Do you hear the enchanting sound of your wedding bells yet? If you answered yes, most likely your big day is just around the corner! While you’re probably filled with so much joy and excitement, you may also be apprehensive about completing your wedding agenda before the celebration. This is completely normal!
We understand that your wedding day holds a sacred in your heart filled with special moments and memories. It’s a time when all eyes are on you and you strive for perfection in every detail — from your outfit and hairstyle to the decorations and the ceremony itself. However, slow down and take a deep breath! Planning for this day can feel like a whirlwind of tasks making it important to stay organized. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive checklist to help every groom and bride-to-be ensure you are ready for the big day. And, of course, we’ve included some important dental tips to make sure your teeth are wedding ready and your pearly white smile is as radiant as your love story! So, let’s get working on actively organizing your checklist, becoming less anxious about your day and more prepared through itemization. Check off those bullet points before you say those vows!
1. Set Your Budget: The Foundation of Your Dream Wedding
Let’s be honest, most of us are not financial professionals! We can seek out help from financial coaches or simply seek advice online. Either way, this is important for your life as well as your wedding day because the first step when organizing a wedding is determining your budget. Figure out the amount you and your significant other are spending and distribute the funds across different elements of the wedding like the:
- Venue.
- Food.
- Dresses/Suits.
- Bridal Accessories.
- Entertainment.
This will enable you to make informed choices and prevent any worries as the special day draws near. The last factor you want to be concerned about is your finances as you are walking down that aisle!
2. Select Your Venue: Finding the Perfect Spot to Say “I Do”
This is probably the most exciting part of the journey! As youngsters, we all imagine some fairy tale celebration, from riding in on a horse to smooching your loved one to partying in a castle. Choosing the venue for your wedding is crucial as it sets the ambiance for your celebration. Whether it’s a ballroom, a barn, or a picturesque beachfront location, ensure that it reflects your vision and can accommodate your guest list. Before you know it, you’ll be celebrating with all of your loved ones in your dream venue! Dream on!
3. Create a Guest List: Ensuring Everyone Special is There
Yes, in an ideal world, we would like to invite every person we have ever connected with on this planet, but we need to be realistic. Begin by listing all individuals you truly wish to invite. Then collaborate with your partner to refine the list. Keep in mind your budget constraints and venue capacity while finalizing it. Sending out “save the dates” will allow your guests plenty of time to make arrangements. As we age, our social circles become smaller but are filled with more quality. Remember, it is all about quality not quantity! And, your bank account will “thank you” later.
4. Pick a Wedding Theme: Bringing Your Vision to Life
So, what is your dream theme exactly? Selecting a theme can bring together all the elements of your wedding and instill enthusiasm within your guests! Simplify the planning process. Whether you envision:
- A Vintage Inspired Gathering.
- A Black Tie Event.
- A Charming Country Wedding.
- A Medieval Times Castle Celebration.
- Or a Romantic Beach Ceremony.
Your theme will influence your choices for:
- Center Pieces & Other Decorations.
- Outfits.
- Music.
- Performances.
- Menu.
- Guest Wedding Gifts/Favors.
Examine your interests, the time of year, and your venue, for inspiration in creating a personalized theme. Happy hunting for your dream theme!
5. Find the Perfect Outfit: Your Dream Gown/Suit Awaits
You’ll be a mess without your dress or suit! Start looking for the wedding dress or tuxedo months ahead of time. The sooner the better! Schedule fittings and alterations to ensure it fits perfectly. The last bullet point you want to be dealing with is altering your “outfit” days before the big ceremony! Also, don’t forget to choose your:
- Accessories.
- Shoes.
- Additional Attire needed for the Wedding Party.
6. Book Your Vendors: Securing Your Dream Team
The vendors truly want to create an unforgettable experience for you and your loved ones. From photographers and florists to DJs and caterers, secure your vendors as early as possible. They are there to enhance your special celebration to be aesthetically pleasing, entertaining, and engaging for all of your guests. Research reviews, schedule consultations, and get everything in writing to ensure your day goes smoothly. Start booking away!
7. Plan Your Honeymoon: Your First Adventure as Newlyweds
Do you hear the sound of waves crashing on the coast and seagulls calling? Is that beach vacation summoning for you or perhaps a brief adventure into the Rocky Mountains? Either way, don’t forget to plan your post-wedding getaway! Decide on a destination, book your travel and accommodations, and make sure your passports and any necessary documents are up to date. The honeymoon experience will be the beginning of your new life. So, create an unforgettable adventure you won’t regret!
