Quad City Gal: Getting Married?

He finally popped the question! Now what do you do? Here's some great tips to help you month by month to plan the perfect day for you (and him). :)

TWELVE (12) months 'til the big day:

Share it with the world! You're enganged; be proud and be loud. Let all of your friends and family hear the great news. Thank God for social media and texting!

How many people do you want to invite? Get a good estimate now. Chances are, depending on your budget, you may have to trim that number down, but you can do that later.

What are you going to wear? Don't forget about the bridesmaids, flower girls, and everyone else who will be part of this special day. Bridal magazines and websites are great for helping with this.

What theme are you thinking? Luau? Christmas? Halloween? There are countless ideas!

Get a general idea of your budget. Research venues for the ceremony and the reception. How much do you want to spend?

Are you going to tackle the planning and details yourself or hire a consultant? Consultants are pros. This is their job, they can be a real life and stress saver! Ask around for opinions on your local wedding coordinators. What time of feedback are you getting? Are they highly recommended? Or did their clients have a lot of complaints?

Pic your photographer! The GOOD photographers are typically booked well in advance. Take the time now to research them. Make appointments, check out their websites and ask around. Get them booked asap. Remember, you get what you pay for. Just because a photographer is inexpensive, find out their reputation. LOOK at their work. TALK to previous clients. There's a lot more to a great photographer than a "good picture."

DJ or live music? Again, the GOOD ones are probably booking up fast! Pic some of your favorites or ones that you have heard the best reviews about. Make an appointment and check them out. Book the one you decide on NOW. It's never too "early" to book!

Are you going to have someone video the wedding? Now's the time to check into that too!

Food and drinks. Full dinner or appetizers? No host bar or beverages included? Now can also be a good time to think about this. Depending on what your budget is and the time of day for your wedding, you may want to serve a full on meal, esp. if you're going to be serving alcohol! However, if your budget doesn't allow for this, start writing down ideas for appetizer type foods that you can serve.

11 months 'til the big day!

Choose your coordinator now. The clock is ticking and you don't want to forget anything! If you can't afford a coordinator, ask friends and family if they are willing to help with the wedding details. You will need help with decorating, addressing invitations, etc.

Pick your theme and decorations. Your coordinator will be great with ideas for this.

Get your people booked! Photographer, music, food, location, videographer, etc. Book them NOW while you still can! Make the deposits to guarantee you're booked. That's one less thing to stress out about!

Fresh flowers or fake? This will take a BIG chunk out of your budget, but fresh flowers are the ONLY way to go. Check with several different florists. Again, ask around. Look at portfolios. Many times the smaller "local" florists will be more personable and more willing to accomodate.

Check out the local bridal shops. Start trying on some dresses. Don't forget to look at the bridesmaids gowns too!

Meet with the personal who will be performing the ceremony. Many times they have requirements that you will have to meet in order for them to "marry you." Sometimes these are time consuming so find out now!

Are you going on a honeymoon? If so, who's paying? Figure out a budget for that too.

If your wedding is a destination wedding, mail out the "save the date" cards now. People need time to plan for the trip!

10 months left!

Time to choose and order your wedding gown!
If your ceremony or reception will be held in a park or recreational area, do you need permits? Time to find out and get them!

9 months and counting!

This is the fun one... REGISTER FOR GIFTS!!! You want to give people plenty of time to get you the perfect wedding gift. Register at several different stores that have gift prices in different budgets.
Get together with any vendors/helpers to incorporate your theme/style into all aspects of your wedding
Time to choose the food and drinks to be served at your reception
Prepare a playlist of songs for the ceremony and reception
Select and order your headpiece, veil, gloves and shoes and any other accessories for you AND your bridesmaids/attendants, etc. and look at bridesmaids gowns, and men's tuxes.
Confirm orders of and delivery dates for your wedding attire
Research airline, hotel and rental-car reservations for guests if necessary.

8 months and counting!

Go to first gown fitting; invite your maid of honor to attend
Choose and order bridesmaid dresses and accessories if you haven't already
What kind of ring will the groom get? Time to decide!
Select florist; decide on budget and then discuss wedding ideas, theme and style

7 months and getting closer!

