Wedding Planning 101: Timeline!
No matter where you are in your wedding planning, staying organized is important. Part of being organized is to refer to a timeline and checklist to make sure you don’t have a last-minute wedding crisis on your hands. If you have a wedding coordinator they should be assisting you with creating an outline of the planning process, and helping you stay on track. There are many wedding planning resources and tools out there, so you don’t have to reinvent the wheel.
Depending on how far out your wedding date is, you should be able to space out the time-line so that you don’t feel overwhelmed. Word of advice: ask your fiance to help you with the parts that he can help you with because it is his wedding too! If he can’t help you then look to your friends and family because chances are they are pretty excited for you and would love to help.
Note: timelines are meant as a guide only and may or may not reflect your actual event. If you feel that some of the items do not apply to you; not to worry. Take your check list with you to your vendor meetings so that you have the information as a reference if needed.
Wedding Checklist
9 – 12 Months
Determine Your Budget, and set-up a time to talk about who pays for what
Select the Date for your wedding
Determine the number of guests you expect to invite
Start looking at available wedding venues appropriate for your guest count
Hire a Wedding Planner/Consultant if needed
Browse wedding magazines and websites to see what trends & color schemes appeal to you.
Book your engagement Photo Sessions
Mail your save-the-dates cards
Choose your wedding attendants
Set-up Consultations with Caterer, Florist, DJ or band and Photographer
6-8 Months
Select your wedding officiant
Finalize your agreements with your Caterer, Florist, DJ & Photographer
Create a wedding website or blog
Select & order your wedding dress
Order or create your wedding invitations
Select or assist bridesmaids with choosing a gown and over-all style
Register for wedding gifts (Ask your wedding vendors about registry options)
Start compiling your music selections to review with your DJ
Research Cake Decorators and schedule a Tasting
Finalize your wedding food menu with Caterer
Review your budget to ensure you are on track or make adjustments
Arrange for the groomsmen to be fitted for their tuxedos
Order your wedding rings
Reserve the limo or make transportation arrangements
Research Honeymoon destinations
4-5 Months
Finalize Honeymoon arrangements
Reserve rental equipment
Review your guest list
Have the Bridesmaids order their dresses, and groomsmen order their tuxedos
Check-in with your travel agent and finalize honeymoon details including flight information & passports
Shop for a wedding gift for each other and for the wedding party
Schedule the wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
Set-up room blocks at nearby hotels, do this early to ensure your guests will have no problem finding a place to stay during a busy weekend or event.
2-4 Months
Check your states requirements for marriage licenses
Meet with your photographer to determine your must-have shots & do a walk- through of your venue and timeline
Send out the invitations
Enjoy your bachelorette party
Print or order your ceremony programs
Decide if you will be writing your own vows, and begin preparing or researching your vows
Send your wedding announcement information to the local newspaper
Purchase wedding accessories such as guest book, flower girl baskets & ring bearer pillows or signs, toasting flutes & cake knife.
Order or start creating your wedding favors
2-4 Weeks
Assemble the favors & programs if needed
Think about rehearsal dinner speeches
Check your RSVP’s against your list of invitations, call the guests who have not yet responded
Attend your last dress fittingSend out final payments if possible
Confirm Hair & Make-up appointments
Confirm all groomsmen have completed fittings and ordered their tuxedo’s
Meet with Wedding Planner and vendors to ensure all plans are satisfactory
Week of the wedding
Make sure to confirm special readings for your ceremonySubmit your final guest count to your caterer
Confirm arrival times with vendorsPrint/Email directions and locations for drivers of transport vehicles
Pick up your dress, or make specific arrangements with bridal shop for pick-up
Send a timeline to the bridal party & parents
Pack for your honeymoon if you are leaving soon after your wedding
Book Spa appointments for nail treatments
Break in your shoes
Delegate any other tasks such as bringing your purse, camera and/or night bag to a family member or close friend
Day before your wedding
Attend wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
Get lots of rest & Stay HydratedCharge camera and cell phone batteriesSend your hubby to be a love note, to bring the focus back to where it should be..You and him!
