests
_Medical Exams
_Birth Certificates
_Other


_ SEND OUT INVITATIONS (AT LEAST 6 WEEKS IN ADVANCE)

_ MAKE A LIST AND RECORD RSVP's AND GIFTS RECEIVED

_ SCHEDULE FINAL GOWN/HEADPIECE & DRESS FITTINGS

_ SCHEDULE FINAL TUXEDO FITTINGS

_ ORDER FAVORS FOR THE RECEPTION

_ ORDER YOUR WEDDING CAKE & CAKE TOP

_ ARRANGE FOR MOVING BELONGINGS TO NEW RESIDENCE

_ GET THE MARRIAGE LICENSE

_ MAKE APPOINTMENT(S) WITH HAIR/BEAUTY SALON (optional)

_ MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO HAVE YOUR TEETH CLEANED OR BLEACHED (optional)

_ CONFIRM HONEYMOON RESERVATIONS

_ ARRANGE FOR TRANSPORTATION TO THE AIRPORT

_ START PACKING AND PREPARING FOR THE HONEYMOON

_ PLAN TO TAKE A FORMAL WEDDING PORTRAIT

_ PLACE WEDDING ANNOUNCEMENT IN LOCAL NEWSPAPER(S)



3 - 4 WEEKS BEFORE THE WEDDING

FINAL CONSULTATION/CONFIRMATION WITH ALL SERVICES
(Discuss arrival times, locations, special details and payments due.)

_ DJ/Band/Other Entertainment (don't forget SPECIAL SONGS you want played)
_ Ceremony Musician(s) (don't forget to discuss any SPECIAL DETAILS)
_ Photographer (don't forget to discuss any SPECIAL PICTURES you want taken)
_ Videographer (notify them about any SPECIAL FOOTAGE you want on the tape)
_ Limousine Service (don't forget to discuss TIMES, LOCATIONS & DIRECTIONS)
_ Florist (don't forget to discuss ARRIVAL TIMES at ceremony/reception sites)
_ Baker (don't forget to discuss any SPECIAL DETAILS)
_ Tuxedos (don't forget to discuss FITTING & PICK-UP dates)
_ Bridal Gown & Dresses (don't forget to discuss FITTING & PICK-UP dates)
_ Clergyman/Judge (don't forget to discuss CEREMONY & REHEARSAL DETAILS)
_ Rehearsal Dinner Site (don't forget to discuss MENU & OTHER DETAILS)
_ Make-Up Artist (don't forget to discuss any SPECIAL DETAILS)
_ Hair Stylist (don't forget to discuss any SPECIAL DETAILS)
_ Other Service(s)


ARRANGE FOR NAME AND ADDRESS CHANGES

_ Bank Accounts & Loans
_ Credit Cards
_ Driver's License
_ Social Security
_ Passport
_ Other Important Documents

_ CONTACT GUESTS WHO HAVE NOT RESPONDED

_ MAKE SEATING PLANS FOR THE RECEPTION

_ PREPARE RECEPTION PLACE CARDS

_ MAKE SEATING PLANS FOR THE CEREMONY (optional)

_ FINALIZE YOUR MENU WITH CATERER AND/OR RECEPTION SITE

_ MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO HAVE THE GOWN CLEANED AND PRESERVED

_ MAKE ACCOMMODATIONS FOR OUT-OF-TOWN GUESTS

_ REMIND BRIDAL PARTY OF SPECIAL EVENTS AND OBLIGATIONS

_ WRAP GIFTS FOR THE BRIDAL PARTY

_ 1 WEEK BEFORE THE WEDDING


DISCUSS ANY LAST MINUTE DETAILS WITH ALL SERVICES (if necessary)

_ DJ/Band/Other Entertainment
_ Ceremony Musician(s)
_ Reception Site
_ Caterer
_ Photographer
_ Videographer
_ Limousine Service
_ Florist
_ Baker
_ Tuxedos
_ Bridal Gown & Dresses
_ Clergyman/Judge
_ Rehearsal Site
_ Rehearsal Dinner Site
_ Make-Up Artist
_ Hair Stylist
_ Other


PREPARE CHECKS/PAYMENT FOR ALL SERVICES

_ DJ/Band/Other Entertainment
_ Ceremony Musician(s)
_ Ceremony Site
_ Reception Site
_ Caterer
_ Rehearsal Dinner Site
_ Photographer
_ Videographer
_ Limousine Service
_ Florist
_ Baker
_ Tuxedos
_ Bridal Gown & Dresses
_ Clergyman/Judge
_ Make-Up Artist
_ Hair Stylist
_Other


GET EVERYTHING READY FOR REHEARSAL AND WEDDING DAY

_ Wedding Rings
_ Ring Pillow
_ Flower Girl Basket
_ Wedding Gown & Accessories
_ Groom's Tuxedo
_ Attire for Rehearsal/Rehearsal Dinner
_ Bride & Groom Gifts
_ Gifts for the Bridal Party
_ Reception Place Cards
_ Favors for the Reception
_ Toasting Glasses
_ Cake Knife, Server Set & Cake Top
_ Guest Book & Pen
_ Payments for ALL SERVICES
_ Wishing Bubbles (optional)
_ Rice or Confetti (optional)
_ Wedding Bells (optional)
_ Candle for Reception (optional)
_ Candle Holder (optional)
_ Tapers (optional)
_ Taper Holders (optional)
_ CD(s) or Cassette(s) for the DJ or Band (if required)


PREPARE AN EXTRA BAG WITH THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:

_ Aspirin
_ Breath Mints or Gum
_ Safety Pin
_ Extra Lipstick & Make-up
_ Brush and Comb
_ Hair Spray and Gel
_ Mini Sewing Kit
_ Stain-Fighting Spray or Cleaning Solution
_ Extra Pairs of Pantyhose


_ DISCUSS ANY LAST MINUTE DETAILS WITH THE BRIDAL PARTY (if necessary)

_ FINALIZE GUEST COUNT WITH CATERER/RECEPTION SITE

_ FINISH PACKING AND PREPARING FOR THE HONEYMOON

_ PICK UP TICKETS & TRAVELER'S CHECKS FOR THE HONEYMOON

 

[dcgator]

Don''t forget the save the dates for the actual event!

 

[emilina22]

thanks everyone for your tips....they really do help!!

 

[Blair138]

**THREADJACK** Emilina-Old Orchard CC is near me! I didn''t realize you were in the NW burbs!!!

 

[emilina22]

yea well im not from the burbs i live in wrigleyville but we hang out there all the time!! lol you could so crash our wedding lol

 

[Blair138]

OMG I might! hehe Me and Haven-she lives out this way too

 

[pjean]

w00t! Let''s hear it for Wrigleyville!

(I''m getting married in Vegas so I''m no use on Chicago wedding stuff, but I live 2 blocks from Division.)

 

[emilina22]

holy cow i didnt know that there were so many chicagoians out there....craziness!!!

lol im sure i would notice you guys if you crashed it lol


oh i just got one thing done off my list today:

*ordered wedding programs*

 

[pjean]

Yay, ordering!

*NB: I used to live in Wrigleyville (Irving Park & Southport). Now I live in Wicker Park. I should not post at the end of a long day when I can''t tell my Ws apart!