Wedding Planning Timeline

Getting organized s the first thing you need to do, which is why it is good to have a planning timeline. This is a general timeline that engaged couples follow when booking vendors and planning their wedding.

Here is a basic planning timeline you can use to help create your own timeline!
Details...


8 Months+

* Set budget & discuss appropriate contribution roles from family members.
* Select a wedding date and time.
* Book wedding ceremony and reception venues.
* Order wedding dress & accessories.
* Book photographer.
* Choose wedding party.
* Optional: send Save the Date cards.

6 Months+

* Order bridesmaid dresses.
* Set up wedding registry.
* Order wedding invitations.
* Book florist.
* Book band or DJ.
* Book ceremony musicians.
* Book hair stylist and makeup artist.
* Book officiant.
* Reserve accommodations for out of town guests.
* Book wedding night hotel.

2-4 Months Ahead

* Purchase favors.
* Purchase wedding rings.
* Order wedding cake.
* Finalize florist details.
* Book honeymoon.
* Book transportation.
* Mail invitations.
* Have dress fittings.
* Rent or purchase groom's attire.
* Rent men's formal wear.

1-2 Months Ahead

* Print wedding programs.
* Get marriage license.
* Schedule hair and makeup trials.

Two Weeks Ahead

* Finalize seating chart.
* Confirm details/counts with caterer and cake baker.

One Week Ahead

* Get manicure and pedicure.

Bathroom Baskets

Bathroom baskets are containers filled with toiletries and placed in bathrooms for use by guests. Although certainly an optional extra, they can often save the day for one or more guests.

These are great not only for the women's rest room but for the men's as well.

Here are some ideas for what to put in the bathroom baskets:

First Aid

* Tylenol/Advil
* Antacid/Pepto Bismol
* Benadryl
* Gas-X
* Cough drops
* Bandaids
* Antiseptic/Neosporin

Toiletries

* Lens solution
* Eye drops
* Deodorant
* Tampons/pads
* Lotion
* Brush-ups (disposable "toothbrushes")
* Floss
* Mouthwash
* Toothpicks
* Hair spray
* Clear nail polish
* Sunblock
* Aloe vera gel
* Bug Repellent
* Body Spray

Extras

* Sewing kit
* Nail File
* Inexpensive combs
* Hair elastics
* Bobby pins
* Safety pins
* Q-tips
* Spot remover wipes/Tide To Go pen
* Mints/Gum
* Lint brush

Creating Ambiance for a Bridal Shower

If you find yourself being the 'planner' when it comes to bridal showers, then these tips are for you! While the bride is busy planning her big day, it is up to you to give her that special day before the big day!

The first obstacle is to figure out how to create a warm and comfortable atmosphere when many of the guests do not know each other and are ages and interests apart. The key is to have a well-chosen theme and some active involvement to bring the guests together. Try to find out as much as you can about the likes and dislikes of your guests, and plan around them.

A good idea is to have some music going in the background to set the mood. This is a good diversion when there are times that conversation is slow. Make sure the music is low so that it will not drown out any conversation that there might be.
Choose a CD of wedding music that will set the tone and provide a talking point with regard to the upcoming wedding. When the shower is over, give the CD to the bride.

At some time during the meal, there should be a toast to the bride. Mimosa (orange juice with champagne) is always a hit at a brunch. If you don’t want to serve liquor, there are many good non-alcoholic champagne choices available now.

Keep everyone comfortable but make sure the bride is still the focal point of the day!

The Dynamics of Planning

There is so much that goes into planning a wedding. First and foremost, the bridal shower! Then let's not forget the bachelorette party! What about the guys? They have their own thing too, like the bachelor party and guys like to give gifts as a token of their appreciation for their groomsmen.

Planning a wedding and a bridal shower is a lot of work but it is FUN work! You will find a variety of ideas on this site, from the traditional to the unique - as well as tips and practical planning advice.

After the wedding, there is still more to plan - the honeymoon! Travel advice and tips are what you will need. Then what? After the wedding and the honeymoon, maybe a baby shower is in order? Or maybe you need these ideas in a different order - hey not everyone does things the same - I sure didn't!

You will find it all right here - from bridal shower planning to wedding planning to travel planning and of course baby shower planning!