WEDDINGthe PLANNING complete GUIDE THE COMPLETE WEDDING GUIDE
table of contents
3 WHAT EVERY BRIDE NEEDS TO KNOW 5 TIPS FOR STRESS-FREE WEDDING PLANNING 7 WEDDING PREP TIMELINE 9 NARROWING DOWN WEDDING WANTS 12 THE WISDOM OF OTHERS 13 WHO’S INVITED TO WHAT? 15 CHOOSING TABLE NAMES 18 THE WEDDING WEBSITE 21 TOP REGISTRY LISTS 24 WEDDING SONGS 25 WEDDING SEND OFFS IDEAS 28 ONE FINAL NOTE WHAT EVERY BRIDE needs to KNOW
You’re going to be married for over fifty years, but you only get to be engaged for this short period of time I’m sure you mind is racing with all that needs to planned. It’s all very exciting, but it can also be somewhat overwhelming. By the time you get the hang of it, the planning is over! The goal of this guide is to help you plan your wedding day. AND I packed it with all of my best secrets for getting the best out of your wedding planning experience, so let’s dive right in! 1. UTILIZE A WEDDING TIMELINE
This is not one of those fly by the seat of your pants type of events. Make an outline of what’s going to happen when and stick to it. I’ve included on for tips for stress-free wedding planning you on the next page! 2. FIGURE OUT TOP PRIORITIES
Sit down and make a list of your top three priorities. For me and my husband they were 1) photography 2) that the food was delicious 3) that our guests had a good time.
3. DELEGATE
If someone else is fully capable of doing it and you trust them complelety . . . Well . . . loosen the reigns just a tad and let them handle it.
4. ESTABLISH “NO WEDDING TALK” TIME ASAP
Wedding planning is stressful and can take over your entire life and relation- No one told me you were a professional at running marathons! I ship. Make sure you have some sacred time to just be with your love and enjoy seriously can’t believe it. Well, planning a wedding is a lot like life. running a marathon. Or so i’ve been told. Personally I’ve never run a full marathon so I wouldn’t know. But it’s nice to think 5. PREP YOUR EMERGENCY BAG that after you’ve finished planning your wedding you could be a marathon runner! And girl, I am practically your bestie in this Your wedding is going to be an extremely long day. You may need to pack a few supplies to help you get through it all. I’m talking about, stain remover, a thing. I’ve actually been referred to as another bridesmaid with a small minature sewing kit, double sided tape, safety pins, bobby pins and dif- camera, so I look at this way.. It’s my job to make your life as easy ferent select items to touch up your makeup later in the evening. as possible right now. So here are several tips & tidbits to make sure that you keep your head on straight through the process. 6. PREPARE TIP ENVELOPES
It is not uncommon to tip the vendors at your wedding. My personal sugges- tion? Prep the tip envelopes and give them to someone you trust, so that they can make sure that your vendors get them on the day of the event. Make sure the envelopes are clearly labeled.
WEDDING PLANNING GUIDE | 5 Wedding Prep
12+ MONTHS BEFORE: 4 - 6 MONTHS BEFORE: TIMELINE [ ] Announce your engagement [ ] Book rehearsal dinner [ ] Plan your engagement party [ ] Research wedding insurance [ ] Create your wedding registry [ ] Update your registry [ ] Decide on a budget [ ] Plan and book honeymoon ONE OF THE FIRST THINGS YOU’LL PROBABLY BE THINKING [ ] Purchase wedding accesories about is when to start taking care of everything! So I’ve included a sample [ ] Schedule your ceremony rehearsal timeline, that the Queen herself would be proud of! IF you’re more of an app 10 - 12 MONTHS BEFORE: [ ] Book accomodations for your wedding kinda person I get it! The Knot has an AMAZING wedding checklist on their [ ] Select your wedding date night app! And it is so incredibly detailed! But best of all... it’s totally free! [ ] Start your guest list [ ] Find and book wedding planner 2 - 3 MONTHS BEFORE: And they wrote an amazing blog post about wedding planning with a 12 [ ] Choose a color scheme [ ] Address and send wedding invitations month calendar that you can find here: https://www.theknot.com/content/12- [ ] Select your bridal party [ ] Order wedding favors month-wedding-planning-countdown [ ] Find and book your venue [ ] Schedule fittings for wedding gown [ ] Book your photographer and tux [ ] Book your videographer [ ] Purchase wedding rings [ ] Book your florist [ ] Purchase guest book [ ] Book your caterer [ ] Write your vows [ ] Order your wedding dress and tux [ ] Send rehearsal dinner invitations [ ] Confirm your wedding day 7- 9 MONTHS BEFORE: [ ] Create wedding hashtag 1 MONTH BEFORE: [ ] Create wedding website [ ] Obtain wedding rings [ ] Book your band or DJ [ ] Call guests who haven’t RSVP’d [ ] Research songs [ ] Pick up wedding attire [ ] Book your officiat [ ] Confirm with all vendors [ ] Finalize vendor team [ ] Assign duties to wedding party [ ] Finalize guest list [ ] Create seating chart [ ] Order attire for wedding party [ ] Reserve a room block for guests 1 WEEK BEFORE: [ ] Create and send save-the-dates [ ] Pack for honeymoon [ ] Find and order wedding cake [ ] Pull together last minute essentials [ ] Find and order invitations [ ] Confirm final deposits [ ] Find and order any event rentals [ ] Prepare thank you notes or tips [ ] Book hair and makeup
WEDDING PLANNING GUIDE| 7 WWW.SUSANNAHLYNN.COM | 8 NARROWING DOWN WEDDING WANTS
Hiring a full - service wedding planner |OR| Hiring a day - of coordinator
Buying or renting decor for the event(s) |OR| Doing DIY projects to save money
All inclusive wedding venue |OR| Hiring more vendors
Amazing, jaw dropping, venue |OR| Somewhere that is ok, and convenient
Bigger guest list & less food |OR| Smaller guest list & more food
Band |OR| DJ
Off season wedding |OR| Married during the spring or summer
Leave for the honeymoon the day after the wedding |OR| Post wedding brunch THE WISDOM OF OTHERS
Sometimes the easiest thing to do to make sure you get everything that you want on your wedding day is to ask someone else. Below you have a list of questions to ask a few of your recently wed friends.
