J&J Photography's Wedding Planning Series: You’ve Just Gotten Engaged...Now What? Part 2 of 3

Welcome to Part #2 of J&J Photography’s three part wedding planning series. If you’re recently engaged and missed our first installment, you can click here to get up to speed on the initial “To Do’s” before you say your “I Do’s”! In this blog entry we will identify the tasks that should be addressed during the mid-point (roughly speaking) between your engagement and your wedding date….

Phase #2: Decisions, Decisions!

• Choose the bridesmaids dresses: As we mentioned in part #1, the hard and fast rules regarding bridal parties (and weddings in general) seem to be fading away.  So it makes sense that there seems to be a wider array of bridesmaid dress options available nowadays. In addition, we see more and more brides opting for a non-traditional approach to selecting their bridesmaid’s dresses – different colors or different styles for different girls, etc., so don’t hesitate to bend the rules!
   
• Square away lodging options for your guests: Most couples will provide their guests with a couple of different lodging options, usually with different price points. Most of the time these options come in the form of a negotiated room block.
   
• Enjoy your wedding cake tasting: This is one of those times when you can “have your cake and eat it too!” Most vendors are happy to show you a variety of options, so why not enjoy them all? After all, you do want to make an informed decision!
   
• Band or DJ? Most couples seem to have a natural preference for one over the other, but even after you’ve made that decision, keep in mind that one band can be completely different than another (and the same goes for DJ’s).  In addition to interviewing your potential entertainment, you might want to go and see them perform in a live setting to get as clear a picture as possible of their style.
   
• Pick your perfect honeymoon spot: Couples usually dread some items on these “To Do” lists, but this usually ain’t one of them! 
   
• Attend your bridal shower: Typically this will be thrown by the bride’s mother and/or bridesmaids…just make sure that you’ve registered at a couple of different places and that your “wish list” is complete well in advance.
   
• Decide on your final guest list: This is often one of the most gut-wrenching parts of the planning process. If you’re in a situation where you need to make some tough decisions, it’s all that much more important to address this task in a timely manner, instead of procrastinating.  Putting off the difficult items on the list will only add stress – the sooner you check it off the list, the sooner you’ll feel better!
   
• Book the location for the rehearsal dinner: Traditionally this is an expense handled by the groom’s parents, so you may want to discuss the rehearsal dinner options with them before making a decision.
   
• Take a dance class: Unless your moves are well polished, you might want a little professional instruction for the ubiquitous first dance, when all eyes will be on you.
   
• Purchase wedding rings: This is another item that you do not want to leave until the last minute. Many couples end up opting for a design that needs to be customized in some way, shape, or form and you want to leave enough time to allow for any necessary adjustments.
   
• Clothing for the groom and groomsmen: Most couples find this to be a more straight-forward process than selecting the bridal gown and bridesmaids dresses, which is why it can be attended to later on in the process.
   
• Finalize you menu: In most wedding invitations, the couple offers two or more dinner choices to their guests. If you plan on doing the same, you’ll want to know what those menu options are before printing up the invites!
   
• Reserve limo and other transportation needs: If the ceremony is in a different location than the reception, many couples will offer some type of complementary transportation option for their guests.
• Pick out gifts for your bridal party: Weddings are clearly meant to celebrate you as a newly married couple, but it’s important to remember the people who supported you along the way. A well thought out gift can mean a lot to those who helped you prepare for this important moment.
   
• Meet w/ your officiant: Based on the type of ceremony you plan to have, your officiant will outline a number of things that need to be addressed prior to the big day.  It’s good to be aware of exactly what those are, since some tasks will require planning and advance thought.

While you’re in the midst of trying to make all these decisions, try to take a step back and enjoy the process as much as you can - as my mother always says, “Don’t sweat the small stuff.”  If you keep things in perspective and remember what the whole day is all about, you might actually enjoy some of this planning! Check back soon for the 3rd and final part of the series!