Royal Sounds Unlimited

Wedding Resources from Royal Sounds

With everything that needs to be remembered during this exciting time, we’ve compiled a timeline/checklist of items to consider when planning your special event. Although, not every topic can be captured in one list, we are hoping that this resource provides reminders, potential vendors or services to be considered, and a gentle guide as to when one would attend to certain details in your planning process!

 

 

Immediately following your engagement:

 

• Discuss a budget with those close to you! Give yourself limitations as to how much you are willing to invest in this memorable event. And what about your parents? Grandparents? Are there going to be other resources to help you fund your special event? Don’t figure it out as you go, you may find yourself cutting corners on certain things (such as photographer, venue, menu, entertainment, number of guests, etc.) that matter a lot to you because you didn’t have a game-plan.
• “Location, location, location!” a realtors’ mantra, is all up to you! Schedule as far in advance as possible, its availability may dictate your wedding date. Some of the wonderful venues for ceremonies and receptions we have had the opportunity to work with: venue link
• Choose a wedding date and time. You will need to know the date when contacting potential vendors for their services.
• Make initial contact with vendors to begin the deciding which will serve your needs most! You will want to hire your photographer/videographer, arrange/purchase your transportation needs (limousine, trolley, horse-drawn carriage, etc.) as well as hiring your musical entertainment for wedding and/or reception.
• If using a wedding planner/consultant, enlist their services now.
• Meet with clergy member; schedule counseling.

 

 

At least six months prior to ceremony:

 

• Select bridal party, including one usher for every 50 guests.
• Compile guest list – mail Save-the-Date cards.
• Select and order wedding attire for self and bridal party.
• Make arrangements for out-of town guests.
• Arrange dance lessons! Choreograph a special dance.
• Select wedding rings.
• Place engagement announcement in local newspaper.
• Schedule appointment(s) to select design of wedding cake.
• Consider salon services for beauty needs, begin to gather quotes and, if needed, schedule far in advance if during peak bridal season.
• Finalize honeymoon plans (if traveling outside US, make arrangements for appropriate travel documentation).

 

At least four months prior to ceremony:

 

• Order invitations (a few extra for last minute additions) and any specialty items (napkins, matchbooks, magnets, etc).
• Work out final details with vendors (contracts, specifics which would be included and what things may be extra) with your caterer, photographer and DJ. There should be no hidden costs or surprises at this point, so that is why it is better to be thorough and review all the details now.
• Meet with florist(s) and choose/order arrangements for wedding and reception.
• Ensure that wedding rings are ordered so that there is ample time for sizing or engraving, if needed.
• Select attire for groomsman; visit tuxedo store.
• Register for wedding gifts at desired store(s).

 

 

At least two months prior to ceremony:

 

• Mail invitations.
• Purchase wedding gift for future spouse, attendants in wedding party, and for any persons that helped with your planning that you would like to acknowledge.
• Ensure that out-of-town guests have secured their accommodations.
• Select rehearsal dinner location and menu.
• Begin dance lessons! Ready yourself to "wow" the guests! 

 

At least one month prior to ceremony:

 

• Ready all accessories (shoes, jewelry, lingerie, etc.).
• Do a trial run at your selected salon to ensure that your hair and/or makeup is as you desire for your special day.
• Final fittings for bridal and attendants’ gowns.
• Have bridal portrait taken.
• Ensure groomsman have registered and measured for their formal wear.
• Ready wedding announcement for newspaper.
• Create seating chart for guests.
• Ensure that you have sent Thank You notes for any bridal shower gifts.

 

Two weeks prior to ceremony:

 

• Obtain marriage license.
• Confirm transportation plans (pick-up times, allowances for heavy traffic, as well as parking and/or transportation for guests).
• Check-in with vendors! Ensure that everyone (caterer, photographer, florist, DJ, etc.) is on the same page concerning times, quantities, special concerns, etc.
• Remind bridal party (and anyone who will be helping the day of the event) of the rehearsal times and location.
• Ensure that bridal party has a designated place to get dressed for event.

 

 

One week prior to ceremony:

 

• Enlist the help of someone who can help organize the day. This person should be familiar with all the details in order to ensure that everything flows smoothly the day of your special event!
• Provide venue/caterer a final guest count.
• Review final detail and/or changes with bridal party.
• Confirm honeymoon arrangements and pack your bags!
• Relax.

 

 

One day prior to ceremony:

 

• Attend rehearsal and rehearsal dinner, deliver gifts to wedding party.
• Give rings and clergy member’s fee to best man.
• Organize/pack gown, accessories, etc. for tomorrow.

 

 

Wedding Day:

 

• Get hair and/or make up done.
• Mail wedding announcement to newspaper.
• Enjoy and make beautiful memories of your special day!