1. Favorite memory from your wedding? 2. Number one piece of advice for planning? 3. One thing we have to do on our wedding day? 4. Thing you worried most about that didn’t matter on the day? 5. What part do you wish you spent more time planning? 6. What do you wish you spent more money on? 7. What do you wish you spent less money on? 8. Logistics you wish you’d thought about? WHO’S INVITED TO WHAT
HAVE YOU BEEN WONDERING to invite your close friends, family who exactly should be invited to members, and bridal party! The what? If you have you’re NOT alone! rehearsal dinner is a great time to Obviously, everyone is invited to connect with out of town guests, the actual wedding! For the Bridal your family, and your bridal party! shower etiquette dictates that you Only the bridal party needs to be only invite people who are invited at the rehearsal. After the wedding to the wedding! Here you can some couples choose to have a invite your family, bridal party, post-wedding brunch! This is a and friends! The bachelorette/ great place to say good bye to out bachelor party is the perfect place of town guests!
Don’t forget to have fun!
WEDDING PLANNING GUIDE | 13 choosingTABLE NAMES
Really quick I want to give you a few ideas for your table names at your reception so your guests can find their seats and you can add a ton of personality to the special day. As always, take what you like.
1. Standard table numbers 2. Cities you've traveled to 3. Favorite TV Shows 4. Favorite movies 5. Favorite literary figures 6. Superheroes 7. Words for "love" in other languages 8. Colors 9. Favorite bands 10. Famous couples 11. Animals 12. Significant years in your lives
WEDDING PLANNING GUIDE | 15 WWW.SUSANNAHLYNN.COM | 16 THE WEDDING WEBSITE
Not only is a website for your website pretty ecofriendly and a super easy way to share information with guests pretty much all around the world, but it's just a smart idea. This is the 21st century after all. So here is practically everything that you need to include on your site!
.THE BASICS: PHOTOS: REGISTRY: - Names - Across the Years - Link to online registry - Date - Engagment Photos - Honeymoon fund - Times - Venue Photos - Locations SCHEDULE: - Countdown RSVP: - Pre-Wedding Activities - Attending/ Not Attending - Day-Of Wedding TRAVEL: - Number of Guests -Post Wedding Events - Airport Information - Mailing Address - Where to Stay - Dietary Restrictions CONTACT: - How to Get Around - Meal Choice - Phone Number - What to Do in Town - Email address FAQS: - Mailing address YOUR STORY: - RSVP Deadline - How You Met - Plus Ones WEDDING PARTY: - When You Knew - Are Children Allowed - List of Wedding Party - The Proposal - What to Wear - Photos of Wedding Party - A Day in the Life - Parking - Indoor or Outdoor - Accessibility - Photos & Social Media Rules
WWW.SUSANNAHLYNN.COM | top registy tips When it comes to the wedding gift registry, there may be a ton of things you "need" and a few things you actually need. That's not for me to decide at all. But, I know that alot of people struggle with figuring out where to start and what to put on their wedding registry so here are some ideas of the most popular items. Obviously, much like a buffet, take what you like.
DO DON’T
Set up your wedding registry as Take your wedding registry down soon as possible right after the wedding. Wait a few months for everyone who Include your website link on all hasn’t had the chance to purchase wedding stationary something yet.
Give a range of options and price Ask for money straight out. In- points stead say something like:
Send hand written thank you Help us take our dream honeymoon notes Help us get the downpayment on our forever home
• Mixer • Spatula • Knife Set • Throw blan- • Pots & Pans • Tongs • Bedding ket • Measuring • Serving utensils • Towels • Cake stand Cups • Ice Cream scoop • Wash cloths • Soap dispenser • Cookie Sheets • Plates • Vacuum • Shower cur- • Cooling rack tains
WWW.SUSANNAHLYNN.COM | 22 WEDDING SONGS
Who doesn't love good music? I know that I do. Sometimes it's difficult to know what songs to add to your wedding playlist. Sometimes the DJ, or live band, has you covered and often times they want to know what songs are you dying to hear. This somewhat hefty playlist should definitely help you out.
