The Girl In The Pink Wedding Dress

Wedding Timeline

Planning a wedding can seem like a daunting task ...the key is to be organized! Lists are my life, so I can tell you from first hand experience that when planning an event (and a wedding being the biggest event of your life) the most crucial place to start is with lists. Above, I have created a pretty bulletin board with all of the main elements that you should be planning in the months leading up to your wedding.

Not everyone starts 12 months ahead, some of us have more time to plan and the majority of us have less. But feel free to adjust this top-line timeline to accommodate where you are in the process. Obviously there are many (many!) more details that need to be covered, but as long as you take care of the above - your "I dos" will be said and your guests will have a great time!

9 - 12 Months:

Depending on the area that you live in, there will always be certain vendors that get booked up quicker than others. It's important to get these out of the way first. I have based my timeline on both the South Western Ontario market and the GTA. Venues (both ceremony & reception) book up quickly ...sometimes even quicker than a year in advance. Tip: If you get stuck, check into golf courses, they often will not confirm until a year or less in advance because they wait to confirm tournaments first. Also, think creatively, find a place that is significant to you as a couple and the more unique the location you choose, the less chance that it will be booked, or that your guests will have been to a wedding there before. Photography is one of the most important aspects of your wedding (it captures the entire day) and it is important to get a photographer that suits your tastes and style. So book early! And then of course - the Wedding Planner ...who will make the next 12 months completely painless:)

Other areas to focus on is confirming your budget (read my blog on budget planning for tips in that area) so that you can begin planning and booking, confirming your guest list (will be essential with all of the planning) and inviting your wedding party to be a part of your special day.

6 - 9 Months:

Time to get some important elements out of the way. You can start dress shopping! The majority of new brides are itching to go dress shopping as soon as they have the ring on their finger ...but don't be too anxious. Magazine shop at first to see what you like and give it some time because styles change year to year, as will your taste and you want to truly be in love with your dress.

Then set aside some time to book your transportation, the music for the day (whether going with a DJ or a band) and to pick your party favours (if you can't decide, many couples are donating money towards a meaningful charity and it makes for a great and personal touch.) These are elements that if you have time before the 6-9 month mark, you can definitely go ahead and book it ....these are just drop dead elements.

3 - 6 Months:

These are the fun months! You will have already started to think about theme and style and colour combinations ...but now it's time to put it all together! You can start ordering your rentals and meeting with your Stationary artist to plan the invitations. You can also meet with the florist to decide on flowers. If you are having trouble envisioning it all - I will often put everything together for my couples so that they can get a complete visual. If the venue will allow it - you can bring in the table settings, the lines, the centerpieces and flowers to get a full feel for how it will all come together. And knowing that you are due for another meeting with them, this may be an appropriate time to do this, they will probably even appreciate knowing exactly what you are planning themselves!

2 Month Mark:

Your anxiety will probably be getting higher at this point, but since you are so far ahead in the wedding planning process, you may actually start to worry that you are missing something because there doesn't seem to be much to do. To calm these nerves, simply look at your to-do list ... with all the check marks on it!

It's time to really start enjoying the process - after sending out your invitations, relax and enjoy your showers and your Buck 'n' Doe. You will also get an opportunity to be in your beautiful dress again for a final fitting.

Last Month:

Take a trip back down your to-do list and confirm that your have dotted all of your i's and crossed all your t's ...then take a few deep breaths and be excited that you will soon be enjoying this perfect day that has been so much work in the making!

It is important to put together a very detailed Itinerary so that everyone knows where they will be on the day of and what time everything will be delivered. Provide copies to all vendors and members of the wedding party, including family - highlighting everyone's roles on their copies.

Your venue will let you know when they need final numbers, so make sure to call any outstanding invites prior to this date.

Then once you have made it to the rehearsal night ...sit back and enjoy all of your hard work and your perfect day!

Good Luck & Happy Planning!

Deep Pink & Chartreuse (Lime Green) Tropical Wedding

The above Inspiration Board was designed for a Tropical Destination Wedding.

The Colours:

Primary Colour: Deep Pink

Accent Colour: Chartreuse Green

Harmony Colour: White

Ideas & Details:

The pink napkins on the green tables really make the tables pop and catch your attention.
Knowing that this was designed for a destination wedding - there are a few little details to accommodate the guests: Pink Flips Flops are a cute touch as a Welcome Gift when guests arrive, or can be given as Save the Dates with information written on the bottom. Bright green lunch boxes can store many goodies as part of the Welcome Gift - for instance, sunscreen, lipchap, disposable cameras, water wings, etc.
You only have so much room in your suitcase when you head out for a destination wedding. Using things that you can easily get around the resort you are at, can prove useful as little touches. For instance, the green apples used as Place Cards, these could also be limes. Or the rocks in the bottom of the square vases, you could also consider using sand, or shells that you find along the beach. The votives have leaves wrapped around the inside so that they match the decor, these leaves would be an easy find in the greenery around your resort.

