PLANNING YOUR DREAM WEDDING

He proposed. The man of your dreams proposed. It was a bit of a surprise, but you had a feeling it was coming. The relationship has been pretty perfect lately and it would be a perfect time for the both of you to take the plunge.

At the end of dinner, he suddenly got down on his knees and pulled out the ring. With tears running down your cheeks, you said yes! He staged it perfectly and you loved him even more at that moment. You were both beaming with delight while envisioning your life together.

While talking a mile a minute, a light bulb goes off. It’s time to plan your dream wedding though you have no idea where to start. No one is going to tell you it’s easy to plan, but many have walked (or danced) down the aisle before you and had a fabulous time doing it. Make your wedding the party of the year. Your guests will love you for it. Be memorable, be awesome, and be creative. Let’s rock and roll girl and start with a checklist.

THE CHECKLISTS

This is going to be your go-to list so it’s best to get a binder to keep all the information you gathered in one place. Staying organized will keep you on track while you try to make your wedding memorable, awesome and creative. The items on the checklist are your must-do’s to make this spectacular event come together in the way only you know how.

ABOUT A YEAR + BEFORE - Don’t worry, you’re going to have a great time

You’re in the planning stage here, where you and your fiancé are brainstorming ideas that will make this a day to remember for you and your guests.

• Work out your budget. Who is going to contribute? This will be the major factor in many of your decisions. Whether you can spend until your heart is content or have to be more budget conscious, there are dozens of ideas that will make this the day of your dreams.
• Choose your date and venue for ceremony and reception- Worried about inclement weather? There’s nothing like a sudden storm to put a damper on an outside event. Choose an inside venue that will accommodate all your wishes and desires. Do you want a wedding with a theme? Check to see what the vendor might suggest.
• Who will be in your wedding party? Give them as much time as possible so they can plan for the big day.
• Pick your guest list. Sure, you want everyone you know to share your joy. But can you afford it? This is often one of the most difficult decisions to make. Name everyone who you would like to attend at first, then whittle it down over time. That is, unless you can invite everyone!
• Who will marry you? Make sure he or she will be available on your special day.
• Begin your research. Check into local photographers, bands or DJ’s, florists, videographer and caterers. Once you’ve chosen your venue, you might get some great recommendations from them.
• Create a wedding website. Chronicle your ventures and accomplishments. Let your guests join in on the fun. Check out weddingchannel.com.
• Browse wedding dress and veil styles. Will you go traditional or a little rock star? Have fun experimenting.
• Research all the great wedding blogs and websites. There’s a ton of them out there with fantastic ideas and inspirational stories.
• Most of all, be creative. Come up with ideas to make your wedding an event your guests will rave about for a long time to come. Make up some games or fun things people of all ages will enjoy.

ABOUT 9 TO 10 MONTHS BEFORE - You’re doing great and having a great time

Now is the time to make some decisions for the things that need to be taken care of well in advance. Musicians might not be available or your dress might not be ready on time. This is a must-do.

• Purchase/order your dress and veil. If it is custom designed for you, it will definitely take longer so keep that in mind.
• Choose bridal party attire and accessories- Don’t be a bridezilla! Let them in on the decision so they will be as comfortable and gorgeous as you will be.
• Hire the photographer, videographer, musicians, DJ’s if you have not already done so. If you will be married during popular bridal seasons, it is especially important to book them well in advance.
• Establish a fitness routine. This is only if you are not in the shape you desire. It’s a superb way to get a rocking body for the wedding and for life. Your fiancé will love you even more.
• Meet the caterers. If your venue doesn’t provide catering, then meet several caterers to discuss options and availability.

ABOUT 8 TO 9 MONTHS BEFORE - You’re rocking it

While you’re still making and changing plans, there are some things that need your attention if you want your guests to be happy too.

• Find three hotels at different price points for out of town guests. Not everyone will choose to stay in a high-end hotel, so make sure you choose hotels for everyone’s budget.
• Create gift registries. Don’t be greedy. Look for gifts with pricing that everyone attending will be able to afford.
• Begin planning your honeymoon. Have you been to Aruba yet? Looking for an adventurous honeymoon? It might be the last big trip you’ll have in a while so make it a memorable one.
• Browse wedding invitation designs and all the accompanying stationary. The options are endless and you want to make sure they reflect the theme you have chosen.
• Refine the guest list and mail your “Save the Date” cards. Include the link to your website. The guests will be able to post their congratulations and thoughts on your site.  Get everyone involved via social media.

ABOUT 6 TO 7 MONTHS BEFORE - Great job so far

You are on your way and you can’t believe how much more there is to do. Good thing you have a checklist.

• Book your florist. It’s great to have a florist who specializes in weddings and can give you great ideas to go with your theme.
• Book the room for your wedding night. Make sure it’s romantic and management knows it’s your wedding night.
• Reserve a block of rooms for out of town guests. Many hotels give specials, so definitely check into that.
• Meet with the officiant to discuss the ceremony and confirm you have all the official documents. You also need to make sure you have applied for that marriage license.
• Choose cake styles and schedule tastings. Yummy
• Arrange transportation. Consider what you are wearing. Entries and exits from certain modes of transportation can be a bit tricky.
• Purchase wedding invitations. Addressing them can be a time-consuming process, so take that into consideration when making your budget.
• Decide on groomsmen attire. Thank goodness men are usually pretty flexible with choices.
• Purchase wedding bands.
• Do something different. Hire a dance instructor to teach guests a fun dance to get them all up and grooving to the music.

