# 2 – Countdown timeline to your big day!

This is a continuation of my last post…(click here to see #1) – So you’re engaged, now what. I would like to add some more tips for you..kind of like a timeline, which should help you feel a little bit more organized as you plan your amazing vintage inspired wedding!  How gorgeous is this pic I used for my post?! Such a fantasy wedding backless lace dress! I am dying…gorgeous! Backless dresses are my  all-time favorite!

A helpful planning timeline

My last post so you’re engaged, now what? we discussed the first steps to take after getting engaged! We covered, dreaming about your big day for ideas, picking the date, setting the budget, looking for a location, planning options available online, dress shopping and finally..hiring a professional event planner if budget allows!

This second post, I would like to continue on that theme, but get a bit more detailed as far as a timeline you should follow in order to have a streamlined plan so that there is no stress and you feel like it’s under control. Let’s get this party started!

Twelve months

We already discussed picking the date, setting the budget, looking for a location, planning options available online, dress shopping and finally..hiring a professional event planner if budget allows! There are few other things that should be done at the 12 month point.

• Hiring a caterer – Be sure you understand how much of a deposit is required and when payment is due. This is also a good time to start narrowing down your cake selections, making a choice and ordering.
• Choose your wedding party – Ask them to participate in the planning process!
• Book musicians and/or DJ’s – Decide which type of music you want for the ceremony and whether you would like a DJ and/or a band for reception. A DJ is always great and gets everyone dancing after a few drinks!
• Hire a photographer and if you plan to use one..a videographer. When choosing a photographer…really think about what type of photos you want…I always personally love photojournalist style! So natural and beautiful!
• Book your florist – What is your color scheme for the wedding? Do you want your bouquet to match the primary colors of the reception?
• Order your gown – You’ll want a perfect fit, so shop early for serious alterations. Before your second fitting choose veil, shoes and accessories.
• Book a honeymoon! – Now this was my favorite part! We decided to go to the Maldives (which btw was incredible!). Where do you dream of going for yours? Decide on where to go..beach luxury or mountain getaway?  If you will be traveling abroad be sure your passport and other legal documents are all up to date and in order.

Six months

• Order your invites – Allow six weeks for invitations to be completed. Mail them six-to-eight weeks before the wedding date!

Two months

• Write your own vows to personalize the ceremony.
• By now you are probably receiving wedding gifts off your registry (fun!)..so be sure to start writing thank you notes as gifts arrive.
• Start to choose your wines, taste your food and go over all contracts. I am the worst with little details like this, but you want to make sure there aren’t  any extra charges or surprises last minute!
• Time to test drive your hair and makeup & book your mani-pedi! A very fun part!

One month

• Go get your official marriage license and give your caterer the final head-count!
• Gather together welcome baskets or tourist information for your out of town guests. (phweww this is getting to feel like lots of work!) If it feels too much for you, skip that step…do what feels right for you bottom-line. They will need to know how to get to and from though…so at least make them feel welcome if they have not travelled there before. They are coming to see you ….so keep that in mind!

One Week

• Finalize seating plan
• Pick up your dress, try it on to ensure that all final adjustments have been made!

One Day

• Give presents to bridesmaids and groomsmen, normally gifts are given just after the rehearsal dinner.

Yayy! The big day is here!

• Remember to bring your marriage license to the ceremony!
• Switch your engagement ring to your right hand before ceremony begins!Most important – relax! If something goes wrong, just smile!!!! Congrats!!!! You did it!!!

Happy Planning!

Hugs!

Kirstin @ Froufrou Le Bleu