Money, money, money, money, MONEY ...Money!

To understand where I was going with that title, you need to hear the theme song for The Apprentice in the back of your head! Not that I think Trump knows too much about weddings ...but I am certain if one could find a way to make a quick and easy million off of one, he would be right into it!

Below is an overview of how your budget should be broken down. It is based on a total budget of $20,000, and of course can be altered and ammended whenever needed to accommodate different weddings. This is typically where I start with my couples, and then I adjust based on specifics.

And I have to say (because I would not be an avid business owner if I didn't mention it) that it is important to know that when I am hired to do a wedding I put my fee within the overall budget, rather than on top of it. I have many relationships with vendors that allow me to get discounts, and even out my fee. Okay - that's it ...no more selling!

If you have any questions on the above, please feel free to contact me directly to discuss.

Many, many couples ask me that million dollar question ....how can I save money? Cutting down on costs is one of the main arguments between couples and I am happy to provide a few suggestions. But my best advise, (and please listen closely because this is important) is to sit down before you start anything and work out a budget. Figure out where all of the money is coming from and what amount you are comfortable with. Once you start the planning - stick to this! One of the main reasons couples go off track is because spending gets out of control and they don't track where it is all going and where it is all coming from.

Other areas to cut down on costs:

Flowers:

Consider having a florist do the bouquets, but putting the centerpieces together yourself.

Stationary:

Consider not sending out a 'Save the Date' or have an email address for replys rather than cards .

Transportation:

Weigh how much you really/truly need the expensive and luxurious transportation - especially when so many weddings are having the ceremony & reception in the same location.

Favours:

Donate to a favourite charity rather than purchasing every person a gift, this will allow you to donate an amount you are comfortable with.

There are tons of other areas to cut down on costs ...really look hard at your budget and try to think about it objectively. I always start by asking my couples what is truly important to them, so that I know where to focus my attention and their budget. This way I am also able to make recommendations on where they can possibly shave to save if necessary. Pick the number you can afford and then break it into buckets from there. One tip - always have a slush bucket. Added costs will arise, your slush (not too large) will always force you to weigh how important the 'must haves' really are.

But again - starting the planning process by creating a detailed and organized budget will (let's be honest - be no fun at first) save you tons of time and stress in the future!

Paperless Post

My cousin is planning to get married in Ireland this coming summer. It's probably one of the most romantic stories that you will ever hear about a couple, movie worthy actually. They were together over 7 years ago, but he had to move back to Ireland to start his Chiropractic business (yes, a doctor!) They went their separate ways, dating other people but could never get past the love that they had. So one day, she packed up everything and moved. Now, knowing her, I am certain that there was a great deal more thought and planning that went into the move, but for the value of my story - we will picture her hastilly throwing things into her suitcase and nervously arriving on his doorstep with her heart in her hand.

You may be wondering where I am going with this, and short of sharing an inspiring love story this build up does have a purpose. Since she has lived in Ireland for less than a year, and all of her family & friends are back in Ontario she is expecting a small wedding. So she decided to do her Save the Dates paperless.

And so, in the mail (my email that is!) I recieved an incredible Paperless invitation. Which led me to do some research into the company and to discover what I deem to be a truly innovative idea for wedding Save the Dates and Invitations! In a world where technology is taking over, the option allows you to not only save a few trees, but a few dollars as well.

Now, I am not saying that it is completely costless, there is a charge for their stamps, but it is minimal compared to normal stamps and you are given 25 free just for signing up! And then you can earn more free ones by getting other people to sign up for a free account.

The company is geniously called - 'Paperless Post'

What I love about them:

There are tons of options to choose from and every option has different colour variations that you can pick through
There are different pictures that you can add, or ribbon to the top
For a fee, you can upload your logo (wedding monogram) and add that to it as well!
It opens in your email like an envelope, with the front addressed personally to the recipient
You also get a variety of envelopes to choose from as well
One of the best features - for a one time fee you can even put a cute, coloured and patterned insert into your envelope ...it's a great touch

Now, I know that it isn't for everyone and that you will always have a couple complainers, because people will always be stuck on the way that it's 'supposed to be' (mostly your grandmother!) - but this is a truly unique method to sending Save the Dates & Invitations that will save you a lot of money.

Check out the site and be ready to fall in love. I have spent hours playing with the different options and styles. I love it.

