Tips for someone just starting to plan wedding?13months away?

Question

im getting married october 09...it is the most popular month in Australia cos of weather so i know i should book asap!,

i am meeting with reception venue to book tomorrow and church soon...

what else do i need 2 be doing now??

im so excited and eager to get straight into it!!

been looking at bonbonniere, stationary supplies, bridesmaid gifts and thinking of starting to collect now...........

any tips and suggestions welcome!

Answer 1

Music at reception, sit down meal or buffet, bridesmaid, maid/matron of honour, wedding guest list, photographer/videographer,honeymoon, music to walk down aisle to, first dance song,toast master,colour theme, bouquets, flowers for reception tables,corsages for M and MIL,buttonholes, dress for you, veil or no veil, tiara or flowers in hair, wedding car, wedding rings, jewellery for bridesmaids, present for M and MIL, father, best man, matron of honour and bridesmaids., hairstyles for you MOH and bridesmaids, the list is endless you may think that 13 months is a long way off but I started planning my wedding back in May and I am getting married in June 09.

You would be surprised at how long this takes to organise, I have only just got my MOH dress as we were working on colour theme etc., and I want to get my dress before christmas. Then In Jan I am working on my bridesmaids and ring bearer (dont forget ring cushion) I dont plan on doing anything in the whole of May except chill, so I need to get things done continually.

I still havent booked the photographer lol, and we have to pay the toastmaster yet.

I cant wait for it all to be over with and I can look forward to the day knowing that everything is sorted and cool.

Good luck, and I would definitely start now. Book venue, reception, photographers, wedding car, music for reception i.e. band or DJ, sit down meal or buffet. These are the things that need to be done now, the rest can take precedence one over the other.

Answer 2

Avoid the Oct long weekend - prices sky rocket and people are often double booked.

Answer 3

You should book any other elements that are one of a kind. This means if you're having a band or particular DJ, since there's only one of them book early. A florist who can do multiple weddings in a day can wait untill you're a little closer to the date. After your church and reception, work on

Bridal gown

band or DJ

and any other item or service that is unique to do only one wedding that day.

Answer 4

http://theknot.com/

I suggest you start at the Knot.  Check out their budget calculator and wedding checklist.

You may not want or need everything mentioned at the Knot, but it is a good place to start.

Answer 5

Are you hiring a wedding planner?  If there's room in your budget I recommend doing so.  A wedding planner could help get you connections or potentially better deals depending on his/her amount of experience.

First I would allocate the budget to see how much can be spent on locations, food, dress and shoes, wedding jewelery, the stationary and other things.  Once you know how much you want to spend in each area, shop around and compare prices.  Certain areas you may not want to cut corners (whichever has priority to you) so that's something to look out for.  If you are getting married outside, have a rain plan.