After visiting with a friend who is newly engaged, she encouraged me to put up some tips for brides. Poor Mary's head is SPINNING and I thought I'd take some time to put together the wedding planning process ... in easy to digest steps.
The next step in planning your wedding is to nail down a date. Sounds easy, right? Just pick a day that you both like (or are free) and tell everyone.
I wish it were that simple!
Step 1: Find a ceremony location.
Some churches require 4 to 6 months advance notice. Other places require less. Be sure to check with your church/chapel/synagogue to find out their precise rules.
If the date you like is open, excellent! I suggest having the person who coordinates the space only pencil you in. If you're having a reception at a different location, you want to be sure the ceremony site AND the reception site are open on the same day.
In fact, I suggest getting a list of open dates near the time you'd like to get married. This will be helpful if your reception will not be at your house of worship. (If you're having the wedding and reception at the same site, however, and it's open, BOOK IT!)
Step 2: Find a reception location.
If you plan to have the wedding and reception at the same site, you're already done!
Some brides, however, opt for two different locations. If you have two different spots, be sure to bring a list of available dates from the ceremony location when you visit with the reception site. See what dates match up, and that will often make the decision.
Some considerations for reception locations are:
1. Do they have a designated caterer or am I free to select a caterer myself?
2. Is there a policy regarding bringing in wine/champagne? Must I purchase it from the reception site?
3. What is the capacity of the site? Is it big enough for my guests to sit and eat comfortably?
4. If I'm planning to have a dance, is there enough room? Where will the DJ be located? Does the reception site have a designated DJ or do I need to hire someone to come in?
Step 3: Check with your favorite photographer to see if they are open on the same date as both the ceremony AND reception site.
I know it sounds a little silly to look at photographers so early, but for summer dates, we're often booking more than 10 months in advance. There are openings in the schedule, but before you pay deposits/retainers at ceremony or reception sites, be sure to check if your photographer of choice is open.
Some considerations for a photographer are:
1. What TYPE of wedding photographs you want. Do you want mostly posed photos, or do you want some posed photos with the majority of the other images being candid?
2. How do I want to use the photos in the future? Do I want to have large prints on my wall, or is it important for me to have an album that I can pass on for generations?
Some questions to ask potential wedding photographers:
1. How long will you be there the day of my wedding? Are we limited to a certain number of hours?
2. How many photographers will be there? If you have an assistant, will they be carrying your camera bags or are they a professional photographer?
3. Will my photos be available for online viewing and ordering through a professional printing lab?
4. Do you offer special products such as albums and canvas prints?
If you are unsure about a photographer, please
contact us!
Step 4: Check with family and close friends to be sure the date you and your groom are considering does not conflict with anyone's schedule.
Step 5: Once the stars align and you have a ceremony AND reception site AND photographer for the same day, book them!
Step 6: Tell your family/friends so everyone can make the necessary arrangements to be off of work/travel to the location as far in advance as possible.
Stay tuned for: Save the dates, selecting a bridal party and much more!
