Wedding planning can be a stressful process, but one of the most important things to get right is the timing of your save-the-dates and wedding invitations. These cards are essential for letting your guests know about the important details of your big day, such as the date, time, and location. But when should you send them out? Here are some guidelines to follow for the best timelines to send out your save-the-dates and wedding invitations.
Save-the-Dates
Save-the-dates are typically sent out 6-8 months before your wedding day, or even earlier if you’re having a destination wedding or getting married during a popular time of year. This gives your guests plenty of time to make arrangements and book travel plans. If you’re sending save-the-dates electronically, you can send them out even earlier, up to a year in advance. Make sure to include your wedding website URL on your save-the-date so that guests can easily find more information about your wedding as it becomes available.
Wedding Invitations
Wedding invitations should be sent out 6-8 weeks before your wedding day. This gives your guests enough time to RSVP and make any necessary arrangements, but not so much time that they forget about your wedding. If you’re having a destination wedding or getting married during a busy time of year (like the holidays), you may want to send out your invitations a little earlier, up to 10-12 weeks in advance.
It’s important to keep in mind that some guests may need extra time to make travel arrangements, especially if they’re coming from out of town or out of the country. For this reason, you may want to send out your invitations a little earlier for these guests, or include a separate card with travel information and accommodations.
In conclusion, timing is everything when it comes to save-the-dates and wedding invitations. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your guests have plenty of time to make arrangements and that everything runs smoothly on your big day. Don’t forget to include important details like your wedding website URL, RSVP deadline, and dress code, so that your guests are well-informed and prepared for your wedding day.
You’re newly engaged and need to start the wedding planning process. One of your first decisions will be what type of venue do you want to have – where do you want to host your wedding.
Traditional wedding venues such as churches and hotels offer a classic and elegant setting for couples who want a formal and traditional wedding. On the other hand, non-traditional venues such as farms and backyards provide a more relaxed and informal atmosphere for engaged couples who want a unique and personalized experience. Here are some pros and cons of both options:
Traditional Wedding Venues: Pros:
Typically offer more amenities such as catering, tables, chairs, linens, etc.
Have experienced staff who can handle all aspects of the wedding planning process.
Often have large ballrooms or event spaces to accommodate larger guest lists.
May have more flexibility with dates and times.
Cons:
Can be more expensive than non-traditional venues.
May limit personalization options since they have a specific aesthetic and layout.
May have strict rules and regulations that can restrict certain aspects of the wedding.
Non-Traditional Wedding Venues: Pros:
Offer a unique and personalized experience for the couple and their guests.
Often more affordable than traditional venues.
May offer a more relaxed and casual atmosphere that is perfect for small weddings.
Provide more flexibility for customization and personalization.
Cons:
May require more work and planning since the couple is responsible for coordinating all aspects of the wedding.
May have limited amenities and resources, such as restrooms, parking, and seating.
May have restrictions due to weather or location limitations.
Small vs. Large Weddings: The size of the wedding can also impact the pros and cons of the venue. Here are some factors to consider:
Small Weddings: Pros:
More intimate and personal experience with close family and friends.
More flexibility with non-traditional venues since they can accommodate smaller guest lists.
May be less expensive since there are fewer guests to feed and entertain.
Cons:
Limited guest list, which can be difficult for some couples who want to invite more people.
Fewer amenities and resources provided by the venue since it’s a smaller event.
Large Weddings: Pros:
More grand and impressive event that can accommodate a larger guest list.
More amenities and resources provided by the venue since it’s a larger event.
More opportunities for grandiose decorations and design.
Cons:
More expensive than smaller weddings due to the larger number of guests.
More difficult to find non-traditional venues that can accommodate a larger guest list.
May be less intimate and personal due to the larger number of guests.
In the end your venue, the size of the venue, and your guest list are big factors in how you will be planning the rest of your wedding. These are a few of the aspects you’ll want to discuss early on in you planning and have a clear idea of how your budget works with each factor.
Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting times for couples. It’s a time when you can both come together to create your dream day, but it can also be a time of stress and tension if not planned properly or discussed openly. It’s important to remember that this day is about the two of you and your love for each other, so planning should be a collaborative effort. Here are some tips on how to plan a wedding as a couple, making sure to take both people’s wants into consideration.
1. Set a budget together
The first step in planning a wedding as a couple is to set a budget together. It’s important to be realistic about what you can afford and what your priorities are. Sit down and talk honestly about how much you want to spend on the wedding and what you want to prioritize within that budget. This will help you make decisions later on and prevent any disagreements about finances.
2. Create a vision board together
Create a shared Pinterest board or vision board where you both can add your ideas, inspirations, and preferences. This will help you both get on the same page about the overall look and feel of your wedding. Look at different styles, themes, colour palettes, and venues, and discuss what you like and don’t like about each one.
3. Divide tasks and responsibilities
Dividing tasks and responsibilities can help avoid stress and make sure each person is involved in the planning process. Discuss what tasks each person enjoys or is best at, and divide the responsibilities accordingly. For example, one person may be in charge of finding the perfect venue while the other can focus on creating the guest list and RSVPs.
4. Compromise
Compromise is key when planning a wedding as a couple. You both may have different ideas and priorities, but it’s important to find a middle ground that you’re both happy with. For example, if one person wants a large wedding while the other prefers a more intimate affair, you can compromise by having a smaller wedding with a larger reception.
5. Incorporate both of your cultures and traditions
If you and your partner come from different cultures or traditions, it’s important to incorporate both into your wedding. This can be done through food, music, clothing, or even the ceremony itself. By doing so, you’re celebrating and honouring both of your backgrounds and making your wedding unique to you as a couple.
6. Communicate openly and honestly
The most important aspect of planning a wedding as a couple is to communicate openly and honestly. Share your thoughts, concerns, and ideas with each other, and make sure you both feel heard and understood. This will help avoid any misunderstandings or disagreements down the road.
In conclusion, planning a wedding as a couple is all about compromise, communication, and working together towards a shared vision. By setting a budget together, creating a shared vision board, dividing tasks and responsibilities, incorporating both of your cultures and traditions and communicating openly and honestly, you can create a wedding day that reflects both of your personalities and love for each other.
When it comes to a wedding, your bridesmaids are your support system, your confidants, and your best friends. They have been by your side throughout the planning process, and they will be there on your big day. Including your bridesmaids in your wedding planning can not only be helpful but also fun and meaningful. Here are some tips for involving your bridesmaids in your wedding planning.
Be clear about expectations: When you ask your bridesmaids to be a part of your wedding, make sure to clearly communicate your expectations. Let them know what you expect of them, what their responsibilities will be, and how much involvement you are looking for. Be open to their feedback and suggestions, but also make sure to establish boundaries.
Give them specific tasks: If you have specific tasks you need help with, delegate them to your bridesmaids. This can include anything from helping with DIY projects to addressing invitations. Giving your bridesmaids specific tasks can make them feel more involved and invested in the planning process.
Ask for their opinions: Your bridesmaids are your closest friends, and they know you well. Ask for their opinions on everything from your wedding colors to your centerpieces. Their input can be valuable, and it can also make them feel like they are contributing to your special day.
Plan fun events: Planning a wedding can be stressful, so make sure to plan some fun events with your bridesmaids. This can include things like dress shopping, spa days, or a night out on the town. These events can help build camaraderie and make the planning process more enjoyable.
When it comes to choosing your wedding gown, it’s important to involve your family and bridesmaids while still making your own decision. Here are some tips to help you navigate this process:
Do your research: Before you start shopping for your wedding gown, do your research. Look at different styles, fabrics, and designers so you have a good idea of what you like and what you don’t like. This will help you make a more informed decision.
Bring your family and bridesmaids to appointments: When you go wedding gown shopping, it’s a good idea to bring your family and bridesmaids with you. This can help you get feedback and opinions, but make sure to establish boundaries beforehand. Let them know that while you value their input, the final decision will be yours.
Take your time: Don’t rush into a decision when it comes to choosing your wedding gown. Make sure you have a good rapport with our bridal stylist, and can trust the boutique you’re creating a relationship with, you should be able to rely on them for the entirety of your engagement. This will ensure that you find the perfect dress that makes you feel confident and beautiful.