Planning Tips: Stationary

Choosing your stationary is one of the first big decisions that you will make. It will set the stage for the entire theme and feel of your wedding. So take your time and make sure that you look through patterns, samples and magazines until you find the perfect fit for your wedding. Below are some helpful tips to guide you along your path.

Photo Found on: Wedding Bells

Start by Choosing Your Colour Scheme - this will narrow down your choices and guide you in your decisions. Along with the colour scheme, you will also want to choose either gold or silver. You are inevitably going to use one of the 2 throughout the course of your wedding (whether it be your jewellry or your chivari chairs,) you will want to keep it all consistent. Click for More on Colour Schemes
Next, Consider Your Theme - whether it be a particlar pattern, a seasonal feel, or a defined theme, this will really come into play with your stationary decisions.
Create a Monogram - or have one created for you. Branding your wedding will make it both personal and classy. It will speak to who you are as a couple. Use this monogram as much as possible ...on all of your stationary, as a cake topper, on your favours, and even in your centerpieces. Click for More on Monograms
Set a Budget - it is important to set the budget at the beginning, there will always be elements that you want to add, this is why I strongly suggest that you include a 'slush' bucket for any 'have to haves' that may arise. But for the most part - stick to it. Click for More on Setting a Budget
Stationary Decisions - look through as many samples as possible, think about all of the options that are in front of you and what you want to accomplish with your invitations.
Consider a Save the Date - I say consider because you should both consider having one, and not having one. If you are planning a Destination Wedding, you will probably want to go with a Save the Date to give your guests the date so that they can plan accordingly. If your wedding is at home, a Save the Date is a wonderful added touch and can really get guests excited about your wedding, but it is not a necessity if it simply isn't in the budget. If you must have one and funds are low, consider an electronic one.
Think About the Little Touches - little extras go a long way in making an impression and setting the tone for the day. For instance, an envelope insert that adds colour or pattern to the invite, personalized stamps with your logo on all correspondence or even a pretty scent on your invitations.
Create a Wedding Website - you will thank me for this advice later. Family, friends, guests - EVERYONE - is going to bombard you with questions throughout the process. The more information you can put at their fingertips and under their control the better. This way, you only need to say it once and everyone can read it. It's a great tool for managing RSVP's and giving out directions as well.
Purchase Your Thank Yous with the Invitations - if budget is a consideration, bulk orders with the same vendors typically will decrease the costs because they want the larger order. Ordering your Thank Yous when you order the original invitations can help your bottom line.
Order Extras - you are going to make mistakes and you will really want to save some for your Memories Book or Box or whatever you use to document the planning process, if you order a few extra you won't be sweating the spelling mistakes.

Finally - have fun and enjoy. The more personal and unique you make the invitations, the more connected your guests are going to feel to you as a couple, and the more fun you are going to have with the decisions and the planning!

Stationary Templates

While Martha Stewart cakes are beautiful, and her favours are cute, her stationary ideas are unmatched. Her attention to detail, is absolutely incredible, and in truth - extremely simple.

Starting with her templates, which are all offered online at Martha Stewart Weddings, Inspiration - DIY and more specifically: Alphabet Templates

The above link will take you to a location where you can download her alphabet of letters into pdf documents. And then use as you please. (She even has a downloadable version of the & sign!)

And there is more: not only does she have the letters, which you can use for 'Just Married' (on your getaway vehicle) or 'Thank You' (over top of your favours) but one of my personal favourites is the Backdrop template that she has:

Guests love to be the center of attention just as much as you do. It would be an incredibly cute idea to set up a photo booth for them to have their picture taken. You could even use this as your favour, providing them with a picture of themselves enjoying your special day. Or another idea would be to upload all of the pictures onto flickr and invite guests to go online and view at their leisure. Either way - it's sure to be a hit, and can be found here: Backdrop Template

Sidenote: For more ideas on making your own Wedding Photobooth/Backdrop, Click Here

For renting a Photobooth, Click Here

From Flags to Cupcake Towers to various Luminaries - there are tons of templates online and each one can be used in a number of unique ways. Just be creative. I do love Martha.

It's these little touches that will really make your guests feel special and you feel inspired as you create them. Even for the people that do not necessarily feel as in tune with Martha Stewart, it is an incredible feeling knowing that you directly worked to transform a small portion of your special day.

Fast Flats ...what more can you ask for?

When I saw the commercial for the Dr. Scholl's Fast Flats I knew it was one of the best ideas that I have heard in a long time. I can't think of a better 'day-of' gift that your BM's will love you forever for.

I have seen cute flip flops and other alternatives ...but if these little black flats are as comfy as other Dr. Scholl products, they may be a fabulous addition to your evening dancing.

Have a look at the Dr. Scholl website for more info.