I am planning a wedding and have no clue where to start?? Can anyone help?

Answer 1

Nine to Twelve Months Before

* Establish a preliminary budget.
* Select a wedding date and time. (Date is done have you selected a time?)
* Determine who will officiate at the ceremony.
* Announce your engagement in the newspaper. (optional)
* Determine how many guests you can afford
* Determine the type of wedding you want (formality, style, color scheme/theme).
* Select the attendants for your wedding party.
* Select and secure a photographer.
* Select and secure your ceremony location.
* Select and secure your reception location.
* Select a caterer if not already provided by the reception.
* Begin choosing your wedding cake baker, videographer, musicians, and florist. Sign necessary contracts.
* Pick out engagement ring with fiancé. (if not given to you at proposal)

Six to Nine Months Before

* Shop for the wedding dress, headpiece, veil, etc.
* Select and order the bridesmaids' dresses.
* Start compiling the guest list (inform your families to do the same).
* Start planning for honeymoon.
* Register with a gift bridal registry in your favorite store.

Four to Six Months Before

* Check requirements for blood test and marriage license in your state.
* Make appointments for a physical exam with your doctor/dentist. (optional unless required by state)
* Shop for wedding rings.
* Select and order the invitations and stationery.
* Decide where to live after the wedding.
* Complete the guest lists.
* Inform mothers to select their dresses.
* Select and order the men's attire.
* Finalize honeymoon details and make the necessary reservations.

Two to Four Months Before

* Confirm the menu and catering details with the caterer.
* Prepare all maps and directions for the ceremony and reception.
* Select your wedding rings.
* Buy a wedding guest book.
* Set the dates and times with the officiant for the rehearsal.
* Plan the bridesmaids' luncheon and any other parties.
* Determine your resources for designing and printing the program for the ceremony.
* Finalize the florist details, photographer, videographer, musicians, etc.
* Arrange the necessary accommodations for out-of-town guests.
* Plan a rehearsal dinner, time and place.
* Confirm the wedding cake details with the baker.

Six to Eight Weeks Before

* Mail invitations and announcements.
* Set appointment with photographer for your formal bridal portrait. (optional)
* Select gifts for all your attendants.
* Set appointments with any hairdressers and/or makeup artists.
* Hire the limousine or other forms of transportation for the wedding.

Four to Six Weeks Before

* Decide what your menu is going to be for the reception. (Estimate the expected number of guests.)
* Buy a gift for the groom.
* Pick up your wedding rings.
* Purchase/Borrow all wedding accessories such as the ring pillow, goblets, garter belt, candles, etc.
* Confirm florist details and delivery times.
* Plan the seating for the reception as well as other details for the ceremony and reception. Start writing placement cards.
* Make sure all bridesmaids' attire has been fitted.
* Buy a gift for the bride.

Two Weeks Before

* Make arrangements to have your wedding gifts moved to your new home.
* Get information for business and legal details such as name changes, address changes, etc.
* Reconfirm your guests' accommodations
* Make sure all clothing and accessories for you and the bridal party are ready.
* Get your marriage license and any blood tests which are needed.

One Week Before

* Review any seating details with the ushers.
* Make sure all wedding attire fits.
* Finalize the seating arrangements.
* Reconfirm your honeymoon reservations. Ensure you have any necessary plane tickets.
* Start packing for your honeymoon.
* Call any guests who have not responded yet.
* Finish all the place cards for the reception.
* Review all the final details with your photographer, videographer, etc.
* Give a final head count to the caterer.
* Confirm the availability of the musicians and vocalists.
* Delegate responsibilities to reliable individuals on your wedding day
* Finalize your rehearsal dinner arrangements or other plans.

One Day Before

* Get a manicure or massage to relax yourself. (optional)
* Review and rehearse all the details of your participants.
* Wrap and present the wedding party gifts.
* Get to sleep early.

The Big Day

* Allow yourself plenty of time to get dressed.
* Be sure to eat properly.
* Rest and relax with a good bath.
* Prepare for your hairdresser and makeup appointments.
* Enjoy your wonderful wedding and cherish each and every moment!!!
* Make sure the best man and maid of honor sign the wedding certificate.


This should keep you on track fairly well. I also suggest using http://www.weddingsolutions.com to help you keep track of guests, budget, etc.

If you need further help feel free to email me and I will do my best to assist you.

Answer 2

First, determine what type of wedding you want to have. Informal and casual, formal, or semi-formal (most are semi-formal)? Get an idea for what your budget and your guest list are.

Then, choose a date and book a reception site and church. Keep in mind that this might change your date if the two aren't available on the same one.

Next, start looking for your dress. Keep your eye open for styles and colors you like for the bridesmaids dresses. Also start looking for photographers, DJs, videographers.

Once you've booked those vendors and ordered the dresses, then start looking for florists, bakers, and transportation. I suggest doing these after the photographer, DJ, and videographer because frankly those three are harder, and so its easier to get them out of the way first.