Trust your instincts: Ultimately, the decision of which wedding gown to choose is yours. Trust your instincts and choose a gown that makes you feel amazing. Don’t let the opinions of others sway you if you know in your heart that a certain dress is the one for you.
Involving your bridesmaids in your wedding planning and choosing your wedding gown can be a fun and rewarding experience. Everyone’s goal should be to make sure you love your gown and feel supported in your decision. Remember to communicate clearly, delegate tasks, ask for opinions, plan fun events, and ultimately trust your instincts.
Since opening our second location in Peterborough, Ontario, we have had the immense pleasure of being invited to collaborate with photographers from that area. Our Sinders Bridal House – Peterborough location provides the gowns and the expertise and now we want to share the end result with you.
Styled shoots have become increasingly popular in the wedding industry over the past few years. They are a collaborative effort between vendors to create a mock wedding or event for the purpose of showcasing their skills, services, and products. From florists to photographers, planners to designers, and everything in between, styled shoots provide an opportunity for wedding professionals to come together and showcase their talents.
As a wedding gown boutique, participating in styled shoots is crucial to showcasing the different styles we offer to brides. It’s one thing to describe a dress on paper or on a hanger, but it’s an entirely different experience for a bride to see it in action. Styled shoots allow us to showcase our dresses in a beautiful setting with a cohesive theme, making it easier for brides to envision how our gowns fit into their wedding day vision. We can equate it to looking for your future home. You like to see the space out set nicely so that you can envision what that home could be, even if your style might be different.
Not only does participating in styled shoots help us showcase our work, but it also allows us to meet and network with other vendors in the wedding industry. This is especially important for newer vendors who are trying to establish themselves in the market. You never know which photographer or florist or makeup artist might be an undiscovered talent. Collaborating with other vendors on a styled shoot can lead to future referrals and a trusted network of professionals that we can pass along to our brides, which is beneficial for everyone involved.
When it comes to showcasing wedding gowns, it’s important to use real people as models. The typical model seen on the internet may not represent the vast range of body types and skin tones that brides come in. Using real people as models helps brides see what a wedding gown will actually look like on someone who looks like them. This can help eliminate some of the anxiety that brides can have about not being able to find a wedding dress that looks good on them. You would not believe how often we hear about this anxiety when a bride is first starting out, both at our Ottawa and Peterborough locations.
Styled shoots are an important aspect of the wedding industry that benefits vendors and brides alike. They allow wedding professionals to showcase their work and network with other vendors, while also helping brides see what styles are available to them and what wedding gowns actually look like on real people. As a trusted wedding gown boutique, we highly recommend that other wedding professionals become involved in styled shoots. And to our brides, we highly recommend you watch for styled shoots on your social media as a way to match your personality and your vibe to that of the wedding vendors you will be looking to book for your own wedding day.
Since opening our second location in Peterborough, Ontario, we have had the immense pleasure of being invited to collaborate with photographers from that area. Our Sinders Bridal House – Peterborough location provides the gowns and the expertise and now we want to share the end result with you.
Styled shoots have become increasingly popular in the wedding industry over the past few years. They are a collaborative effort between vendors to create a mock wedding or event for the purpose of showcasing their skills, services, and products. From florists to photographers, planners to designers, and everything in between, styled shoots provide an opportunity for wedding professionals to come together and showcase their talents.
As a wedding gown boutique, participating in styled shoots is crucial to showcasing the different styles we offer to brides. It’s one thing to describe a dress on paper or on a hanger, but it’s an entirely different experience for a bride to see it in action. Styled shoots allow us to showcase our dresses in a beautiful setting with a cohesive theme, making it easier for brides to envision how our gowns fit into their wedding day vision. We can equate it to looking for your future home. You like to see the space outset nicely so that you can envision what that home could be, even if your style might be different.
