10 months away- what else should I be doing?

[amyh]

Hi ladies!

 

okay, I'm 10 months away and I'm not sure what I should be working on now.

 

So far, we've done a lot (I think)

 

Set date, sent STD's.

Booked reception location, photographer and band (and sent deposits to all)

Purchased Starfish.

 

I've started my search for invitations, my dress, and bridesmaid dresses.

 

we are begining to get our paperwork ready and start our pre-cana (?) classes for our Catholic ceremony (we can book the Church in November once we have everything set.

 

okay, now I have some questions:

 

when is it too early (or too late) to book a florist?

I've booked the band so far in advanced, should I email them from time to time to check-in or just have the WC at the Mayan do this for me?

 

I have no clue what to do next. We've done most of the major things, but what are those little things I should be considering?

 

TIA!

[rodent]

I'm feeling the same way at 10 months out. What should I do now? It was so crazy for the first month, but now I'm not doing anymore planning. I've just been chatting on the forum. I wonder if I'm forgetting something.

 

I've been working on getting travel together. We are in contact with our TA watching prices. It's still a little early though. We are taking engagement pics tomorrow. With those I'll make the STDs.

 

This is what I have:

booked place

bought dress

made website

maybe have my shoes

found TA

started researching fun stuff to do in the area

 

I think that's it. I'm not doing a big reception afterwards though. We are doing a standard hotel package so i have a lot less to plan.

[foxytv]

I think it sounds like you both are on target.

 

I'm more like 7 1/2 months out ... and am starting to freak out myself. lol.

 

So far I've...

-bought dress

-bought shoes

-found flowers

-picked BM dresses

-booked resort & sent STD's

-booked honeymoon

-narrowed down ceremony & reception sites at resort

-made logos

-picked wedding bands

-rough draft of invitations done

-AHR site/date chosen

-keeping website updated

-booked photographer

-picked out (but not bought) GM gifts

-got BD pics done

 

But gosh, there is still ssoo much to do ...

 

-SAVE MORE MONEY!!!!

-buy slip/bra

-buy veil, bracelet and earrings

-restring pearl necklace

-purchase airfare

-order travel mugs

-order OT bags and contents

-pick out BM gifts

-finalize and mail invites

-find/buy swimsuits, dresses, etc for wedding week & honeymoon

 

Lord knows there are a TOn of things I haven't even thought of yet. ugh.

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Morgan I'm feeling the same way at 10 months out. What should I do now? It was so crazy for the first month, but now I'm not doing anymore planning. I've just been chatting on the forum. I wonder if I'm forgetting something.   I've been working on getting travel together. We are in contact with our TA watching prices. It's still a little early though. We are taking engagement pics tomorrow. With those I'll make the STDs.   This is what I have: booked place bought dress made website maybe have my shoes found TA started researching fun stuff to do in the area   I think that's it. I'm not doing a big reception afterwards though. We are doing a standard hotel package so i have a lot less to plan.

Quote:

Originally Posted by amyh Hi ladies!   okay, I'm 10 months away and I'm not sure what I should be working on now.   So far, we've done a lot (I think)   Set date, sent STD's. Booked reception location, photographer and band (and sent deposits to all) Purchased Starfish.   I've started my search for invitations, my dress, and bridesmaid dresses.   we are begining to get our paperwork ready and start our pre-cana (?) classes for our Catholic ceremony (we can book the Church in November once we have everything set.   okay, now I have some questions:   when is it too early (or too late) to book a florist? I've booked the band so far in advanced, should I email them from time to time to check-in or just have the WC at the Mayan do this for me?   I have no clue what to do next. We've done most of the major things, but what are those little things I should be considering?   TIA!

[KellyandMatt08]

I'm right there with you girls... Does anyone have a good DW timeline that they used to keep on track??

[Spazz]

I would love to hear what else needs to be done. I'm 8 1/2 months out and feel like I've hit a lull too. I want to start doing more, but feel like maybe it's too early for some things. If anyone has a DW timeline, I would love to see it!

[Cassondra2009]

Timeline for Planning the Best Destination Weddings

 

12 Months or more

 

* Create a wedding binder. Keep all ideas, swatches, photos, correspondence, etc. and keep it in an easily accessible place.

* Set a budget and stick to it.

* Consider purchasing wedding insurance to protect your wedding budget.

* Compile a reasonable guest list. Don’t over invite assuming guests won’t come because of travel. Invite anyone you want to have present (budget permitting) and allow the guest to decide if they can or want to travel.

* If you are getting married outside of the country, consider hiring a destination wedding planner or consultant who specializes in destination wedding locations and weddings abroad.

 

11 Months prior

 

* Set up a profile of the type of destination wedding your want

* Research, research, research locations before you book. Note distance from airport to hotel, weather, seasons and time of year (consider hurricanes) amenities, etc.

* Settle on a wedding date.

* Send save the date cards. (optional).

* Verify marriage residency requirements.

* Research travel and accommodation options for guests

* Consider visiting the destination location to be sure this is THE spot for you.

 

10 months prior

 

* Make destination wedding planning trip, if necessary

* Set up meetings with any stateside wedding professional who may be traveling to your wedding locale.

 

9 Months prior

 

* Start putting together any legal documents required to marry at the destination wedding location.

* Make travel arrangements to the destination wedding site, if possible.

* Book the lodging accommodations for wedding attendants. You are responsible to foot the bill for at least 2 nights lodging for wedding attendants.

* Complete itinerary for tours or any other extra curricular activities for guests, if applicable

* Make your own travel arrangements for the wedding.

 

8 Months prior

 

* Register for gifts.

