March & April Wedding Planning Checklist

Now that the engagement is on it's time to start the planning process.  The family is happy, your future is bright and filled willed endless possibilities.  To make the dream come true requires time, effort, and major doses of the "three Cs" of wedding planning: consideration, communication and compromise, and more compromise.  You are approaching major decisions; however, don't forget to relish in this time.  It's your opportunity to explore your wedding fantasies---and those your loved ones may share.  Happy Wedding Planning!

 

• Inform out-of-town guests of wedding date and/or send save-the-date email.
• Locate a bridal salon and begin trying on wedding gowns and veils.  Make sure you bring stockings, heels, a strapless bra, and a hair clip to each appointment.
• Get in shape for your wedding gown by starting an exercise routine.
• Get ideas for honeymoon locations and research pricing. (This could a project for the groom)
• Start looking at floral designs and interview florists for style and cost.
• Search for menu ideas and start meeting with caterers.
• Research wedding photography and interview wedding photographers/videographers.
• Get ideas for music and interview bands/DJs.
• Finalize flower and decor ideas, and select a florist.  Include specifics of each floral arrangement in your contract.
• Sign a caterer.
• Order your wedding gown.
• Shop for and select the perfect bridesmaid dress.
• Book your honeymoon.
• Find out if your ceremony location requires liability insurance.
• Finalize contracts with your wedding protographer and videographer.
• Book your DJ/band.
• Browse and purchase wedding dress accessories, including shoes, lingerie, purse, and gloves.
• Choose officiant and discuss ceremony ideas.
• Start thinking about all of your gift registry options.
• Select three hotels in varying price ranges and reserve rooms for out-of-town guests.

Beverly Harris Weddings & Events

(310) 487-9698

Shopping for "The Dress"

Don't wait until you go to a bridal show, start now looking at photos for "the dress" inspiration.  It will be very helpful if you had some kind of idea of what you like before you go to a bridal show or before you step into a bridal salon.  

By no means am I an expert on wedding dresses or even on how to shop for one, but there are some basic rules that will apply to most aspects of wedding shopping.  Buying “the dress” can be one of the most stressful parts of the wedding-planning process, yet it’s also one of the most important.  It’s the one thing at least half of the guests will notice immediately and remember forever.  You can mess up on the wedding hall, blow the church, and skimp on the food, but “the dress”, as the centerpiece of the wedding, has to be done right.  In short, when picking out "the dress", the pressure is on.

Still, don't stress out about wedding dress shopping or turn into that Bridezilla that everyone talks about if a dress doesn’t look, feel or fit the way you like.  "The dress" is out there waiting for you to find it. 

Determine a realistic budget as there is a wedding dress out there for every bride whether it's a second hand dress or a designer dress. Set the price you can afford and give yourself enough time and resources to find “the dress”. Make sure you think about all of your options as, unless you are strictly traditional, there are lots of options for wedding dresses these days. For example, brides that are getting married on a beach or in a tropical location may forgo wedding dress shopping altogether and wear a simple white dress.  This kind of dress can be worn on many other occasions.

Allowing enough time to find “the dress” can actually save money during wedding dress shopping because it eliminates the pressure to settle for a more expensive dress because time is running out to find something. Remember, you’ll need at least six months just for alterations if you plan to have “the dress” made.  You want to be able to think clearly about each dress and how you feel about it without having a time crunch influence your decision.  Be ready to put down a deposit just in case you find “the dress”.

Good luck and, more importantly, have fun!

Beverly Harris Weddings & Events

(310) 487-9698

More Help with the January & February Wedding Planning Checklist

A friend has hinted around at being your maid of honor—yet you have no intention of asking her. How do you break the news without ruing the friendship?

You should express how you feel in a way that doesn’t hurt her feelings. Say something like, it’s a difficult decision and that you value her friendship. Carefully explain why the other person is a more logical choice. Maybe she introduced you to your fiancé’ or helped you through a particular tough time. Let her down easy.

What are your thoughts?  Add a comment or if you have a question, send it through the  Formspring form on the sidebar.

Beverly Harris Weddings & Events

(310) 487-9698

Wedding & Engagement Announcement Submission Process Tips

In order to help assist with your wedding planning "TO DO" list, I will provide tips and recommendations throughout the planning process.  Below are tips on submitting your wedding-engagement announcement to local publications.  

• Select one or two newspapers in your area to which you will submit your wedding/engagement information.
• Ask if there is a standard form for you to fill out that will cover the basic details.
• Your information should be typed neatly.
• Provide relevant details such as your engagement  date, wedding date, location, the bride's maiden name, your parents names and city of residence and where you will live once you are married.
• Consider including the names and cities of residence of your wedding attendants and where you will go on your honeymoon.
• Add background information such as where you each grew up, where you went to school and where you now work.
• Include a daytime and evening phone number and email in case the editor has any questions or wants more information.
• Include a photograph with your name, phone number and email address on the back. Ask the paper what size and quality of photograph they prefer. Some accept only black and white, while others will take color.
• Provide a stamped self-addressed envelope if you want your photograph back. (Since photographs can easily get misplaced in the newsroom, it is best to send a copy, not an original.)

Beverly Harris Weddings & Events

(310) 487-9698