As I think about my most recent Wedding, I reflect on the overall “Sequence of Events” that it takes to move a wedding from the moment of the “Yes” to the “I Do”. Whether you are a DIY Bride, start out DIY and then hire a Professional, or even hire a Professional Wedding Planner from the moment you said “yes”, there are so many wedding to do’s to accomplish from inception to completion to truly enjoy your celebration. I thought I would share a brief overview of several wedding action items within the sequence.
Vision – This is usually a fun time for the couple to begin envisioning your wedding colors, themes, attire, wedding venue, dates, time of your wedding, number of guests, favorite flowers, ceremony design, social hour decor, table designs at the reception, sweetheart or head table designs, stationary, and the overall wedding aesthetic. Remember, Pinterest is great for inspiration, not duplication! Plus, pinterest gives you ideas, not prices of the looks you see. When collecting quotes, you may end up creating a Vision A, B, and C based on your budget!
Venue – Typically, the next step is to begin researching the different venues, scheduling site visits, checking date availability, and learning the various expectations and guidelines of each venue. Then, making a final determination of which venue best fit your wedding vision and budget that way you can move forward to the next steps.
Vendors – There will be caterers, bakers, florists, dj’s, bands, photographers, production companies, videographers, stationary designers, rental companies, transportation, travel agent, make up artist, etc. to schedule meetings with. There can be multiple meetings here in this process. Then, there will be contracts to review, deposits to make, and final payments to prepare for based on due dates.
Attire/Fittings – In the process, you will finalize the styles you like, schedule the fittings, and finalize orders. This includes the Bride, Bridesmaids, Groom/Groomsmen, Flowergirl and Ring Bearer. Parents and sometimes Grandparents would like to know what you want them to wear as well.
Wedding Accessories – Determine the wedding items you will need personally, for the ceremony, and the reception. This will range from unity sets, guest books, gift boxes, to wedding day emergency kits and much more!
Final Preparation – Venue walk throughs will be scheduled. Sometimes multiple walk thtoughs at each venue need to occur to ensure a smooth flow. Final meetings with vendors will occur along with final payment reviews. Final counts provided. Schedules/Itineraries to be created and shared with the venue and vendors. A person or number of persons are identified as the lead point to direct the rehearsal and day of, set-up and breakdown, handle guests flow to know where to go for the ceremony and reception, guest list management, to handle the unforeseen, and to ensure the day flows as seamless as possible.
Overall, there are so many tasks involved with wedding planning. This a just a snapshot of the “Sequence of Events” that will take place. Every Bride has to determine “who” will handle each dynamic in the sequence. Whether you choose to be a full DIY Bride, a partial DIY Bride working with a Professional, or fully work with a Professional from the very beginning, the “Sequence of Events” remain.