Wedding Day
Eat a light meal & hydrate
Appoint a bridesmaid or family member to do a time check with your coordinator while you are getting ready, to ensure you stay on schedule
Do your hair & make-up applications before you get dressed
Get dressed 30 minutes before you leave to allow for photographs
Enjoy your day and take in every moment, you will always remember this day!
Wedding Trend: Reception Lounge Spaces
Though most couples would like to plan on their guests all wanting to dance the night away, it is hard to anticipate just how many guests will be out dancing. So rather than leaving your guests to either dance or sit at their table, couples are opting to invite their guests to mingle in style. A modern furniture lounge setting can define the tone of your event, and will definitely grab your guests attention.
There are many different arrangements and styles of lounge furniture, and you can use the lounge set up as a stand alone feature or build the atmosphere around it by adding uplighting or a glam chandelier. Here are just a few of the ways that couples are using lounges to add some flair to their event:
Sources: modernweddingshawaii.com via Sarah on Pinterest
Source: cdn.hostessblog.com via Dan & Christy on Pinterest
Source: heaven8240.com via Heaven on Pinterest
If you are looking for a vendor who carries either modern or vintage furniture in your area, shoot us a line! If you are in the Northern California area you can check out WeDo Designs Decor and Rental.
Decor by WeDo Designs, photo by The530Bride
Choosing Your Wedding Registry
By Alisha Rouland, Event Coordinator
Registering for a wedding is equal parts exhilarating and confusing. With each beep of the scanner, you begin to more clearly see your future – teal kitchen aid here; purple bath towels there; 1,000 count linens- check; fine china – umm, is this really necessary? There are so many traditional registry ideas that we can get lost in it all. In my opinion, it is most important to consider what type of items you and your groom actually need and want. Luckily, there are extensive options for registries today that allow any couple to choose the best registry that defines their needs and style.
The Honey Moon Registry - This option allows the couple to register for honeymoon experiences, rather than fine china or bath towels. From airfare and travel expenses, to meals and drinks, to surf lessons, rounds of golf, shopping sprees, massages, or romantic cruises – your guests can gift you items that allow you to customize your perfect honeymoon. There are many honeymoon registries available, visit them all and find the one that best fits your needs. You may want to consider researching expiration dates, set up or transaction fees, whether or not you are truly getting a good deal, if your desired honeymoon destination is offered, or if exclusive vendors must be used. Also, Keep in mind that you most likely will purchase your airfare before your guests complete your honeymoon registry – you might want to inquire if travel expenses can be reimbursed or transferred to another item on your registry
- www.honeymoonwishes.com – Includes: Downloadable announcements to print, email announcement wizard, wedding website, full online photo album, wedding blog, and a share tool to post your registry on Facebook, Twitter and other social media site
- www.honeyfund.com - Allows you to calculate the estimated cost of your honeymoon (flight, driving or cruise cost, number of nights, type of desired accommodations, dining, beverages, excursions and/or activities.)
- www.travelersjoy.com – Partners with well-known wedding sites such as The Knot and Wedding Wire and do not charge a guest fee.
- www.wanderable.com – Wanderable provides a thank you tracker and iPhone app that allows the couple to share their experiences with their guests by sending a digital ‘thank you’ postcard.
The Traditional Registry - This option allows the couple to register for household items such as kitchen appliances, pots and pans, furniture, décor, linens, and items that they may not have bought on their own. Check out the 10 Registry Tips from The Knot. Among some of the tips: check for store return policies, register for gifts in a variety of price points, and register for items you actually need (how often do you plan on using that expensive fine china?) and items that you may not purchase on your own (teal kitchen aid mixer – yes please!)
A few commonly used traditional registries include (but are absolutely not limited to): Bed, Bath, & Beyond; Macys; Crate and Barrel; Williams and Sonoma; Target; Pottery Barn; or Amazon.com. Consider registering at a locally owned store – don’t be afraid to choose a store that fits your unique style.