8. Schedule Hair and Makeup Trials: Perfecting Your Bridal Look
Most of us aren’t exactly sure what kind of makeup and hairstyle would be optimal for us on our blissful day. With thousands of hairstyles and makeup combinations to choose from, the beautifying world can be overwhelming. So, book trials with your hair and makeup artists to find the perfect look for your wedding day. Bring inspirational photos and communicate your preferences clearly. This will help you feel confident and beautiful at your celebration!
9. Get Your Teeth Wedding Ready: Smile Bright on Your Big Day
Your smile is what captivates the world and uplifts those feeling weary! It is important to remember that it will be captured in countless photos on your wedding day, so make sure it’s bright and beautiful. Schedule a dental checkup and cleaning a few months before the wedding. Consider professional teeth whitening treatments to enhance your smile. You’ll want to have shiny, pearly whites on that dance floor! Fortunately, at Shorewood Family Dental Care, we offer a variety of cosmetic dental services to ensure your teeth are wedding ready. From veneers to teeth whitening before the wedding, we can help you achieve a stunning smile that will last long after the big day. Start perfecting that smile today!
10. Create a Day-Of Timeline: Keeping Everything on Track
People like to know things in advance and preparing an outline of the day will be one extra pillar of success. A detailed timeline of your wedding day will help everything run smoothly and ease your wedding parties’ nerves. Include key events, such as the:
- Ceremony.
- Cocktail Hour.
- Reception.
Be sure to share it with your wedding party and vendors for optimal organization and effortlessness on your day.
11. Organize Final Details: Tying Up Loose Ends
Sometimes, the weeks before the wedding can turn into a gray area. You might become flustered about last minute details and find that it’s challenging to make sure everything has been accounted for. So, in the weeks leading up to the wedding, confirm all your arrangements with vendors, finalize your seating chart, and prepare any necessary payments. Pack an emergency kit with essentials like:
- Safety Pins.
- Tissues.
- Makeup for quick touch-ups.
- Lotion.
- Perfume.
- Hand Sanitizer.
- And the list goes on!
12. Take Care of Yourself: Stay Healthy and Relaxed
Oooooommmmmmmm! We are trying to get you in the habit of meditating, praying, engaging in sound therapy, or expressing mantras to calm your nerves. Wedding planning can be stressful, so it’s important to take care of yourself. Maintain a healthy diet, get regular exercise, and make time for relaxation. Consider practicing mindfulness or yoga to keep your stress levels in check. Also, cold plunges and saunas are well-known for a multitude of health benefits!
13. Write Your Vows: Speak from the Heart
Everybody appreciates a written message that truly comes from the heart. Sometimes, it might take a few weeks to conjure up the right words. Therefore, if you’re writing your own vows, start early. Take the time to reflect on your relationship and what you desire to express to your partner. Remember to communicate gratitude for their strengths and reflect on some cherished memories in your relationship, thus far. Practice reading your ideas aloud to ensure eloquence and flow.
14. Enjoy Pre-Wedding Celebrations: Making Memories with Loved Ones
With anything in life, we have to take small steps along the way. After all, life is in the journey not the destination! Be present! From bridal showers to bachelorette parties, enjoy the celebrations leading up to your wedding. Maybe consider keeping a journal of mini successes, sacred moments, gratitude, and lessons learned through the pre-wedding celebrations. These events are a great way to spend quality time with your loved ones and celebrate your upcoming nuptials. Cheers to living in the present moment!
15. Have a Backup Plan: Be Prepared for Anything
Musicians have back up plans just in case they forget where they are, musically, while playing a song from memory. Do you have a contingency plan just in case your wedding does not turn out the way you fathomed? While no one wants to think about things going wrong on their wedding day, it’s wise to have a backup plan. Whether it’s a plan B for bad weather or an extra pair of shoes, being prepared can save you from unnecessary stress. Make sure your contingency plans are written down for easy reference in case chaos ensues!
16. Relax and Enjoy Your Day: Savor Every Moment
After all has been said and done, finally, remember to relax and enjoy your wedding day. You’ve put in a lot of hard work and planning! You deserve to savor every moment of the celebration – now is the time! Trust that your preparation has paid off and focus on celebrating your love with your partner, family, and friends. We all know, they are ready to party!
Wrapping Up: Your Big Day Awaits
Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, but with this comprehensive checklist, you can ensure that everything is covered. From setting your budget and choosing your venue, to getting your teeth wedding ready and relaxing on your big day. Don’t you fret, our Shorewood dental office has got you covered. Remember, the most important thing is to enjoy the journey and create beautiful memories that will last a lifetime. One last thing, don’t forget to say, I do!
