NEW BLING??!! WAHOOOOO! NOW WHAT?

From girlfriend to FIANCE!  The first 5 things to tackle, after receiving your BLING! Besides telling the family, and making sure all of the key people know BEFORE it hit’s social media…here are 5  things to start with once your new bling has found it’s home! If you’re like me you just want to know the five things and get on with it…So for the “see it now” people like myself here are the top 5 and a BONUS!

1. VENUE & PRIORITY VENDORS
2. A WEDDING DATE
3. WEDDING PARTY AND SPECIAL HELPERS
4. MORE DATES (SOCIAL FUNCTIONS)
5. GUEST LIST

**BONUS** WEDDING DAY TIMELINE, with the assistance of your photographer & planner! Now, if you’re looking for a little more detail, READ ON!

1. VENUE & PRIORITY VENDORS

There are quite a few vendors that you will need to secure for the wedding day and hiring knowledgeable & experienced professionals is your first BIG step to creating the perfect day.  There are a few that can only take on ONE wedding/event per day.  Be sure to secure these first, especially if you have always known that you wanted to use them!   They include your venue, the photographer(s), videographers, DJ, and wedding planners!   Other vendors that typically can take on one or more events per day: caters, bakers, florists, musicians, stationers, rentals, rehearsal dinner locations, makeup and hair stylists, wedding dress and tuxedos….

2. A WEDDING DATE

Why is the second on the list you ask?  Well, it’s because there are super popular dates for weddings that get booked way over a year in advance.  So If you have your heart set on a favorite photographer or place to get married your date may need to be flexible.  By looking into your favorite vendors first, you will save yourself potential heartbreak, by making sure the date you have in mind is available!   Also, a side note…make sure to check all holidays and big sporting events/graduations that happen around your dates as well.  Hotels and restaurants book up quickly around these popular dates years in advance. Just make sure you are ahead of “the game”(pun intended)

3.  WEDDING PARTY and SPECIAL HELPERS

It’s time to secure those that are closest to you to assist in the creating of the wedding and making it easy for you to enjoy and be pampered through the process! Who has been by your side for the long haul?  When you pick up the phone to call someone to share the special news, the sad news who do you call first?  (besides your mom??.. although she can be a bridesmaid too) Find a fun way to ask them to join you in the planning and the celebrations, make sure they have an idea of the time commitments and financial ones as well.  Giving them the opportunity to decline if they don’t feel up to the dedication.

4. MORE DATES…

It’s the year of the full calendar!! There are so many fun and traditional events to plan and organize before the wedding!  Be sure to get them on the calendar early to make sure your family and friends can attend all of the festivities! Some of the occasions include: Engagement Photos Wedding dress shopping Bridal Shower Planning & Bridal Showers(s) Bridesmaid Dress Shopping Tuxedo shopping and fittings Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties/Getaways Rehearsal Dinner Honeymoon ….and more See this post for a more in detail look at the “dates to plan”.

5. GUEST LIST

All though it may seem like one of the “not so fun” things to do.  It is one of the staple items that you will need to determine quite a few key things: -Determine how many people you will need seating for.  Some venues have an occupancy limit and you want to be sure you will be able to comfortably accommodate everyone with room for your dance floor, DJ and food stations! -Your rentals (tables, chairs, place settings etc…) You will need an approximate count to determine cost of these items as well as for catering.   -Keep in mind the more people you invite, the higher the budget will need to be. Catering is typically based on a person basis. …well gals (and guys) this should keep you busy for a little while!  Check back soon for PART 2 on your “next steps”! Remember, these steps are a starting point and can be done in ANY order, just as long as you get them completed!! OH….One more IMPORTANT aspect of the wedding is your wedding day TIMELINE!! It’s one of the “to-do’s” I’ll take off your plate, so give me a shout and let’s talk wedding, photography and schedules!  Why me for the schedule you wonder?  I am one of the vendors (besides your planner) that will be with you the majority of the day.  Setting up realistic blocks of time for photographing the getting ready, details and portraits are key to making sure the day goes as planned!! Let’s chat!! Plan on, Bessie