The Multi-Site Registry – This registry option allows couples to register for multiple items at multiple stores all from a single website. You can register for almost anything: typical household items, entertainment tickets, travel, electronics, outdoor furniture, motorcycles, camping gear, jewelry and much more!
- www.registrylove.com – Registry Love lets the couple register for anything from anywhere – from local retailers to retailers that do not have online website to honeymoon and adventure registries.
- www.simpleregistry.com -Same options as Registry Love and allows for group gifting, and a mobile scanner app so you can add an item to your registry anytime, anywhere.
- www.myregistry.com – Allows you to put your entire registry on Facebook, add gifts with your phone, and allows you to sync pre-existing registries.
- www.knackregistry.com – Allows you to create a registry full of unique items not available from national retailers.
The Homeowner’s Registry – This registry option allows guests to put money towards a couples’ new home, or provide renovation, remodeling, or decor to an existing home. Before signing up for a Home Registry, consider the fees and restrictions involved, and how/where you can spend your gifted money.
- www.hatchmyhouse.com – Allows couples to design their ideal house. Guests can gift money, which can be used to purchase parts of the house (like windows or doors) or provide general funding towards a downpayment.
- www.mydreamhomeregistry.com/index.aspx – Gives couples the opportunity to register for things like paint, flooring, furniture, and/or remodeling costs.
The Charity Registry – This registry option allows the couple to raise money for their favorite cause(s).
- www.justgive.org – Just Give gives you the option to choose from more than 1.8 million different charities.
- www.idofoundation.org – Partners with www.justgive.org, and gives you the option of choosing charitable favors.
The Gift Card Registry – www.cardavenue.com – Card Avenue lets couples choose gift cards from over 500 stores, restaurants and services.
The Experience Registry – www.newlywish.com – Newly Wish provides guests with the opportunity to gift a variety of gifts from kitchen and linens, to spas and fitness centers, to dancing lessons and theater visits, to sporting and cultural events.
The Cash Registry – www.weddingrepublic.com – Wedding Republic allows couples to get money without necessarily asking for money and allows your guests to see what their contribution is going towards.
Style Trend~ Watercolor
We always keep an eye out for the latest trends and new decor/theme ideas for couples to tap into. Watercolor is a refreshing trend that can be used cohesively throughout your event or just as an accent on details like the table numbers, menu cards & signage. Visit our pinterest board for some of the ideas that caught our eye!
You can view the rest of our Pinterest boards here
What is your take on this emerging trend? Leave us a comment here or submit a link to your Pinterest board if you are all about watercolor!
~Happy Planning~
Three Tips To Successfully Creating Your Guest List
Posted by: Alisha Rouland, Event Coordinator
Creating a guest list can be a daunting and confusing task! Should you invite all 500 of your facebook friends, your parent’s college friend whom you’ve never met, or your favorite middle school teacher? Usually the size of the guest list is determined on your wedding budget. It is also helpful to consider the size of your wedding venue – a backyard wedding may not accommodate your 400 person guest list. Below are three tips to assist you in creating your wedding guest list.
1. Compile an initial guest list
Traditionally, half of the guest list goes to the bride’s family, and half to the groom’s family. Ask that each family create their own list of guests. Think of groups of friends or clubs of which you belong (example: church, co-workers, recreation leagues, etc.) Finally, go through your address books to make sure you did not forget anyone. Once you have your initial list compiled, the hard part begins…
2. Separate names into categories
With the help of your groom and family, begin to place people into three categories. Placing guests into categories, as terrible as it sounds, will be very helpful in getting your guest list count to an acceptable budget-friendly number. Let’s say your wedding budget allows for 200 guests, and in your Group A and Group B you have 200 guests to invite, and 50 in your Group C. Typically 70-80% of guests invited attend, so as you receive a “No” RSVP from someone on the A or B list, you can send someone from your Group C an invitation.