Not only does participating in styled shoots help us showcase our work, but it also allows us to meet and network with other vendors in the wedding industry. This is especially important for newer vendors who are trying to establish themselves in the market. You never know which photographer or florist or makeup artist might be an undiscovered talent. Collaborating with other vendors on a styled shoot can lead to future referrals and a trusted network of professionals that we can pass along to our brides, which is beneficial for everyone involved.
When it comes to showcasing wedding gowns, it’s important to use real people as models. The typical model seen on the internet may not represent the vast range of body types and skin tones that brides come in. Using real people as models helps brides see what a wedding gown will actually look like on someone who looks like them. This can help eliminate some of the anxiety that brides can have about not being able to find a wedding dress that looks good on them. You would not believe how often we hear about this anxiety when a bride is first starting out, both at our Ottawa and Peterborough locations.
Styled shoots are an important aspect of the wedding industry that benefits vendors and brides alike. They allow wedding professionals to showcase their work and network with other vendors, while also helping brides see what styles are available to them and what wedding gowns actually look like on real people. As a trusted wedding gown boutique, we highly recommend that other wedding professionals become involved in styled shoots. And to our brides, we highly recommend you watch for styled shoots on your social media as a way to match your personality and your vibe to that of the wedding vendors you will be looking to book for your own wedding day.
Since opening our second location in Peterborough, Ontario, we have had the immense pleasure of being invited to collaborate with photographers from that area. Our Sinders Bridal House – Peterborough location provides the gowns and the expertise and now we want to share the end result with you.
Styled shoots have become increasingly popular in the wedding industry over the past few years. They are a collaborative effort between vendors to create a mock wedding or event for the purpose of showcasing their skills, services, and products. From florists to photographers, planners to designers, and everything in between, styled shoots provide an opportunity for wedding professionals to come together and showcase their talents.
As a wedding gown boutique, participating in styled shoots is crucial to showcasing the different styles we offer to brides. It’s one thing to describe a dress on paper or on a hanger, but it’s an entirely different experience for a bride to see it in action. Styled shoots allow us to showcase our dresses in a beautiful setting with a cohesive theme, making it easier for brides to envision how our gowns fit into their wedding day vision. We can equate it to looking for your future home. You like to see the space outset nicely so that you can envision what that home could be, even if your style might be different.
Not only does participating in styled shoots help us showcase our work, but it also allows us to meet and network with other vendors in the wedding industry. This is especially important for newer vendors who are trying to establish themselves in the market. You never know which photographer or florist or makeup artist might be an undiscovered talent. Collaborating with other vendors on a styled shoot can lead to future referrals and a trusted network of professionals that we can pass along to our brides, which is beneficial for everyone involved.
When it comes to showcasing wedding gowns, it’s important to use real people as models. The typical model seen on the internet may not represent the vast range of body types and skin tones that brides come in. Using real people as models helps brides see what a wedding gown will actually look like on someone who looks like them. This can help eliminate some of the anxiety that brides can have about not being able to find a wedding dress that looks good on them. You would not believe how often we hear about this anxiety when a bride is first starting out, both at our Ottawa and Peterborough locations.
Styled shoots are an important aspect of the wedding industry that benefit vendors and brides alike. They allow wedding professionals to showcase their work and network with other vendors, while also helping brides see what styles are available to them and what wedding gowns actually look like on real people. As a trusted wedding gown boutique, we highly recommend that other wedding professionals become involve in styled shoots. And to our brides we highly recommend you watch for styled shoots on your social media as a way to match your personality and your vibe to that of the wedding vendors you will be looking to book for your own wedding day.
There are many fun traditions that you can include in your wedding to make it more enjoyable and memorable for you and your guests. Some of your traditions will come from your heritage or your family, some will be related to religious traditions. If you’re looking for some options to involve all your guests and keep everyone laughing here are some ideas:
1. Unity ceremony: This is a special moment during the wedding where the couple comes together to symbolize the joining of two families. Some popular unity ceremonies include the lighting of a unity candle, the mixing of sand, or the planting of a tree.
2. Photobooth: Setting up a photobooth is a great way to capture the memories of your wedding day. You can provide props and backdrops to make it even more fun.
3. Dance-off: You can have a dance-off between the bride and groom or between different groups of guests. This is a great way to get everyone up and moving and to keep the party going.