• All of Me - John Legend • Single Ladies - Beyonce • Dear Future Husband - • A Thousand Years - Chris- • Cha Cha Slide - DJ Casper Meghan Trainor tina Perri • (I've Had) The Time of My • Can't Hurry Love - Diana • Can't Help Falling in Love Life - Bill Medley Ross & The Supremes - Elvis Presley • Endless Love - Diana Ross • I Want You To Want Me - • I Wanna Dance with • How Deep Is Your Love - Letters to Cleo Somebody - Whitney Bee Gees • Your Love - Nicki Minaj Houston • Best Part - Daniel Caesar • All You Need is Love - The • Marry You - Bruno Mars Ft. H.E.R Beatles • My Girl - The Temptations • I Could Fall In Love - • Reign Of Love - Coldplay • Don't Stop Believin' - Selena • Halo - Beyonce Journey • (What A) Wonderful • I Choose You - Sara Bareilles • Uptown Funk - Bruno World - Sam Cooke • Ave Maria - Schubert • You Are the Best Thing - • The Way You Look To- • Dynamite- Taio Cruz Ray LaMontagne night - Frank Sinatra • Good Life - Kanye West ft. • Make You Feel My Love - • Speechless - Dan + Shay T-Pain Adele • Like A Star - Corinne Bai- • One Call Away - Charlie • I'm Yours - Jason Mraz ley Rae Puth • I Gotta Feeling - The Black • Dont Change - Musiq • My Wish - Rascall Flatts Eyed Peas Soulchild • Stand By Me - Ben E King • Let's Stay Together - Al • As - Marsha Ambrosius & • You've Got A Friend in Me - Green Anthony Hamilton Randy Newman • September - Earth, Wind • Say You Won't Let Go - • A Song For Mama - Boyz 2 & Fire James Arthur Men • Happy - Pharrell Williams • (Everything I Do) I Do It • My Best Friend - Tim Mc- • Better Together - Jack For You - Bryan Adams Graw Johnson • Until the End of time • From the Ground Up - Dan • Amazed - Lonestar - Justin Timberlake ft. + Shay • Brown Eyed Girl - Van Beyonce • Ring of Fire - Johnny Cash Morrison • I Wanna Know - Joe • More Than Anyone - Gavin • Hey Ya! - OutKast • Come Away With Me - DeGraw • Wonderufl Tonight - Eric Norah Jones • All My Life - KC & JoJo Clapton • Angel of Mine - Monica • Billie Jean - Micheal Jackson • Sweet Caroline - Neil Dia- • Never Too Much - Luther • When I Fall In Love - Nat mond Vandross King Cole • Crazy in Love - Beyonce • Amazed - Lonestar • I Do - Colbie Caillat • Thinking Out Loud - Ed • Dangeriously in Love - • Stay - Rihanna, Mikky Ekko Sheeran Beyonce • 1,2,3,4 - Plain White Ts • What a Wonderful World • Just The Way You Are - • Firework - Katy Perry • Signed, Sealed, Delivered - Bruno Mars • I Will Wait - Mumford & ENGAGEMENT STYLE GUIDE | 5 Stevie Wonder • Glamorous - Fergie ft. Sons There was a time not long ago when people threw rice at the bride and groom. I mean, that was absolutely ador- able, perfect for sunday dinner, joking here, but now peo- ple are getting really creative with how they are sending the couple off. Here are some ideas... that are not rice.
1. Flowers and Petals 2. Artifical Snow 3. Leaves 4. Birdseed 5. Ribbon Wands 6. Bubbles 7. Confetti 8. Lavender 9. Aromatics 10. Feathers 11. Sparklers SEND OFF IDEAS 12. Pom Poms 13. Paper Airplanes 14. Glow Sticks that are sure to leave the talking 15. Eco-fetti 16. Ribbon & Bell Wands 17. Heart Shaped Confetti 18. Rainbow Sprinkles 19. Spirited Cheer Poms 20. Mini Beach Balls 21. Sky Lanterns 22. White Streamers 23. Cheery Flags 24. Napkins 25. Bells 26. Silver & Gold Confetti 27. Kazoos 28. Marshmallows 29. Silly String 30. Pinwheels 31. Herb Toss (Mint, Basil, etc) 32. Light Saber 33. Harry Potter Wands 34. Colorful Smoke Bombs 3. Maracas
WEDDING PLANNING GUIDE | 25 I KNOW I JUST GAVEone YOU final A LOT note TO THINK ABOUT. I CREATED this guide to help make your wedding planning experience something you’ll look back fondly on for years and years to come. At the end of the day, though, the location you choose, the colors, and the outfits you select won’t matter nearly as much as the memories you make together. Your future marriage is the most important thing to me! Remember to just be yourselves and enjoy it. Have fun together. Laugh a lot.
Xo, Susannah Lynn [email protected] www.susannahlynn.com