Just got engaged? Woohoo! Congratulations! You're getting married! This is one milestone in your life worth celebrating. Take time to enjoy the engagement bliss before you dive into the wedding planning process.
Now, you ask yourself, how soon should you start planning your wedding? The answer depends on your availability. Some couples have regular work schedules while others may have unpredictable schedules. Couples who work overseas could be having a hard time reconciling their schedules due to different vacation leave approval from their respective companies. But thanks to the presence of internet connection, planning a wedding could be done remotely.
First Things First
Creating a wedding planning timeline is the first thing to do before anything else. There is no fixed formula on the how long you should plan your wedding. Some couples start planning 2 years away. Others could plan their wedding in 6 months, while others in as short as 2 months. The entire wedding planning process could take an average of 6 to 12 months usually.
* Select the Date of the Wedding.
There are bad days and good days to get married. In selecting for the date, here some tips on how to pick the best day to say "I do"
- Consider the month of the year with the least chance of rain. This is beneficial for both of you if you want an outdoor wedding. This can also be advantageous for the wedding vendors and especially to your family, friends and guests. Summer time is a good time to get married. Aside from the least chance of weather disturbances, it is also the time for family vacation because there are no classes on those months.
- Think Weekends. Some venues and suppliers charge higher when you choose a weekend wedding but weekends are the best time to tie the knot because your closest friends and family will be able to attend the event because there's no work on weekends, well, usually.
- The Wednesday's Good Luck. If you are superstitious, tradition holds the belief that if you get married on a Wednesday, you will have a balanced married life and more good luck than when you get married on any other day.
- Days with No Work, No School or Official Holidays. If you get married on a holiday, you could be expecting a large crowd attending your wedding. But prepare for higher charges. When your wedding day falls on a holiday, there's usually a surcharge in everything to cover the salaries and holiday fees of people working that day.
* List the Vendors You might be needing.
- When you have already set the date, start listing down the vendors you would want to be included in your wedding. I will list here the wedding vendors you will need according to its importance. The top vendors should be booked immediately after setting the date:
1. Venue of Ceremony or Church
2. Venue of Reception
3. Caterers
4. Wedding Photographers
5. Wedding Videographer
6. Wedding Planner and Wedding Day Coordinators
7. Florists and Set Stylists
8. Hair and Makeup Artist
9. Baker
10. Invitations Maker
11. Souvenirs Maker
12. Gown Designer / Attire Rentals / Wedding Couture
13. Sounds and Lights System Provider
14. Wedding Singers or Band
15. Wedding Reception Host
16. Music Spinner or DJ
17. Bridal Car Provider
18. Transportation for Entourage Provider
19. Mobile Bar Provider
20. Photobooth Provider
21. Sweet Station or Dessert Station Provider
In order for you to organize these vendors, create a file compilation folder - a clear book is fine. Label each page with the vendor and compile prospect vendors and their business packages including their contact person, mobile number and email addresses. You can ask for a quote on your wedding visions and compile them in one binder with necessary labels. Discuss your wedding vision and expectations with them. Go with the vendor who matches all your needs and someone you could work with smoothly.
How Soon is Soonest?
Depending on the what the couple wants and how their schedules would allow, there is no timeline that fits all. In my years of experience, I've had weddings that we had planned for just 2 months and there were weddings we had planned in 2 years! But in my experience, six to eight months (6-8) are enough time to get things done gradually. The most convenient way that brides and grooms could do is contact a wedding planner. This way we can arrange the wedding timeline for you. We have all the contacts and source out new contacts for unique and specific requests you may have.
However, if you want to do the wedding planning by yourselves, take note of the list of vendors above so you can now plot your schedule around meeting the prospective vendors one by one before the wedding day. You must prepare a list of questions you want to ask the vendors, print out your mood boards and note specific arrangements you may want to implement.
A Wedding Planner's Help
The wedding planner can help you in narrowing down your choices of vendors and could suggest wedding trends, themes and timeline. Since we have been in this industry for a long time, we know very well the dynamics of the business. We know who have been naughty and nice vendors to work with and which venue, church or location that are best for your wedding ideals. It is crucial to have a wedding planner assist you in your big day. This is the time when all you've been planning for will come together to create one memorable day for both of you together with your loved ones.
If you are planning to get married in Davao City, call Leah Jacobe, your awesome wedding planner at +63949 770 28 29. Email your wedding ideas to leahjacobeweddings@gmail.com
Happy Wedding Planning!