4. Signature cocktails: Create a special drink for your wedding and serve it as a signature cocktail. You can even have a competition to name the drink.
5. Guest book alternatives: Instead of a traditional guest book, you can provide something more interactive like a Polaroid camera and a scrapbook for guests to take pictures and write messages.
6. Surprise performance: Surprise your guests with a special performance during the wedding reception. This could be a dance routine, a musical performance, or a comedy act.
7. Food trucks: Consider having food trucks instead of a traditional sit-down meal. This will give your guests a variety of options and make the reception feel more relaxed and casual.
8. Group photos: Take group photos of all the guests at the wedding. This is a great way to capture the memories and show how much fun everyone had. 9. Games: Set up a games area with board games or lawn games like cornhole or giant Jenga. This is a great way to keep guests entertained during any downtime.
10. Caricature artist or magician to entertain guests during cocktail hour or the reception
11. Dance performance, such as a traditional cultural dance or a choreographed routine by the wedding party
12. Firework display or sparklers for a grand exit
13. Professional dance instructor to give dance lessons to guests
14. Slideshow or video montage showcasing the couple’s relationship and journey together
15. Photomontage or video montage played during the reception
16. Cultural dance performance, such as salsa, tango, or Bollywood dance performance.
Overall, the most fun traditions to include in a wedding are those that reflect your personality and interests as a couple, and that allow you and your guests to let loose, have fun, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Make sure to infuse your wedding with the traditions that represent you as a couple, and the life you are starting together.
For those who are planning a fall or winter wedding.
Spring is a time of renewal, growth, and hope. As the snow melts and the days get longer, we begin to see the world with fresh eyes and a renewed sense of purpose. It’s the perfect time to start planning for the future, whether it’s a new project, a new job, or a new life with someone special.
For those who are planning a fall or winter wedding, spring is the ideal time to start thinking about wedding gowns. It may seem like a daunting task, but with the right mindset and a little bit of planning, you can find the perfect gown that will make you feel beautiful and confident on your big day. Combined with the experience and guidance from our expert stylists at Sinders Bridal House in either Ottawa or Peterborough, you can rest assured you will find the perfect gown you can say yes to, so you can say I do.
If your wedding is this autumn or winter then ordering your gown now gives you just enough time for it to arrive and have a fitting with a qualified seamstress. But if your wedding is next spring or summer then one of the biggest advantages of choosing your wedding gown in the spring is that you have plenty of time to find the right dress. You won’t feel rushed or pressured to make a decision, and you can take your time to try on different styles and designs until you find the one that feels just right. We always suggest that if you feel you need that shopping experience, then by all means make one or two appointments with a bridal shop in your area. Then when you’ve narrowed your selections and feel like you’re ready to find the one that will meet all your expectations Sinders will be here to make sure it is perfect for you. Finding your gown with Sinders Bridal House ensures that you will always be taken care of, through making sure you’re comfortable with your decision, staying within budget, having the gown fitted down to every last detail, and even going to your wedding with to make sure that is perfect as well!
Another benefit of shopping for your wedding gown in the spring is that you can take advantage of the beautiful weather and natural light to see how the dress looks in natural lighting. This is especially important if you plan to have an outdoor wedding. By trying on dresses in natural lighting, you’ll be able to see how the dress looks in different lighting conditions and make sure it’s the perfect fit for your special day.
Finally, choosing your wedding gown in the spring allows you to focus on other aspects of your wedding planning as the summer months approach. You can rest easy knowing that you have your dress taken care of and move on to other important details, such as venue selection, floral arrangements, and catering.
In conclusion, spring is a great time to choose your wedding gown in preparation for a fall or winter wedding. By taking advantage of sales, natural lighting, and the time you have available, you can find the perfect dress that will make you feel confident and beautiful on your big day. So embrace the spring season and start planning your dream wedding today!
When it comes to choosing a wedding venue, location and season are two of the most important factors to consider. Not only will they impact the overall atmosphere and aesthetic of your special day, but they can also affect the logistics and cost of your wedding since all venues have peak seasons and days of the week resulting in higher costs.