1. Group A (Definite Invites): Examples of guests on this list would be those involved in the wedding (parents and bridal party for example) or immediate family members (grandparents and siblings.)
2. Group B (Probable Invites): Examples of guests on this list would be other family members and close friends.
3. Group C (Optional Invites): Examples of guests on this list might include friends you haven’t seen in years, work acquaintances, distant relatives or children. While it is appreciated by single guests, if your guest list is overflowing, it is not necessary to invite all single guests to have a plus one.
3. Check your list for any duplications
Double check your list to eliminate any overlap that may have been caused during the formation of your guest list. It would be unfortunate to invite the same person twice and eliminate another potential guest.
Special Note: If you haven’t already, consider sending RSVP Cards along with your invitations. Caterers and bakers require an accurate head count to make sure there is sufficient food for your guests. It would be a shame to run out of food before all guests are served or be costly if you have an overabundance of food. In addition, having an accurate list of guests helps when creating the seating arrangements. If this sounds overwhelming, remember that the Event Coordinators at The 530 Bride can help!
Happy Planning!
Teegarden House Event Center – Bridal Faire Recap
We were delighted to be a part of the first Bridal Faire at The Teegarden House Event Center in Yuba City. Not only did we get to meet brides from the area, but we also got to mingle with several talented wedding professionals and businesses. The Teegarden House is a great spot for an intimate wedding or bridal shower celebration, baby shower, birthday party or corporate event. If you missed the event and would like to check out this charming venue just give Cindy at Teegarden House a call to schedule a tour or inquire about hours.
Teegarden House Event Center
731 Plumas Street, Yuba City
(530) 674-7310
http://Teegardenhouse.com
Shopping for THE Dress!
We all know there is a lot of hype when it comes to shopping for a wedding dress, anyone who has ever watched Say Yes to The Dress knows this! It isn’t very often that we bring an entourage of people with us shopping, so think about who you would like to bring along for moral support. Many brides bring their mother, sister and/or maid of honor, but it isn’t a rule set it stone.
Pricepoint is very important, and it seems that many brides make the mistake of shopping for dresses without knowing how much they are comfortable spending. Why fall in love with a dress that you can’t afford? If your parents or relatives are buying the dress for you or pitching in, you should discuss the budget with them prior to shopping so that everyone is on the same page.
If you live in an area with multiple bridal salons, check them out online to read reviews from other customers. When you buy a wedding dress it can take anywhere from 6 weeks to 4 months to recieve it, so you want to make sure the bridal salon has happy customers when it comes to receiving their gowns on time. Other things to look for are return policies, customer service and alterations services. If you need to have alterations done to your gown, you want to make sure it is in good hands with the bridal salon’s in-house seamstress/tailor.
Some tips on how to prepare for trying on all of these beautiful gowns:
1. Make an Appointment
Most bridal salons appreciate or even require that you have an appointment
in order to try on gowns. This is to ensure that you get great customer service
with a personal consultant during your shopping experience.
When you are shopping at a bridal salon a consultant will meet with you to
obtain your measurements, budget and the styles of gowns that you like.
The consulant will help pull dresses for you, and will assist you in the
fitting room with getting the gowns on and off.
Keep in mind that most bridal salons only have sample sizes, so the
dresses you try on may not fit perfectly. Be prepared for your
appointment by bringing photos of the styles that you like. Or if you have
a designer in mind, then make sure to mention it to the consultant
so that she can pull some of those gowns to start off with.
2. Get a Little Dolled Up
A light makeup application, freshly shaved underarms and legs
will make you feel pretty and comfortable since you will be in
close quarters with your bridal consultant.
3. Shoes
Bring a pair of heels that have a similar height to what you plan to
wear on your wedding day. Some dresses may need to have fabric
added to them to make them longer if you are on the taller side
especially with heels on. If you find the perfect dress,
the seamstress will be able to note any alterations that you will need.
4. Supportive Undergarments
Bring a strapless bra just in case, as some dresses will be less supportive than others.
Make sure to also wear underwear that you are comfortable being
seen in while you are changing (Maybe skip the thong?)
