Wedding Tips Every Bride Should Know

Create a budget and plan to stick to!

Reserve your venue FIRST!

You should consider the following vendors :

   ♥   Wedding Planner ─ this is not the same as a coordinator

   ♥   Photographer

   ♥   Videographer

   ♥   Hair Stylist

   ♥   Makeup Professional

   ♥   Rentals ─ Linens, dishes, decor, etc.   

   ♥   Florist

   ♥   Decorator ─ if not friends and family

   ♥   DJ  ─  I know a guy *wink*

   ♥   Photo Booth

   ♥   Caterer 

   ♥   Cake/Dessert

   ♥   Officiant

Find a wedding planner as soon as you know your date to ensure all details are covered. 

Utilize a wedding planning notebook or website to keep yourself organized. 

Make a guest list!

Wedding dress shopping should occur 8 months to 1 year before the wedding.

Save - the - Dates should be sent out 6 months to a year in advance. 

Invitations should be sent 6 to 8 weeks in advance. 

Assemble the bridal party you wish to support you on your special day.

Schedule consultations with all vendors and verify availability on your chosen day. 

Before your wedding day, your photographer needs to know what kind of photos you want them to capture. Use Pinterest or the photographer’s portfolio for ideas. 

Make a list of all the various family photos you’d like to be taken the day of. 

Make a list of the various activities you want the videographer to film.

Work with the photographer to create a photography/videography timeline of the day (and then share this information with your coordinator) 

Have a box that contains all items for detailed shots such as shoes, jewelry, rings, invitation, cologne, perfume, florals, etc. 

I highly recommend Steele Photography and Film! Find the link to their website on our home page!

After securing a DJ, finalize any special songs that need chosen for the entrances, exits, ceremony, and reception. The DJ should have a form for you to fill out to make this process easier.

The DJ also needs to know what kind of music you want played prior to the ceremony while guests are arriving and being seated.

Inform the DJ of your vision for your reception ─ party, low-key, no fast songs, etc.

The DJ will need a detailed itinerary so that he knows where to be and when, and also what announcements he will need to make throughout the event ─ a coordinator is responsible for this!

I highly recommend DjMj (wink wink)

Work with your caterer to pick the type of meal you’d like to serve.

Use Pinterest to find ideas for your cake and/or desserts.

Ensure each vendor knows what time to make their deliveries to the venue. Confirm at least TWICE.

Make arrangements for the cake to be picked up (if not being delivered) by a responsible friend or family member. Confirm with them TWICE the pickup and drop off times. 

Determine if the cake (or desserts) need to be refrigerated until display time or not. 

Confirm the following with the hair and makeup stylists:

   ♥   Number of individuals needing service

   ♥   Price per individual and how they prefer payment

   ♥   Chosen hair styles, makeup colors, etc

   ♥   A start and end time

Create a Pinterest board for all your ideas for décor. Allow your decorator access, or the family and friends who will be helping. 

Remember to schedule decorating time at the venue, before the  rehearsal.

The officiant is a “vendor” that tends to be forgotten until last minute. Choose your preferred minister, preacher, etc. and book them ahead of time. 

Hire a wedding coordinator who will look over your itinerary for the day and keep everyone on schedule! This takes the stress off of YOU. 

Don’t forget to eat breakfast and/or lunch. Once you are ready, you won’t want to risk getting your dress dirty. You’ll also be busy posing for photos. 

Bring your makeup bag from home in case you need to do a touch up before you walk down the aisle. 

Bring an emergency bag that contains a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, sewing kit, Tide Stain Remover Stick, nail polish for touch ups, hair spray, bobby pins, body tape, pain reliever, etc. A coordinator usually carries an emergency bag!

Try to pay all vendors in advance so you will have one less thing to worry about. A coordinator can also handle this responsibility.