* Determine style, formality and colors of wedding.

* Consider style of stationery, invitations.

 

7 Months prior

 

* Select your destination wedding dress keeping the location, weather and location style in mind.

* Choose and order bridesmaids wedding dresses.

* Order groom and groomsmen attire.

* Shop for wedding rings.

 

6 Months prior

 

* Make final selections on wedding cake baker, florists and décor, and transportation if necessary.

* Work on ceremony details and buy any necessary items.

* Finalize menu and wedding cake order.

 

5 Months prior

 

* Purchase fiancé’s gift (optional)

* Order wedding favors (optional)

* Buy gifts for wedding attendants and parents.

 

4 Months prior

 

* Finish addressing wedding invitations and mail.

 

3 Months prior

 

* Update your budget

* Review contracts again and familiarize yourself with arrival times, etc.

 

2 Months prior

 

* Start creating seating charts. Yes, it is hard but it must be done.

* Call guests who have not yet responded

 

1 Month prior

 

* Release any unnecessary rooms

* Finalize all wedding day itineraries

* Confirm travel arrangements with the hotel/resort

 

3 Weeks prior

 

* Send out emails to wedding providers who have been contracted to finalize the details.

 

3 Days prior

 

* Arrive at wedding destination

* Meet with banquet manager

* Go over details

* Bridal beauty - manicure, pedicure – no change in facial products at this time. Any change in cleansers or makeup should be done at least one month prior to the wedding.

 

The day of

 

* Relax, say “I DO†and live happily ever after!

 

 

This one doesn't have too many details...but it's the only one I've found so far!

[Cassondra2009]

6 Months to a Year Before Your Destination Wedding

 

___ Decide on a wedding budget

___ Find your wedding style

___ Announce your engagement

___ Choose a wedding date

___ Choose a wedding location

___ Research the location, including using online resources, renting books from the library, purchasing books, talking to the local tourist bureau, and talking to friends and family who have been there. Ask resorts for "package deal information", special honeymoon/destination wedding offers, and other informative literature.

___ Look into marriage license requirements, and confirm them with the local tourist board

___ Find a local wedding coordinator – resorts often have someone on staff or you may be able to find someone through the tourist bureau.

___ Put together a wedding guest list

___ Send "Save the Date" cards

___ Follow up with guests by phone to get a general head count

___ If you want a traditional wedding dress, find it now

___ Start considering the groom's attire

___ Start considering the wedding party's attire

___ Obtain necessary legal documents, including, if necessary, passports, divorce certificates, visas, identification, birth certificates, notarized declarations of never having been married.

___ Consider your Bridal Beauty

 

4 to 6 Months Before Your Destination Wedding

 

___ Work with your wedding coordinator to find a wedding florist, musicians, wedding photographer and wedding officiant. You may also want to find a hairstylist, makeup artist, and/or nail salon.

___ Decide on your wedding menu

___ Finalize wedding ceremony and reception details, arrange for signed contracts to be sent to you.

___ Order wedding invitations

___ Register for wedding gifts

___ Buy wedding rings. Consider having your wedding rings engraved.

___ Buy your plane tickets

___ Negotiate discounts with airlines and hotels

___ Create and distribute a wedding website or newsletter to share travel and wedding information

___ Finalize the groom's attire

___ Write and order your wedding invitations

 

2 to 4 Months Before Your Destination Wedding

___ Mail your wedding invitations

___ Begin choosing or writing your wedding vows

___ Shop for shoes and other accessories

___ Make sure all of the wedding party and other essential people have made their travel arrangements

___ Finalize the bridal party attire

 

1 to 2 Months Before Your Destination Wedding

 

___ Order wedding favors and gifts

___ Have your final dress fitting

___ Shop for vacation wear, including swimsuit(s), a rehearsal dinner outfit, sun protection

 

2 Weeks Before Your Destination Wedding

 

___ Confirm all details with hotel, chef or caterer, florist, photographer, officiant, musicians and/or DJ, and others involved in the wedding

___ Arrange guest seating, if necessary

___ Assemble favors and/or welcome bags

 

Upon Arrival

 

___ Apply for a marriage license

___ Meet with your wedding coordinator

___ Meet with your officiant

___ Visit the ceremony site

___ Distribute welcome bags to guests' rooms

___ Go over last minute details

___ Relax!

 

Your Wedding Day

___ Do your best to relax, enjoy yourselves, focus on each other, and have fun with your friends and family.

 

This one has some more details...hopefully this helps!

[foxytv]

Thanks Cassondra! Very helpful!!

[Spazz]

Thank you Cassondra!!!

[rodent]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Morgan I'm feeling the same way at 10 months out. What should I do now? It was so crazy for the first month, but now I'm not doing anymore planning. I've just been chatting on the forum. I wonder if I'm forgetting something. I've been working on getting travel together. We are in contact with our TA watching prices. It's still a little early though. We are taking engagement pics tomorrow. With those I'll make the STDs. This is what I have: booked place bought dress made website maybe have my shoes found TA started researching fun stuff to do in the area I think that's it. I'm not doing a big reception afterwards though. We are doing a standard hotel package so i have a lot less to plan.

I thought of a few more things I've done. I've made my registry. I haven't put it on my website yet, because it's still in the draft stages, but I have most of it done. I plan on updating it when the wedding is closer.

I've also been compiling music we'd want to use for the ceremony.

I haven't started making OOT bags, but I keep a running list of things I plan on doing when i get good ideas from the forum.

I don't feel like I've been doing much lately, but I realized I really have been. It's just not so frantic like it was for me the first month.