How Long Does it Take to Plan a Wedding? – Part 2
The Final Stages of Wedding Planning
Welcome to our second of edition on how long it takes to plan a wedding! If you haven’t read Part 1, CLICK HERE. In this article, you’ll learn about what needs to happen from six months before the wedding all the way through the big day itself, whether it’s held on a Sunset cruise in San Francisco or a more traditional venue.
Time until Wedding: 4–6 Months
During this window, you’ll need to plan the wedding rehearsal and dinner and make arrangements for dress fittings, according to this sample timeline from The 228. If you desire your invitations to be addressed by a calligrapher, now is the time to secure one: Invitations need to go out during this time so that potential guests have time to respond. If needed, pre-wedding counseling should occur now. Other items to handle include:
- Picking and purchasing wedding rings.
- Plan the ceremony itself, including seating, as well as hair and makeup appointments for the day of the wedding.
- Order the groomsmen outfits and wedding favors.
Time until Wedding: 2–4 Months
The next phase has some mandatory duties, especially writing your vows, ordering all incidentals, and arranging toasts. Other options that aren’t essential but are worth considering include:
- Picking and securing wedding party gifts.
- Taking dance lessons.
- Setting up a newspaper announcement.
It’s completely natural to feel stressed at this stage (or any other). If you’re encountering stress, MagnetStreet recommends laughing whenever you can and getting some exercise.
Time until Wedding: One Month
One month out, it’s time to take care of these items:
- Check in with vendors and the bridal party.
- Apply for a marriage license.
- Send out rehearsal dinner invitations.
- Produce wedding programs (if desired).
- Write and send thank-you notes for any early gifts.
Time until Wedding: 1–2 Weeks
Tasks to handle 1–2 weeks out include:
- Review your RSVPs and contact anyone who hasn’t responded.
- Break in your shoes and get a final haircut and/or coloring.
- Finalize the headcount
- Create an emergency kit.
- Assign a wedding-day point person.
Keep in mind that a wedding planner can act as a point person. If you did not hire a wedding planner, pick someone you trust to handle details for you on your big day. They can be sure that all the details are falling into place. They can follow up with the venue where your reception will be held whether it be a hall or yacht charter in San Francisco. You will want someone to handle any issues that may come up on the day of your wedding so you can just be in the moment.
Time until Wedding: 1–3 Days
During this window, the rehearsal and the dinner usually occur. You’ll also want to make arrangements to pay and tip vendors. Assign someone to handle rental returns and the collection of your items post-reception.
The Wedding Day
The day of your wedding, final tasks before the event include giving the best man the officiant’s fee (to pass along after the ceremony) and distributing the wedding bands to the best man and maid of honor. Also designate someone to take the wedding gown for cleaning after the ceremony.
Enjoy Your Day with a Sunset Cruise in San Francisco!
Enjoy the results of your hard work and the big day itself! If you want a hand with the planning, especially when it comes to setting up a San Francisco boat cruise, Commodore Cruises and Events would love to hear from you and help you plan and enjoy your big day.