5. Camera
If the bridal salon allows you to take pictures, then by all means do so. You will
likely try on dozens of dresses, so having a photo of each of them will help you
remember which ones you liked best. This can also help if you need some time
to think things over.
You may feel certain that you have your dream dress picked out from what
you have seen in a picture, but once you start trying dresses on you could
end up with something very different!
Have shopping advice? Share it here!
Planning with Class
At first the Bridezilla movement was a little shocking but pretty entertaining. These days there is a network of television shows and websites specifically about being a bridezilla. While stress can make us do wacky things, we should not be encouraging or celebrating this type of tantrum-throwing behavior! If you feel an outburst coming on, stick to our three step plan of keeping yourself in check!
1. Ask for honesty – After you get over that sparkly new ring let your close friends know that you want them to call you on it if you start getting over the top. You may need someone to snap you into reality when you get overwhelmed.
2. Use your resources – If your vendors told you that you can contact them if you have any questions, than do so. Let them know that you need some extra help on the issue at hand so that you can rest assured you have a professional on your side.
3. Focus on your Fiancé – Make sure to pay attention to your soon to be Mr. so that you don’t lose sight of what this whole thing is about. Spend time together and make sure to set limits to wedding conversations so that you both enjoy the process while still enjoying your day-to-day lives.
You’re Invited ~ Teegarden Event Center Bridal Faire 4.11.13
The 530 Bride was invited to be a vendor in the first semi-annual bridal faire at the Teegarden House Event Center, Yuba City. We are excited to be a part of the event, and hope that guests will not only have a great time but also get an opportunity to tour the venue and get some face time with some of our area’s premier vendors. Hope to see you all there!
Get Glowing Skin With These 12 Super Foods
Posted by Alisha Rouland, Event Coordinator with The 530 Bride
There are countless preparatory measures a bride can take to look her very best on her wedding day: from whitening to tanning to exercising to waxing and everything in between. With all the extra steps we take prior to our wedding to ensure a perfect bridal glow, we may overlook one of the most effective and most permanent ways to attain that healthy glow: our nutrition. Check out twelve ways to promote your perfect bridal glow! *Please note that this is by no means an all inclusive list – just a few highly recognized super foods for skin health!*
#1: Blueberries
Blueberries are proof that great things really do come in small packages. These tiny morsels are very rich in antioxidants, which help to prevent free radicals from damaging and destroying collagen – keeping your skin elastic and plump. Blueberries are also low in fat, high in fiber, and high in vitamin C – which not only aids collagen formation, but also strengthens your immune system! No one wants to be sick on their wedding day! Try adding some blueberries to a smoothie, your cereal, or some yogurt!
#2: Salmon
Salmon has high levels of an essential healthy fat: omega-3. The nutrients in salmon can help reduce skin inflammation, fight against dry skin, improve skin elasticity, and diminish fine lines, wrinkles and occurrences of clogged pores. Salmon is also rich in protein and other beneficial vitamins and minerals.
#3: Tomatoes
Tomatoes are one of my favorites fruits! Especially the delicious gems I pick from my own garden! Tomatoes are packed full of many vitamins that promote good health! There are many great things to say about tomatoes, but Vitamin A (same vitamin in carrots!) is important for the health of your eyes, hair, and skin, while Vitamin C helps to strengthen your immune system!
#4: Walnuts and Almonds
Just like salmon, walnuts have healthy omega-3 fatty acids that prevent damage to skin cells, aid in moisture retention to soothe dry skin, reduce inflammation, and can even help to protect against UV rays. Vitamin E found in both almonds and walnuts is a powerful antioxidant that protects against skin cell damage. Nuts are a fantastic on-the-go snack or add to cereal, yogurt, or salads. Not only are nuts excellent for skin health, they are heart healthy and good for your brain!
#5: Dark Chocolate
Not that you really need a reason to eat chocolate, but flavanols or the antioxidant in Dark Chocolate strengthens skin cells and can reduce the effect of UV rays on the skin! Unfortunately, this skin fighting benefit isn’t uniform among all chocolate products, look for dark chocolate with high levels of cacao.