You do not need to know exactly what flowers or cake you want when you start looking for your florist and baker. They will have ideas that you can use.

Once all of your vendors are set, then start on the little things like favors, centerpieces, decorations, accessories, etc.

Purchase your invitations so that you can send them out 8 weeks before your wedding. This might end up overlapping with some of your other tasks.

The last things you should do are choose your ceremony readings, select your music, and print your programs.

Answer 3

First things first Set A Date!!! Next and most important is to find a ceremony and reception spot. After that is booked you will have a million things to consider.

You need to get together your guest list and if your wedding is going to be during a very busy time of the year (near a holiday) or if you have a lot of guests who will need to travel long distances you will need to send out a save the date card. (this should be sent out about 5 to 6 months ahead of time) Invitations at least 3 months a head of time so you can get a head count for your caterer.

Other things to remember are dresses for you and bridesmaid, DJ or band, Photographer/Videographer, cake, flowers and of course gift registry and tux rentals. Decorations.

Anyway, for a time line of events go to Knot.com, or check out the book Bridal Bargains. There website is www.BridalBargainsBook.com. and also check with people who have recently had a wedding they will have a wealth of knowledge.

Answer 4

1. Get someone to ask
2. What is total money that can be spent
3. Decide date
4. Small or large
5. Guest list
6. Rent hall or book place for wedding and reception
7. Choose groomsmen and brides maids
8. Type of reception (dinner or cake)
9. Purchase wedding rings or book for matching tattoos
10. Decide on colors
11. Choose dress
12. Choose bridesmaid dresses (shoes, etc)
13. Choose flowers
14. Choose cake
15. Choose receptions foods
16. Order Invitations
17. Send Invitations
18. Book minister or Official
19. Book rehearsal dinner
20. Guest for rehearsal dinner
21. Purchase gifts for the brides maid (and he for the groomsmen)
22. Rent or purchase men's attire
23. Fitting for you and bridesmaids
24. Hair Appointments
25. Bridal shower
26. Request vacation time if employed


This entire process takes anywhere from 6 -9 months depending on the size of the wedding.

But none of the above will matter when your Mother gets involved....it's her wedding....not yours!!!!! Go to Vegas!!!!!

Good luck.

Answer 5

The first thing you want to do is sit down with your's and his family (parent's) and discuss a budget...see who's contributing and how much. Then decide on a date. After you have your date find your church and your reception hall. I would suggest picking up a wedding planner book. I am getting married in March and the one I have is done from TheKnot.com and it's truely been a lifesaver!

A good wedding website...TheKnot.com. UltimateWedding.com is another good one, but their message boards are down, but you can still shop there!

Good luck and Have fun!!!

Answer 6

start by taking a deep breath! and congratulations!
you're embarking on a wonderful journey.
pledge not to stress yourself out
go to a large bookstore and treat yourself with a day browsing wedding magazines and books, buy sth if you like and get ideas

then first : set the date
then think how formal/informal/ home vs. eloping or destination wedding
then decide the general location/area/town
then how many people roughly

if you have all this, you can start thinking about a venue

... and go from there!

Answer 7

First, you need to decide on SIZE!! Is this a huge event with everyone and their mother invited? Or an intimate event with only close family and friends? That well help determine the next item, WHERE? Once you have these two down, it will be easier to fill in the blanks. Of course, you need a guide and a confidante through this - where's your maid of honor? Or perhaps your mother? Get other ladies whom you admire/respect and can work well with in conflict to help you brainstorm and talk through what you WANT!

Answer 8

Decide how much you have to spend first. Don't assume parents are contributing unless they have volutneered to do so.

Then type your total amount into a wedding budgeter like they have at weddingchannel.com or theknot.com-- it will give you a ballpark of how much you have to spend, on which line items, so you can be realistic regarding what you can afford.

Then go on planning from there.

I also highly sugegst the book Miss Manners Guide to Weddings, which will help you get your etiquette right (absolutely crucial!). You might also visit etiquettehell.com for examples of what NOT to do.

Answer 9

Select possible dates for the wedding.
Select possible venues for the wedding and reception.
Select caterers and find out on which dates they are available.
Select a DJ or musicians and find out on which dates they are available.

After nailing these down, you can work on the little details like invitations, menu, colors, clothing, flowers, etc.

Or, you can hire a wedding planner who will do all of the above for a fee.

Answer 10

www.theknot.com

It has GREAT advice on planning weddings. Where to start, what to do etc. It also has ideas for places to get married (that is if you don't already have one) and fun honeymoon ideas...along with wedding dress ideas...You should definetly check out the website, it'll be so helpful!

Hope this helped! :o)

Answer 11

You should go to the drug store and purchase one of those wedding books. They are a future brides bible. They are very informative and handy. This book will walk you through your wedding from start to finish. It is a great investment.