I have been meeting many 2013 brides lately who are just at the beginning of their wedding planning.  All of them are insanely happy to be engaged and are basking in that glow.  Some of them are feeling a little overwhelmed.  As the wedding photographer, I'm a large part of the day, but I'm not often involved in the big decisions that come before hand.  However, I like to help where I can and this is why I created The Bride's Room that lists guides, music and other vendors.

I was recently catching up with Brides magazine (yes, I subscribe) and they had a great article titled Your Wedding To-Do's and When To Do Them.  Let me share some of their tips with you today.  For the whole article, go to your local library and see if you can find the May 2012 issue.

12 Months Before

• write up the guests list

• figure out who is paying for what
• book a reception and ceremony site, lock in the date
• hire a wedding planner

 

- click to enlarge image of The Allure in Laporte, Indiana - 

10 Months Before 

• go dress shopping
• settle on an officiant
• shop for vendors, set up meetings

Interesting statistic: The top 3 wedding colors are purple, blue and white

8 Months Before

• order your dress
• book the caterer, florist, band, DJ and photographer
• secure your rentals
• block hotel rooms for out of town guests
• register

- click to enlarge image -

6 Months Before

• send save the dates
• order invitations
• shop for wedding bands
• book transportation
• book honeymoon
• order bridemaids dresses

 

Interesting statistic: The average bridal party size is 5.5 with the Guiness world record of 79

4 Months Before

• plan the rehearsal dinner
• choose groom's and groomsmen's attire
• order the cake

 

2 Months Before

• write down the personalized vows
• mail invitations
• set up your hair and make up
• buy gifts for bridal party 

Interesting statistic: 49% of couples write their own vows

2 Weeks Before

• final dress fitting
• submit your shot list to the photographer
• give playlist to the DJ
• procure your marriage license
• review the RSVP's

These helpful wedding timeline tips came for the May 2012 article in Brides Magazine.