11 replies to this topic

[~Melissa~]

Ok I'm starting a new thread here because I'm needing some input and assistance.

When we reach the 6 month count down, what should be checked off the list?

I got my STD's out, got the BM dresses, ordered my dress, have a trustworthey/reliable TA, confirmed the location, confirmed the ceremony time.

Is there something I'm missing?? or anything I should be looking at?

All you other girls who are at the 6 month mark, what are you working on?

I need to get my butt in gear.

[NHPT]

what about what is FI wearing? have you looked at flowers, cakes, what are you doing for the reception? its never too early to plan that stuff because then its less you have to do at the end. also have you started on OOT bags/favors? gifts for BM and parents?

[TammyB]

I think what helped me is the by month breakdown that the knot has on their site. Most of the time I was ahead of the game but in some cases I was like "oh yeah, I didn't think of that"

I would also start getting your passports if you don't have them now. It takes a good 2.5 months so it will save you stress later if you get it done early.

[SusanK]

Funny thing...I was about to ask the same question...except I'm actually at the 6 month point. I have my dress, but not BM dresses, nothing for FI or GM. I've booked my photographer and videographer. I know what kind of flowers I want. I have ordered the supplie for my DIY invites. I think have found a DJ. I've got a ceremony time, and reception location picked. What am I missing...OOT bags, groom and GM attire, cake (not that important to me), music..... I'm teacher, so I'm hoping to get a lot done once summer rolls around, but I don't want to be too busy that I don't have time to work on my tan

[*JillD*]

I need help too! I have my dress, MOH dress, std's were sent, I have kit for DIY invites (have to print them) I think I know what I want for the flowers & cake, photographer booked

Melissa have you booked a photographer yet, what about getting your invites done?

[~Melissa~]

Nicole - We got it sorted out what the boys are wearing as well. oops I should have posted that. haha always thinking me me me. LOL I've looked at flowers and cakes; I have an idea of the flowers and colors but that's it. As for OOT bags and gifts I'm not doing anything too fancy. I just can't justify spending more money. It's already so darn expensive

Tammy - thanks for the knottie timeline tip. I'll check it out I got my passport and so does FH. I think I'll just have to process more paper work so they let me back in the country. This scares me.

Susan - yep you're doing good by the looks of it. You got all the major items down. I just hope I don't forget anything. Looks like I'm doing ok too. hehehe

Jill- my fellow october bride... which invitation set did you get? I have looked at some DIY invitations but I need to get down to business on them. I have lots of time that's for sure!! And our photographer is covered as well.

PHEW... sorry that was long. Just wanted to reply to everyone

[*JillD*]

Melissa, I bought a kit at staples. They are just white, with a raised silver border and they came with the response cards & I think reception cards, and all the envelopes, there are 50 in a box. I think they were $25. I didn't want to spend a lot on the invites. I think I saw on Micheal's website, that they had DIY invite kits too, I think it was Micheal's and they were about the same price.

[TammyWright]

i have this on the BDW site (not forum):

so i say, website, invites

Quote:

12 Months or more Cut out pictures and articles that inspire you. Keep them organized in a binder. Martha Stewart has a great binder that has pockets to keep photos, cards of vendors, swatches, etc. Start looking at bridal magazines and look for local bridal faire to attent. This is a great way to meet wedding vendors and see their work first hand This is the hard part. Set a realistic budget. Start on your guest list. Invite those that you want to spend your wedding with. Destination weddings are smaller more intimate affairs so do not feel guilty about not inviting your coworkers that you barely know. Be prepared that some of the guests you invite at the wedding may not be able to come for financial or logistical reasons. If you plan on getting married out of the country, be sure to check the laws to make sure your marriage is recognized in the states. If it is a larger wedding, you may want to look into hiring a wedding coordinator who specializes in destination weddings. Start researching different locations for a destination wedding. Things to consider: travel time, seasons/weather (you do not want to have your wedding during hurricane season), cost of accomodations, etc. Choose a wedding date and start working on Save The Date Cards. If you are planning a wedding at a resort or place you have never been before, negotiate a site visit. Some resorts even offer a free site visit or at least a reduced rate. Determine your budget Considerations: airfare, hotel, document processing, meals, transportation, activities. Don't forget the all important wedding items such as attire, photographer, flowers, ceremony fee, etc. If you are having friends or family, you must consider if they can afford the expense of the trip. Location Make sure the wedding day is not during the local hurricane season or wet months? How many people do you want to be there...just you and your future spouse? Friends? Family? Are you also planning on honeymooning there or somewhere else? 8-10 months prior If you can make a wedding planning trip it will be really helpful to meet with local vendors like: florist, baker, photographer, etc. During the site visit would also be a great time to take your chosen photographer for a test run. Maybe take some engagement pics on the beach for your Save The Date Cards. Create wedding website with travel information and FAQs for your family and friends. Contact a travel agent specializing in Destination Wedding to help negotiate a lower room rate and block your rooms. Decide if you wnt a legal or symbolic ceremony. If you would like to get legally married outside the US, be sure to verify the local marriage residency requirements. Start looking for wedding invitations. Research the marriage requirements It may be as simple as going to the local courthouse to sign a marriage license, or it may be as complicated as having to be a resident. There are destination wedding coordinators who will handle the entire license processing for you. If you are planning on having a legal ceremony in Mexico, it does require a blood test. Wedding Theme You may want to decide early on what colors or theme you would like. Make sure the bouquet you dreamed of will work at your destination wedding. A lot of flowers can be shipped in if not grown locally but make sure in advance. Reservations Book your reservations early! Many resorts and hotels are booked months in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. If your group is larger, you may want to consider blocking rooms for your guests. 6-7 Months prior Start looking for your wedding dress. Some dresses can take 4-5 months to make. Start looking for the groom and groomsman attire. Order groom and groomsmen attire. Take into consideration that linen suits are seasonal and may only be available to purchase in the spring. Shop for wedding rings and jewelry for your big day. 3-4 Months prior Finalize your wedding invitations and mail them out. Start ordering items for Out Of Town Bags or wedding favors. Start working on your wedding ceremony. Consider writing your own vows to make the day more personalized. 1 Month prior Release any unnecessary rooms Finalize all wedding day itineraries Confirm travel arrangements with the hotel/resort 2-3 Weeks prior Make sure you confirm and re-confirm EVERYTHING with your vendors before the wedding 3-4 Days prior Arrive at your destination. If you plan on using a local styilist for your hair and make-up, do a test run with your veil or hairpiece. If you are having a legal ceremony finalize all the local requirements to make it legitimate. Meet with the hotel events coordinator or your wedding coordinator to go over the final details. Have a welcome dinner in lieu of a rehearsel dinner to thank all your guests who have travelled so far to share this event with you. Relax, you're on vacation! Residency requirements Once you arrive at your destination, how many days do you have to wait in order to get married? The day of Be sure to eat a bit and keep hydrated. Enjoy your special day. You deserve every bit of happiness that comes with it!

[maryjonjet]

Exciting I got 6 months to go as well

[Jamielynn55]

I'm at the 6 month mark as well, this thread makes me fell like I'm right where I should be with my planning. Thanks