Q & A
Whether envisioning an intimate gathering of family and friends or a bash for the ages, thinking ahead, clear communication, and knowing what to expect is everything. Below are some popular questions and answers* relating to the various stages of planning your special occasion.
For more detailed questions relating to an upcoming wedding or party, please email Bev and her team here.
Q: How much time in advance should we begin to plan our wedding or special event?
A: While each wedding (or special event) is unique, a good rule of thumb is 9 - 12 months. Keep in mind that a lot happens in the first three months alone — it’s time to lay the foundation and commit to your vendors that are only able to take on one wedding or event in a weekend.
Q: What’s the first step in planning our wedding or special event?
A: Establishing a ballpark budget. This will help you more efficiently navigate the critical first decisions.
Q: Is hiring a Wedding or Event Planner an absolute necessity?
A: Hiring a planner before committing to your venue and guest list can be invaluable. The planner will offer helpful guidance on cost commitments associated with your favorite venues and help you think through the pros and cons of your headcount as it relates to the type of ceremony and party you would like to throw.
Q: What should we expect re: deposits?
A: Again, every wedding and event is different. If you are doing a tented event, be prepared to put deposits down on tenting, restrooms, power, and lighting early on in the process.
Q: What else besides venue should we plan on booking early?
A: Photographer, band/DJ, officiant, hair and makeup, and printed material partner. Why hair and makeup so early? You will be spending a lot of time with your stylists, and it is a very personal decision. The talent books surprisingly quick.
Q: When is the proper time to first engage our guests?
A: Save the dates should be mailed no later than six months. In today’s era, save the dates are sometimes being mailed much earlier, around nine months. Whether you plan to mostly communicate via snail mail or not, you will want to have everyone’s email on hand for updates or emergency communications.
Q: Should we have a dedicated website?
A: Wedding websites are an excellent way to communicate with your guests leading up to the date and to share memories after the wedding or special occasion.
Q: What are some of the things we should begin to focus on three to six months out?
A: This is the time to bring it all to life and make final decisions. Schedule menu tastings, plan design presentations, design and taste your cake, pick your bridesmaids dresses, write your vows.
Q: When should our invitations go out?
A: Thee months out. This will allow plenty of time for replies given the slower mail system. Digital RSVPs are totally fine too, but it’s best going either all paper or all digital.
Q: What should we be focused on during the last two months before our wedding?
A: Personal touches such as narrowing in on your set list for the band, any special dances, your ceremony, and who will be toasting during the weekend events. Focusing on health, beauty, and wellness is also important leading up to the special occasion.
Q: What are some of the final to-do’s before our wedding or special event?
A: Sign off on your wedding run of show. It is critical to go through this exercise so not only you, your family, and bridal party know what is going on, but to be sure your creative and vendor team are all on the same page. Also crucial: make sure you have your marriage license and your officiant has everything they need to legalize the marriage; plan your final payments; finalize your seating for both the rehearsal dinner and wedding; and, above all else, make sure you have your rings.
*Courtesy of Augusta Cole and Vogue Magazine