Traditionally, June is one of the most popular months to get married. We know that there are many DIY Brides (and Grooms) out there, who decided to “take the bull by the horns” and started to plan your own wedding.
If your wedding is in the summer of 2015, you should have at least done the following by now:
- Picked a Date
- Set a Budget (Overall and Itemized)
- Picked Venues (Ceremony & Reception)
- Hired a Wedding Planner (if not, Go to EventsByEpic.com)
- Selected and meet your Officiant
- Started Guest List
With about 6 months to go, this is crunch time! 6 months may seem like a long time, but it will go by really fast. You are looking at your to-do list and thinking “that’s not so much” but not considering the 10 steps it will take to do each of the 10 “To-Do’s”.
Progress in the next 2 months will significantly impact your stress level in April. Spend the next 30 days finalizing the following and it put you in a position to walk into the end zone when it matters:
Update Your Budget
By now, you will have a more realistic view of how much you have to spend. Prioritize and balance the budget based on need. Do not overlook the value of a photographer and videographer. Hire Them Now! The good ones book quickly! You may think that flowers are more important, because you want the ceremony to look beautiful. There are creative and less expensive ways to decorate. However, if you have a poor photographer / videographer who does not properly capture the key moments, has poor editing skills, or even worse, you cut them from your budget all together, you may regret not having the memory of grandma walking down the aisle, or a dance with mom or dad, which years later you realize that is what made your day most important to begin with.
Finalize Wedding Party
They don’t just stand there and look pretty (or handsome). Pick a team who is committed and able to support you in the days and months leading up to your big day. There is a difference between willing and able. It takes time, money, and effort (and sometimes talent). Do not be afraid to set expectations up front. Most people do not really know what they are saying yes to when they agree to stand with you.
Click Here Bridal Guide did a great job in providing an overview of the roles and responsibilities of the wedding party.
What will you Wear?
Brides…I know you may be holding out for the perfect dress, but this is the time to narrow your choices and make a final selection. As you know, the style of your dress impacts your decision when selecting your head piece, veil, shoes, lingerie, and accessories…all of which, you should be buying now as well. There is no greater stress than wondering what you will wear.
Grooms…Consider the colors. Will you where a tuxedo or a tailored suit? Vest? Bow tie? Begin to research stores or fabric to determine ship time on custom pieces. Starting this early will give you options. If you find what you really like, finalize it. Usually, you can wait until 4-5 months out, but it is better to get what you want than to look for it later and can not find it.
Finger Licking Good
Schedule an appointment with your cater to taste the food. If you do not like it, this gives you “a little” time to make other arrangements.
Remember the Marriage
Most importantly, sign up for pre-martial counseling. Some of you may think you know everything about who you are engaged to, and that may be true. However, pre-marital counseling helps you ask and answer the tough questions to prepare you for better or worse. It is better to know the plays and your role (and what others expect you to do) before getting into the game.
Shameless Plug…this is why we advocate hiring a wedding planner. Allow them to focus on the details of your wedding, while you focus on the details of your marriage.
Discuss Honeymoon Destinations. This is not just a vacation, but a time for the two of you to get away to get to know one another even more and for the first time as husband and wife.
Let’s Get To It!
This is the first post of a series that will help you think through and prepare for your Epic Day!
If you have any questions, please let us know.
EventsByEpic.com | Info@eventsbyepic.com | 630.492.0077
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