Review and finalize your wedding details with consultant
Notify bridesmaids about dress fittings
Select attire for flower girl and/or ring bearer
Determine the design, wording, font and paper stock for your wedding invitations, stationery, table cards and thank-you notes; finalize order
Arrange a printer or hire a calligrapher for table cards
Determine order of ceremony events and choose appropriate wording for your programs
Negotiate rates and book a block of hotel rooms for guests
Select and order your wedding rings
Purchase bridal accessories: jewelry, lingerie and so on
Choose and order something fun for guests to throw after your ceremony (rose petals, confetti or birdseed)

6 months left! (That's it?!)

Review and approve proofs of wedding invitations and stationery
Discuss the type of honeymoon you want, start reading up on potential destinations and consult a travel agent for ideas and suggestions.

5 months left!

Order table cards; place print order for programs
Finalize choice of honeymoon destination
Taste a variety of wedding cakes and select a baker; place cake order and arrange for delivery
Secure reservations for rehearsal dinner and select menu

4 months to go!

Determine method of addressing wedding invitations and hire a calligrapher, if applicable
Print labels, and hand-address—or have a calligrapher address—wedding invitations
Write or choose your wedding vows
Have groom visit formalwear shops and try on tuxedos
Purchase or rent groom's wedding accessories, including tuxedo, cuff links, shoes, socks and so on
Make honeymoon reservations and place all deposits

3 months is all you have to go!

Review and approve wedding announcement and printed program proofs
Book venue or secure reservations for post-wedding brunch
Discuss bachelorette party plans with your attendants
Plan your bridesmaids' luncheon or dinner
Make appointment with stylist and/or hairdresser to discuss your wedding hairstyle
Take another look at your registry and update or add items
Create hotel information cards and maps to include with your wedding invitations

2 months- omg!

Secure a wedding-day dressing room for your bridesmaids
Weigh, purchase postage for and mail wedding invitations
Go to final gown fitting; arrange for pickup or delivery
Have groom's formalwear fitted
If you plan to have a prenuptial agreement, meet with your attorney to discuss it
Purchase gifts for all wedding-party members
Arrange transportation for bride and groom from the ceremony site to the reception
Purchase ceremony accessories (Unity candle, wineglasses and so on)

6 weeks- getting nervous!

Purchase a new camera, if needed
Send rehearsal dinner invitations
Write thank-you notes as you receive gifts
Confirm music selections ("playlist") with musicians/DJ
Select menu for post-wedding brunch
Write newspaper announcement and gather photos
Purchase a gift for your spouse-to-be
Shop for wedding favors
Purchase honeymoon clothing, luggage and accessories
Go in for a practice hairstyling and make day-of-wedding hair appointment

4 weeks- That's not much time!

Confirm floral order and arrange for delivery times
Meet with ushers and assign duties for the ceremony and reception
Discuss the details of your wedding ceremony with your officiant
Determine the placement or distribution of programs at the ceremony venue
Arrange for preparation, storage and break areas for musicians/DJ at the reception venue
Determine seating arrangements for guests
If you color your hair, make appointment for a touch-up the week before your wedding
Go in for a dry run with a professional makeup artist and make a day-of-wedding appointment
Schedule an appointment for a manicure and/or pedicure the day before your wedding
Finalize details with wedding photographer and videographer, determining arrival times at each nuptial venue
Arrange for preparation/storage area for photographer and videographer at each nuptial venue
Sign your prenuptial agreement, if applicable
Finalize honeymoon plans/itinerary and confirm all travel and hotel reservations
Arrange for transportation to and from the airport
Make all necessary arrangements for care of pet(s), plants and mail while you're away on honeymoon
Post announcement and photo on your wedding website
Arrange for table card setup at reception venue
Schedule pickup/return of groom's formalwear

3 weeks left!

Finalize list of reception guests
Give the final headcount to the caterer and review details
Arrange for delivery and placement of wedding flowers, candles and other decorations on the day of the ceremony
Call anyone who has not responded to his or her wedding invitation

1 week- wow!

Confirm your honeymoon travel arrangements
Start packing bags for your honeymoon
Get traveler's checks and/or a small amount of foreign cash
Pick up your wedding dress
Arrange for transport of gifts

Wedding day- It's time!

Eat a good breakfast
Attend hairstyle appointment
Give yourself plenty of time to get ready
Relax and enjoy yourself!

After the honeymoon

Take wedding gown and veil to a dry cleaner who specializes in gown preservation
Submit name-change forms for driver's license, passport, Social Security card, state and federal tax boards, banks, credit cards and so on

Local Wedding Help