Elegant Wedding Toronto June 2019 ELEGANT WEDDING JUNE 2019 | Page 50

12-Month Wedding
P lanning G uide
You’ve said, “yes” to the love of your life and now you’re overwhelmed at the thought of how much there is to plan.
Where will I hold the ceremony? How many people should I invite? Where will I get my dress? Planning a wedding takes time, organization and most
of all patience, which is why we’ve come up with a 12-month guide to help you plan your nuptials stress-free!
by Christina Rowan
10-12 Months Before 2-3 Months Before
Announce your engagement: Let your family and friends in on the
excitement by having a professional photo session done, personal
website made or picture of your shiny new ring shared on social media.
Set a date: Think about which season you would prefer, what range
of dates would work well for you and then start scouting venues for
availability.
Develop a budget: Sit down with your new fiancé and prioritize which
elements of your wedding will receive more attention. You may not be
able to work out every detail at once, but you can at least lay down the
foundation.
Compile your guest list: Take your venues and budget into consider-
ation when picking those you would like to attend. Do you want an inti-
mate ceremony with less people and then a party reception to follow?
7-9
Months Before
Shop for your dress: Hit up the best bridal boutiques in the city for the
perfect dress to say, “yes” to. Try on as many as you need to until you
have the “Aha!” moment. Don’t step outside your budget!
Pick a theme: Flip through the pages of Elegant Wedding magazine
and start selecting colour palettes, flowers and decor you would like to
centre your wedding theme around.
Hire vendors: Do your research and recruit the best wedding planner,
photographer, florist, musician and caterer. Here you will have to decide
which professional ranks highest to lowest on your budget plan.
Form your wedding party: It’s your turn to propose to your brides-
maids and groomsmen. Show them how much you appreciate their
friendship by asking them to stand alongside you from the start of your
wedding to the very end. The sooner you ask, the better.
Create a gift registry: Make it easy for your guests to choose a wed-
ding gift by signing up for one or two bridal registries. Keep the price
range open so guests have the option to splurge or save.
4-6 Months Before
Pick a cake: Stimulate your sweet tooth by going for a tasting with
your fiancé. The colours, flavours and design choices truly are endless!
Order invitations: Customize your own crest or select a
signature suite that will hint at the theme you’ve selected. Your guests
won’t be able to say no.
Plan your honeymoon: Spend the following weeks together as a mar-
ried couple on a breathtaking beach, in a villa secluded from the world or
backpacking through Europe. Reserve, reserve!
Book officiant: Whether you’re getting married in a church or at a hall,
you’ll need someone to lead the procession. Research a few officiants
before you commit to one by reading reviews online and meeting in
person.
Reserve for rehearsal dinner: Find a location where your family, close
friends and wedding party will gather for the night before the big day.
Here you can hand out your gifts to your bridesmaids and groomsmen.
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Save the date: You want people to witness your nuptials don’t you? Make it
official with your guests by sending out the beautiful invitations you’ve ordered/
created.
Book makeup and hair: Trial different beauty looks with a hairdresser and makeup
artist. Make a day of it and secure the look you want for the big day.
Order wedding rings: Accompany your new sparkling
engagement ring with a wedding band that matches your partners. This will give
you time for resizing and engraving.
Get favours: As a way of saying thank you to all the guests who
attend, prepare a little something for them to go home with.
1 Month Before
Solidify seating plan: Call guests who haven’t RSVP’d, make cuts and create a
final headcount for the caterer and venue.
Call your vendors: Call your photographer, caterer, florist and baker to confirm
everything is a go. Any last minute requests will need to be made now.
Order rentals: Refer to your venue, guest list and desired theme before renting
chairs, tables, lighting and any necessary decor for the ceremony and reception.
Get a marriage license: Since the process can take a few days, give yourself
enough time to gather the appropriate documents before heading to city hall for
the marriage license.
Write vows: Channel your inner Shakespeare and jot down the best things about
your partner. What comes from the heart is undeniable. There won’t be a dry eye
in the place.
Pick up your dress: Go for a final fitting, make sure any alterations came out just
as they should and keep that dress on lockdown. No liquids allowed within 10 feet!
Checklist
4 weeks b
efore:
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be late to yo vintage
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3 weeks b
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2 weeks b
efore:
•S et aside ch
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s for all thei
aside cheq
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ues to pay
1 week be
fore:
•P ack for ho
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bags! You tw ymoon : Get out your p
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