Discuss, as a couple, early on in your planning what day of the week and time of day you want to have your wedding. Do you want a midday ceremony with a tea party reception in a more relaxed atmosphere or an evening ceremony with pictures taken in the sunset and a nighttime reception where everyone can party the night away.
One of the first questions you should ask each venue is about their availability on your desired wedding date. It’s also important to ask about the capacity of the venue and any restrictions on the number of guests you can invite. Additionally, you’ll want to inquire about the rental fees and any additional costs, such as for parking, linens, or tables and chairs.
It’s also a good idea to ask about the venue’s policy on decorations and if there are any restrictions on vendors. You’ll want to ensure that you have the flexibility to personalize your wedding to your liking.
Another factor to consider is the season in which you plan to get married. If you’re dreaming of an outdoor wedding, you’ll want to ask about the venue’s rain backup plan and whether or not they have a covered space in case of inclement weather. You’ll also want to consider the temperature and whether or not the venue has air conditioning or heating.
One of the biggest decisions you’ll need to make is whether to have an on-site planner on the day of the wedding or to hire a wedding planning company. Having an on-site planner can be convenient, as they will already be familiar with the venue and can help to coordinate all of the details on the day of the wedding. However, a wedding planning company can bring a fresh perspective and a wealth of experience to the table. They may have relationships with vendors and can often negotiate better rates, which can save you money in the long run.
Ultimately, the choice between an on-site planner and a wedding planning company will depend on your personal preferences and budget. Both options have their own set of benefits, so it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.
Choosing the right wedding venue is a crucial step when planning your wedding day. By considering factors such as location, season, and the availability of an on-site planner, you can find a venue that meets all of your needs and creates the perfect atmosphere for your dream wedding.
Above all – ask all the questions you might have. The best venues will be the most supportive and will have someone on their team dedicated to helping you through every part of the process.
If you ever need input or recommendations we are always here to offer suggestions. Having worked with many venues throughout both the Ottawa area and the Peterborough area we are more than happy to provide valuable input into choosing the perfect venue for our wedding day.
There are so many parts to consider when you start planning your wedding. Some of the first things might be choosing a venue, or finding your wedding gown. But there is an important step that can come a little bit later on in the planning process which every couple will need to do… Invitations.
There are a few different options to consider, each with its own pros and cons. Here’s a comparison of making your own invitations by buying a digital download on Etsy, buying pre-made invitations, and having a designer make and personalize them by hand:
Buying a digital download on Etsy: This is the most affordable option, as you can typically find a wide range of invitation templates for less than $20. The process is simple: just purchase the template, download it, and print it out at home or at a local print shop. You’ll need to have a good printer and some basic design skills to make the invitations look professional, but with a little bit of effort, you can create beautiful invitations on your own. The main downside is that you’ll be limited to the design options available on Etsy, so if you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for, you might have to settle for something close.
Buying pre-made invitations: If you don’t have the time or design skills to make your own invitations, you can purchase pre-made invitations online or at a local stationery store. These invitations are typically more expensive than digital downloads, but they’re also more convenient and often come with envelopes. The main downside is that you’ll be limited to the designs that are available, which might not match your wedding theme or style as closely as you’d like.
Having a designer make and personalize invitations by hand: If you want the most unique and personalized invitations, you might consider hiring a designer to create them for you. This is the most expensive option, but it also gives you the most flexibility in terms of design. You can work with the designer to come up with a completely custom invitation that matches your wedding theme and style perfectly. The main downside is the cost, as custom invitations can be quite expensive. But if knowing your guests will receive the perfect introduction to your wedding day is important to you then this is definitely an option you should explore.
Ultimately, the best option for you will depend on your budget, design skills, and how much time you have to devote to making your own invitations. If you have a limited budget and are comfortable with a DIY project, a digital download from Etsy might be the way to go. If you have a little more money to spend and don’t mind giving up some control over the design, pre-made invitations are a good choice. And if you want something truly unique and personalized, a designer might be the way to go.
In the end be sure it fits with the way you envision your wedding!
