Wedding Photographers
Having an experienced wedding photographer is important piece in planning your nuptials. It’s a special time that you’ll want to cherish for years to come, and a photographer will be able to capture your loving memories while you make them. There are a number of reputable photographers that would love nothing more than help make your big day as special as you dreamed it would be. Kendra Harperkendraharper.com Jasmine White Photography jasminewhitephotography.com Lily Elyse Photographylilyelyse.com Maryn Gravesmaryngravesproductions.com Tara Fowlertarafowlerphotography.com Tine Hoffmantmphotography.net Sarah Garlandsarahgarlandphotography.com Ryan Zarichnakryanzarichnak.com
Wedding Day Emergency Kit Checklist
No matter how much you plan for your wedding, ultimately, something will go wrong. Whether a button comes loose on a tux or a bridesmaid’s nail polish chips - pack an emergency kit to help you be prepared for whatever might come up on your big day! Checklist Sewing Kit Scissors Hemming Tape Double-sided Tape Bandages Antacids Pain Reliever Medication Tweezers Emory Board Stain Remover Pen Nail Polish Breath Mints Hair Spray Bobby Pins Tissues Snacks and Bottled Water Cell Phone Chargers
Wedding Planning Timeline
When it comes to wedding planning, the earlier you get started the better. From picking the venue to deciding on your guest list, you’ve got plenty of decisions to make. Check out the 12-month Wedding Planning Timeline - it will help guide you through all of the details of planning your big day! 12 Months Create a Draft of the Guest List Getting an idea of how many people you want to attend your wedding will help with selecting a venue and creating a budget. Depending on how many guests you plan to have, certain venues might be ruled out based on capacity parameters. Create a Budget Set your budget early! Based on the size of your wedding, the formality of it and how much you realistically want to spend - creating your budget early will allow you to plan appropriately and help avoid “sticker shock” when your wedding day arrives. Secure a Venue While the first thing you might want to do is set a date, many times a venue’s availability will determine the wedding date. Many weddings are planned over a year in advance, so the sooner you can book your venue, the better! 9 Months Choose Your Wedding Party Now is the time to select your bridesmaids and groomsmen. You may even want to consider working on this earlier if you think some of the wedding party will have to travel far or book flights. Register for Gifts Start shopping! If you’re asking for wedding gifts, get registered for them early. Avoid last minute tasks by taking care of your gift registry as soon as possible. Wedding Website Wedding websites have quickly become a convenient and easy way to share information about your wedding with all of your guests. With your wedding party, venue and registry set - now is the time to create your wedding website. You’ll also want to be sure to include your website on your wedding invitations. Choose Your Attire Nine months out is the perfect time to get your wedding dress and groom attire. You’ll need to factor in time for fittings and alterations! Book your Vendors If your venue doesn’t provide catering, now is the time to book your caterer for your wedding. Same goes for your photographer, DJ, and any other major vendors. Don’t forget to schedule your cake testing - you’ll also want to taste test the other desserts you plan to have available. Be prepared - a lot of your vendors will require a deposit. But, once you’ve got them booked, it will be a load off your mind! Block Hotel Rooms Even if your guests are mostly local, you should still block hotel rooms for your wedding. Talk with a few different hotels to see what one will get you the best discount for your big day. 6-9 Months Order Your Stationary Decide on the design of your invites and also get started on your “save the dates” - you’ll want to get those mailed out about 6 months in advance. Book Your Florist Whether you are just looking for bouquets and boutineers, or a full floral display - you’ll want to book your florist at least six months out. Book an Officiant Now is the time to figure out who you’d like to officiate your wedding. Whether you want a religious ceremony or a family friend to conduct the ceremony - decide on that now so you can plan accordingly. Order Wedding Party Attire Get your orders in early for your bridesmaids dresses, flower girl dresses and groomsmen attire. You’ll need to factor in time for special orders, fittings and alterations. Plan Your Honeymoon If you’re planning to go on a honeymoon, now is the time to start deciding where you’d like to go, book your flight and any other travel arrangements. Order Your Rings Start shopping your local jewelry store and pick out your wedding bands. Order them early as they may need to be resized and adjusted. 4 Months Creating Your Wedding Timeline Whether your wedding is in the morning or a late-night affair, you’ll want to create a timeline for the day (and the rehearsal dinner). Map out what time the wedding party should arrive, how long the ceremony will take, pictures, etc. Communicate this plan with as many people as possible - so more than one person will know who needs to be where and when. Unless you have a wedding planner, family members will most likely be asked questions throughout the day. Book Any Rentals If you need a tent, chairs, tables, dance floor or anything else - you’ll need to book them at least 4 months in advance. Plan Your Rehearsal Dinner Book a venue, catering and any rentals you may need for a rehearsal dinner. 3 Months Mail Invitations Get your invites out in the mail and be sure to determine how you want to get the RSVPs back. Do you want your RSVPs returned in the mail? Or guests can also RSVP online on most wedding websites. Hair and Makeup Run-Through Work with your desired stylist do you a hair and makeup run through. You’ll want to get your look (and your bridesmaids’ looks) nailed down before the big day. Finalize Orders Finalize your catering order, place your flower order and communicate your timeline with all of your vendors. Work Out Reception Details Decide on your seating arrangement, decor and overall look for your reception venue. 2 Months Finish Planning Write your vows, finalize your seating chart, decide who will participate in the ceremony - work out all the tiny details so you don’t have to worry about them the day before! Also, make sure your photographer has a shot list and names of everyone you want photographed for your big day! Get Your Marriage License Check your state laws and determine when you should get your marriage license. In West Virginia, a marriage license is only valid for 60 days after it is issued! 1 Month Final Fittings Get your final fittings for the wedding dress, bridesmaids dresses and groomsmen attire. Communicate the Plan Send the day-of schedule to all of your vendors. Also, if you’re having an outdoor wedding with a weather-related “Plan B” - make sure everyone involved is aware of it. The Week of the Wedding Prepare - and Relax Use up some of your extra vacation days from work and take some time to prepare and relax before the big day. You’ll be pulled in a million directions, so take work out of the equation. You’ll need time to pick up the dress, the rings, and any other decor/gifts this week. Pack for the Honeymoon You’ll want to pack for both the honeymoon and wedding night this week. Don’t leave it until the last minute! The Day Before Spa Day Take time to relax and prepare for your big day. Book a spa day with your friends! Communicate the Timeline Make sure everyone involved in planning and executing the wedding is aware of the timeline for the big day! Also, have tips prepared for all of your vendors so you don’t have to handle that while mingling with your guests. The Wedding Day Relax, have fun and don’t forget to eat! 1 Month Post-Wedding Send Out Thanks You Cards Once you’re back from your honeymoon and life returns to normal, sit down and send out “thank you” cards to everyone who attended your wedding!