#6: Sweet Potatoes
Similarly to carrots, sweet potatoes contain high levels of beta-carotene (Vitamin A) and are a good source of Vitamin C. Vitamin A aids in generating new skin cells and vitamin C assists collagen production to maintain skin elasticity.
#7: Green Tea
Green tea has been termed, ‘the fountain of youth’ because of its high levels catechins (or antioxidants.) Green tea catechins, chiefly EGCG has been shown to reactivate dry skin cells. Green Tea is also rich in vitamins C, D, and K, and the minerals zinc, calcium, magnesium, and iron.
#8: Whole Grains and Brown Rice
Not only do whole grains pack a high fiber punch that keeps you full and regular, they contain high levels of B vitamins. B Vitamins help to maintain energy levels and metabolism, but also to generate new skin and hair cells and retain skin moisture.
#9: Avocado
Avocados are another favorite of mine! Avocados are excellent sources of healthy fats, fiber, vitamin E, vitamin C, and vitamin B. Vitamin E is another powerful antioxidant that prevents cell damage and protects skin. Vitamin C, as mentioned before assists in collagen formation and prevents cell damage.
#10: Flax Seeds
Flax seeds have the powerful omega-3 fatty acid that helps your skin cells attract moisture which reduces appearance of wrinkles, and reduces skin irritation. Flax seeds can be added to pretty much anything – throw some in your morning smoothie, or try mixing some into your pancakes (see recipe below!)
#11: Carrots
Carrots are excellent sources for vitamin A, which is an essential vitamin for developing and maintain healthy skin cells. Not only do carrots have fiber and other essential vitamins, they are also high in damage-preventing antioxidants.
#12: Water
I know it’s not necessarily a food, but water is probably one of the most important steps to achieving healthy skin. Water hydrates your entire body – including your skin cells. Water helps to remove toxins from your body, and deliver nutrients throughout your body. You can eat plenty of vitamin and mineral-rich fruits and vegetables, and omega-3 rich foods, but without water, nutrients cannot be edelivered to necessary cells in the body.
I am a huge fan of multi-tasking, and that carries into my meal planning. Here are a few recipes that include two or more of the above-mentioned super foods!
1. Salmon Spaghetti with Plum Tomatoes and Avocado (Salmon, Tomatoes, Avocado)
2. Blueberry, Watermelon and Walnut Salad (Blueberries, Walnuts – add some shredded carrots for some extra crunch!)
3. CrockPot Recipe for Sweet and Spicy Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Stew with Coconut Milk (Sweet potatoes, brown rice)
4. Green Tea and Dark Chocolate Torte - (Green Tea, Dark Chocolate, Almonds)
5. Sweet Potato and Flax Pancakes – (Sweet potato, Flax Seed)
6. Lastly, Water. Infuse your water with blueberries or seasonal fruit, or enjoy plain!
References:
1. Price, M. (2010). Vitamin E on Hair & Skin. Retrived from http://www.livestrong.com/article/106234-vitamin-e-hair-skin/
2. Gaynes, S. Healthy Skin From the Inside Out. Retrieved from http://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/perfect-skin-diet
3. Tucker, J. (2012). Sweet Potatoes For A Younger Looking Skin And Other Health Benefits. Retrieved from http://www.amoils.com/health-blog/sweet-potatoes-for-a-younger-looking-skin-and-other-health-benefits/
4. Hoffman Center Staff. EGCG – potent extract of green tea. Retrieved from http://www.drhoffman.com/page.cfm/118.
5. Whole Grains Coucil. Whole Grains: An Important Source of Essential Nutrients. Retrieved from http://wholegrainscouncil.org/whole-grains-101/whole-grains-an-important-source-of-essential-nutrients
6. California Avocado Commission. Avocado Nutrients. Retrieved from http://www.californiaavocado.com/avocado-nutrients/
