01.11

A Wedding Planning Guide for the Newly Affianced

Wedding

This whole wedding thing is going to be fun…

I’ve been stalking Vogue (who better to ask for advice?) and pinning up a storm this week and I’m really looking forward to this whole process! Ask me in about six or so months, but seriously, so far it’s been pure bliss visualizing our day.

Matt and I have talked about having our wedding during spring/summertime, so we’re going to hold off this year since it’s quickly approaching. We have two big weddings to attend this year (one being my best friend in Australia, who got engaged just a few days before me!) and all of the events leading up to both as well. We will have a year or so to plan and I think that’s just perfect. To be honest, I’ve never been the type to think about my wedding day beyond a few standout things that somewhere along the line just stuck. Of course, I had/have a secret wedding pinboard, but until last week it had about 6-10 pins. Exploring something completely new has been incredibly inspiring, I hope you guys will enjoy seeing some wedding content peppered here and there! We aren’t quite ready to dive into serious plans yet, but we did align on one thing so far, so thought I’d share!

When Matt and I first started dating, he lived a few blocks from me and had an amazing rooftop overlooking the bridge where we spent most of our time BBQ-ing outside. Some of the best memories when we first met. We’ve had endless conversations about how we can’t wait until we have a big backyard in our future home and how we wouldn’t take it for granted for a second. Weekends spent playing games on the patio, grilling veggies, enjoying our wine club bottles, hosting dinner parties, music playing in the background–we truly live for that type of day. One thing I’ve always wanted which is very fitting for us is a backyard wedding. Think a cozy small estate or two-story home with a big beautiful backyard. I think our venue is going to be the most important find, as I do have such a specific idea, so hopefully, it works out. We’re going to be looking in wine country, Tahoe, and areas around San Francisco like Tiburon, etc and plan to have a smaller wedding around 70 people or so.

Throughout the process, I’m excited to share tidbits, but I do want to keep some of the details a surprise for next year. There are a few hints in the collage above, though. I’m so excited to add unique touches, things that really embody us well and our lifestyle. I want it to be effortless, cozy, romantic, and intimate. That’s all I know, so far. 🙂 I found this article in Vogue outlining what to do month by month in case you’re starting to plan as well!

9 to 12 Months Out

—Take a moment to bask in the engagement glow!
—Start looking for wedding inspiration
—Determine the budget
—Book a planner—Draft a guest list
—Choose the wedding party
—Visit and secure the venues for the ceremony and reception (plus the rehearsal dinner and after-party)
—Book an officiant
—Book a photographer (engagement photos and beyond)

6 to 8 Months Out

—Find and order the dress
—Register for gifts
—Create a wedding website
—Hire a caterer and arrange a tasting
—Find a baker and order the wedding cake
—Hire a florist and begin planning the decor
—Meet with the DJ or band and discuss the wedding playlist
—Choose the stationary
—Send out save-the-date cards (roughly six months ahead)
—Arrange for hotel blocks and necessary transportation for guests

3 to 6 Months Out

—Book hair and makeup for both bride and bridal party and do a trial
—Order the wedding rings
—Finalize the menu
—Finalize the flowers and decor
—Finalize the playlist
—Begin wedding dress fittings (most brides have three) and purchase your underpinnings
—Order any additional paper goods: menus, programs, et cetera
—Get a marriage license

2 Months Out

—Send out the invitations
—Create a ceremony and reception timeline
—Choose the readings and decide on how to present the vows
—Order favors and any wedding party gifts
—Submit any wedding announcements to local newspapers

1 Month Out

—Send out the rehearsal dinner invitations
—Schedule a final dress fitting
—Assign seating
—Reconfirm all vendors
—Begin thinking about your vows

The Week Of

—Reconfirm the small details and special requests with all of the vendors
—Give the final headcount of all guests, including the vendors, to the reception site head and caterer
—Pack for the honeymoon
—Arrange for a relaxing spa day

Let me know if there’s any site you’d recommend following a wedding checklist, etc. (besides the Knot)! xx

The One Where We Got Engaged

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