Preparation Is Key: A Month-by-Month Guide to Planning Your Wedding

Preparation Is Key: A Month-by-Month Guide to Planning Your Wedding Wedding Planning Timeline The average engagement in the U.S. is 16 months. Here is a rundown of how to plan your wedding with the least amount of stress! 16 to 14 months in advance: Determine your budget: Advance planning will give you a realistic idea of what to look for in a venue, your dress, and décor. Begin your guest list: The number of guests will affect your venue choice. Choose your wedding party: Family members, childhood or college friends, and your fiancé's siblings are traditional choices. 13 to 9 months in advance: Select that suits your theme. venue: Find one that can accommodate your guests and Set a date: Be sure to book your venue well in advance to avoid any scheduling conflicts further down the road. Choose your wedding vendors: Caterers, photographers, and bands get busy quickly-be sure you schedule them for your wedding before it's too late. Have an engagement party: Remember that anyone you invite to this party must also be invited to your wedding. Make hotel arrangements: Reserve a block of rooms for wedding guests. 8 to 6 months in advance: Book an officiant: A religious leader, a family friend, or even a parent may conduct the ceremony as long as he or she is certified. Find a rehearsal venue: Could be the same venue as wedding, but in a different room. Send out save-the-date reminders: Allow your guests to get time off of work and make travel plans if necessary. Buy a wedding dress: May take several trips, so give yourself plenty of time. Register as a couple: Let guests know what you'd like and where to shop. Choose bridesmaid dresses: Find out if your bridesmaids have strong preferences and give them a few options. Arrange wedding day transportation: Reserve limos for the wedding party. 5 to 4 months in advance: Set the menu: You have already chosen your caterer, so meet with them a final time to determine menu and logistics for the day. Send out invitations: Give guests time to RSVP and make final travel plans. Order the groom's suit: A properly fitted suit may take some time to tailor so it looks perfect. Plan the honeymoon: If you need to update your passport for international travel, do this as soon as possible. Order a wedding cake: Schedule a few tastings and order your custom cake 3 to 2 months in advance: Schedule dress fittings: Be sure to wear the right shoes so the length is correct. Get a marriage license: You may need a few copies for name changes. O Buy the wedding rings: If you want the rings engraved, you'll need enough time to do it before the ceremony. Make the wedding day schedule: Outline how the entire day will go. Send your schedule to your vendors: Caterers, photographers, and bands can make any necessary changes with no surprises for you. 1 month in advance: Make a seating chart: Keep family politics in mind and allow guests to meet new people. Kate Schedule a final dress fitting: The dress should fit perfectly for the big day. Make sure hair and make-up personnel are confirmed: They should have ample time on the wedding day to primp everyone. Have a bachelor or bachelorette party: Have a good time! Write your vows: Give yourself time for revision and practice in front of a mirror. 2 to 1 weeks in advance: Get a haircut: Don't do this the day before the wedding, as your M hair may take a few days to settle. Inform the wedding party of the schedule: The best man and maid of honor should know what's happening at all times. Send a final guest list to the caterer: Many companies do not allow changes within a few days of the wedding. Pack for your honeymoon: You won't want to stress about this right before or after your wedding. Take a deep breath: You've planned everything and your day will go off without a hitch! What to Ask Yourself When Planning a Wedding Make sure the details are covered and that you have answers to the following questions: What is the contingency plan for an outdoor wedding in case it rains? Does our wedding band know the songs we want to hear? Is there a vegetarian meal option for guests? What happens if we move indoors and we lose electricity? Who will be giving the toasts? Do my vendors have any hidden fees? Do we have room for unexpected guests? Infographic Provided By: PENNOAKS www.pennoakswestchesterpa.com Sources: www.realsimple.com/holidays-entertaining/weddings/planning/ wedding-planning-checklist-o000000000222/index.html www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/lifestyle/when-to- start-wedding-planning/ wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/planning-a-wedding/ articles/13-questions-to-ask-wedding-planners.aspx weddingtheknot.com/wedding-planning/wedding-transportation /articles/wedding-transportation-planning-basics.aspx