Congratulations on your engagement! Such an exciting time and there can be so many questions. Not to worry, we’ve been helping brides find their wedding gowns, and have been involved in weddings for over 20 years. We’re here to answer all the questions you have – even if it isn’t related to bridal gowns!
Sinders Bridal House has been in it’s Ottawa, Ontario location since 1987 and over the years we have had the pleasure of working with so many wedding professionals. It’s common for us, once the wedding season is over, to get together, lean into our creative sides, and work on a styled shoot. This gives us the opportunity to meet new people in our industry, but it also lets us share beautiful pictures with our followers, all created from our own imaginations.
What should my first step be?
Often from talking with our brides we hear that the first step is picking your venue. This has split recently considering post-pandemic weddings have branched out to include all sorts of different venues. If you plan to use a popular venue, if you really want to get married on a peak day like a Saturday or Sunday, or if you have one specific date in mind that absolutely has to be your wedding day. Then you should expect at least a year wait before your wedding can happen and the venue will need to be the first thing you plan because that will be your main starting point.
If you’re open to alternate solutions, or always loved the idea of getting married in your own backyard, then the venue will not likely be your biggest time constraint. At this point, you already have a partially formed idea of where you plan to have your wedding so you know the vibe you’re aiming for. This means your timelines might be more restricted by which piece is more important to your wedding day – wedding photographer, florist, or entertainment. And you can move forward even with separate steps even if you don’t have an exact date booked.
Secondary first steps…
We believe that the most important pieces of your wedding day – other than you and your fiancée(e)! – are the wedding photographer and your wedding gown. After all, those are the pieces that will create your memories that you will see hanging on your walls or posted on your social media for the rest of your life. Always read reviews when choosing your wedding photographer, but even more so, look through their portfolio to make sure that they match the look you want to have in your memories. Each photographer has a certain way they capture their images and a certain colour spectrum they work within. Are you looking for crisp colourful photos? Or what about black and white? Or blown out, or editorial style, or a bigger emphasis on candids? Always do your research on the photographers in your area, find a few in your style, then make an appointment to meet them. Honestly, they want to know that you will be a match personally just as much as you do. You both want to be sure that you’re on the same page from day one, so take this one seriously and you’ll love the visual memories you come away with.
Florists have busier seasons like all wedding professionals, but they also work within the constraints of which flowers and greenery are available at any given season. If you have your heart set on a specific flower or a certain colour scheme then it’s best to get input from the experts in this field so that you can book your wedding day within the correct time frame.
Entertainment. Meaning anything from a DJ to a live band to aerialists. This can be a pivotal part of your wedding day, or something that is extremely special to you as a couple. The more particular you get the more it will impact your timeline so find out when they are available early on before booking other professionals.
How finding your wedding dress fits into the timeline you have available.
When a bride asks us about timelines the simplest answer is that we love to be able to order your gown9-12 months ahead of your wedding day. This gives us room to breathe in the delivery process, as well as several months on the end for alterations to your wedding gown. Though that is the dream timing for us, we always have to mention that whatever timeline you have is the ideal timeline to find a gown. The shortest timeline we have ever worked with is one week. No, I’m not pulling your leg. We look at it as ‘where there’s a will, there’s a way’. Thankfully we also work with some incredible designers who have helped us out by working their magic to get a bride her gown on an impossible timeline. These are more stressful, not just for us, but for you (our bride) as well. We are nothing but grateful to the brides who place absolute trust in us in these situations. But please give as much time as you can to order your gown so that you know this vital piece is taken care of and will not be the cause of extra stress leading up to your wedding.
In the end, the best place to start is the part of your wedding that is the most important to you. Take some time to picture what you want your day to look like. Picture you in your gown, your groom in his suit, or your bride in her gown/suit. Picture your surroundings, and picture the overall plan of what you and your guests will do throughout the day or evening. Then discuss with your partner which aspects are the most important for both of you. From there you’ll have a short list of things to focus on – a starting point.
Good luck and remember. If you have questions or are looking for suggestions we love to help! It’s an honour for us to be involved in your wedding day and we love to share our knowledge and experience with our brides!
