The ‘we’re gonna marry’ itinerary
Here’s to the happy couple! You’ve found each other in this crazy, mixed-up world of ours and there aren’t many things more beautiful than that. The love is there, now what do you do? Wedding planning can quickly become a storm of flatware, pushy relatives, chiffon, and cake tastings, but try not to forget that the real reason for this wedding season is to celebrate one another. It takes a small village to plan a wedding, so the best defense against centerpiece-related night terrors and Mylanta cocktails is to take it one step at a time. Here’s a quick rundown and checklist, just to make sure you don’t completely fudge one of the most important days of your life.
9 to 12 MONTHS OUT
Set your budget. This important step makes sure the rest of your planning stays within your means while hopefully staving off any financial sucker-punches between you, sweet couple. If you’re going to share a life together, you might as well shine a realistic light on your finances. Find a number you’re both comfortable with and go from there. Make sure you know exactly how many crystal-encrusted, top- hatted swans you can afford.
Choose your wedding party. This crew is your nearest and dearest. They’ll lend you their ears when you have to vent, their hands to help you run errands, and their booze to get you drunk when you need it the most. Treat ’em real nice and they’ll probably throw you one hell of a send-off.
Start a guest list. With two worlds colliding, there’s bound to be a lot of people you want close on your big day. However, keep your all-mighty budget in mind and try to be as discerning as possible. You might have to skip your ex-coworkers brother’s sister in law’s cousin.
Book your officiant. Be it priest, rabbi, or city official, it’s important to find the right fit for you and your partner. Another option is to ask a close friend or family member to preside; quick and easy ordainments are now possible … because internet.
Consider a wedding planner. Factor in your budget, time, guest list, and sanity to determine if you’ll need a little outside help. Maybe 2001 J.Lo is still available …
Pick a venue. If it’s your dream spot, then do your best to make it happen! It’s most likely the biggest cost of this whole wedding business, but put that deposit down and imagine the storm of confetti that’s coming.
Research vendors to get an idea of different options/pricing for foods, flowers, linens, chocolate lava rivers, the works. Consider thinking outside the box depending on what’s available. #foodtrucksaywhat
6 to 9 MONTHS OUT
Finalize the guest list once and for all. Once completed, the wedding-invite madness can begin.
Consider engagement photos. It’s helpful to have a few sessions so you can feel comfortable in front of the camera and its operator. Remember, the photo you choose for the invitation will be hanging on fridges across the country.
Lock down your vendors. You’ll need time to sift through all the chinaware and buttermilk frostings to get what you want. Also, ask yourself one question: band or DJ?
Ceremony outfits. Dress, suit, Gandalf cloak — whatever, as long as it reflects you. As long as you feel beautiful, you will be! Then plot shoes, hair, jewelry …
Send save-the-dates, perhaps with those fabulous photos from the engagement shoot. Easy to do yourselves and as usual, check Pinterest for brainstorming ideas.
Create a wedding website. This is an incredibly helpful tool to keep things in order while giving your guests a resource to keep abreast of any and all things “your wedding.”
4 to 6 MONTHS OUT
Choose flowers. Did you know that the butterfly weed means “Leave me”? Yikes! (Neither did we. Just sayin’.)
Plan the honeymoon, your wedding day’s cooler older sister. This is your first of hopefully many great adventures — make it something to remember.
Select bridal party looks. Look, ladies, there’s one of two ways to go here. Either you drown your friends in swaths of taffeta and pastels — may we suggest a flammable fabric? They’ll be burned later anyways — or give them the chance to get a dress that’s practical and flattering. You’ll still be the star, don’t worry that pretty little head of yours.
Book a rehearsal dinner locale. This is an important night to get everyone together and on the same page. Tender moments and mussels go hand in hand.
Book your room for the wedding night. Unconditional love and crazy sex abound! You’re married now so you get to try that thing, right?
Send out invites and set up that RSVP function on your wedding site. Done and done.
1 to 3 MONTHS OUT (Eek!)
Get that marriage license. You and your partner will both need to provide birth certificates, proof of citizenship/residency, and some form of photo ID. There may also be some fees, so be sure to have some green on you. Note: Many offices only accept cash.
The soundtrack to your married life — the music. You’ll dance your first dance to a song that’ll make your knees go weak for the rest of your lives. Might we suggest anything by Otis Redding, Sade, or Peaches, if you want to go that route.
Plan some incentives for your bridal party. Do something special together to share some love and laughs before the big day. Manicures, dinner, beach trip, you could rent out a ROLLER RINK! Seriously, why don’t people do that anymore?
Plan the day of the ceremony. Who goes where when? Sit down and work it out so everything runs smoothly … or not — at least you’ll have a schedule in place.
THE DAY (AHHHHH!)
Take time for yourself. Relax, eat breakfast, take a bath. Note: You’re not “supposed” to drink champagne with your muscle relaxer, but we didn’t see anything …
“Punch me and jail me, stamp me and mail me, just get me to the church on time.” – Alfred P. Doolittle.
The kiss! Tongue, no tongue, your choice.
You did it! Now go enjoy your marriage before the senseless bickering and sweatpants set in. Congratulations on your amazing day and we at OUT FRONT wish nothing but the best for all you lovers out there