ABOUT 4 TO 5 MONTHS BEFORE - It’s getting closer

Even though you’ve been diligently keeping everything in order, there’s still more to do, but the load is getting a lot lighter.

• Order the cake. That is if you haven’t already done so.
• Assemble the guest list for the rehearsal dinner. This will be your wedding party along with family members.
• Book the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner venue. If your wedding has a theme, then check out places that might complement that theme.
• Prepare playlists for the band or DJ. Make sure you choose music for your guests of all ages.
• Finalize the guest list. Just don’t argue about it. This can be a point of contention amongst couples, so don’t go there.
• Book the honeymoon flights and hotels. Ensure that all necessary paperwork is in order.
• Schedule hair and make-up artists. Try a few local places, take photographs and compare results. If some of your bridal party is local, then include them in the fun.
• Schedule dress fittings. You want to make sure you are relaxed and comfortable the entire time.
• Order linens and flowers for the tables if those are not offered by your venue of choice.

3 MONTHS BEFORE - Don’t get nervous

The items on the checklist during this period are decisions you definitely want to make together.

• Plan the ceremony and reception seating. Don’t forget about your single friends and where they will be seated. You want all of your guests to enjoy the evening.
• Purchase wedding favors. Keep them themed if you have one.
• Make a list of the people giving toasts. Keep in mind your friends who like to imbibe may make a toast that is cringe-worthy.
• Finalize readers and readings. Is it going to be religious or spiritual in nature?
• Write your own vows. It adds a personal touch that you and your guests will remember forever.
• Print menu cards and programs.

2 MONTHS BEFORE - It’s crunch time

You’re down to the wire and everything is going smoothly. Just a couple of months to go.

• Mail the wedding invitations. Set the RSVP cutoff date at three weeks after the postmark date. Your guests will be thrilled to receive an invite and will jump at the chance to attend.
• Check in with all the vendors. This is to ensure that nothing is amiss.
• Meet with the photographer.  You’ll want to discuss specific shots and locations at the venues.  
• Decide “something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue.” Come on, it brings good luck.
• Book a spa and beauty appointments for you and the bridal party.
• Purchase gifts for bridal party. If these can mirror your theme, great. If not, choose something you know the members of the party will love.

1 MONTH BEFORE - Is there something you’re forgetting?

There’s no backing out now. Everything is going great and most of these items are just to ensure that everyone else is on the same page as you are.

• Call vendors to confirm. This is just another check-up.
• Begin to pack for the honeymoon. Or at least decide what you’ll need for your adventure.
• Confirm honeymoon reservations and agenda. You’ll want to make sure you are really going!
• Final dress fitting if necessary. It can’t be too tight, you know.
• Practice walking in your shoes. Especially if they are not the type you would normally wear. Purchase a pair of comfortable shoes for the reception. You won’t regret it.
• Check in with the venue coordinator. They may want to know they have everything exactly as you wish.
• Get hair styled for the big event. You want to be extra gorgeous on your special day.
• Mail the rehearsal dinner invitations. Your wedding party will be looking forward to it.

THE LAST WEEK BEFORE - Calm down

You’ve done everything right and you are good to go. There are just a few last minute items and frankly, you can delegate some of the smaller tasks.

• Get spa treatments for you and the bridal party. They will appreciate it as much as you.
• Give readers their scripts. They may want to practice.
• Finalize payments to vendors. Keeping them happy is essential.
• Pick up your dress or have it delivered. It should be perfect!
• Give directions to transportation drivers.
• Break in your shoes again. Make sure you can dance the night away.
• Enjoy the rehearsal dinner. Don’t drink too much. Nothing like a hangover to take away that glow.
• Try to get some rest.

THE BIG DAY - Enjoy your moment

This is a joyful occasion you will remember for a lifetime. Let your hair down, relax, smile and enjoy every amazing moment.

THE CONFERENCE CENTER AT THRASHER-HORNE CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Many stunning weddings have been held at the conference center at Thrasher-Horne Center for the Arts and there will be many more. Nestled in a bucolic setting, guests can stroll through the property, visit art galleries or just dance the night away in one of the spacious and tastefully appointed conference rooms.

The professional on-site staff will cater to your wishes and desires. You can choose from the Center’s recommended caterers or you can hire one of your own. It’s all up to you. The staff at Thrasher-Horne want to make your wedding day perfect so you and your guests will rave about the experience for a long time to come.

For more Conference Center rental information please call (904) 276-6836 or email ThrasherConference@sjrstate.edu.   

In this article, I’ve given you a wedding planning checklist to help make your big day run smoothly. The venue of choice is one of the most significant elements in your planning and the conference center at Thrasher-Horne Center for the Arts is one of the most stunning settings for your big day.

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