5 Essential Wedding Planning Tips for Getting Back on Track After the Holidays
Feeling behind in your wedding planning after the holidays? In my 12 years of planning weddings and working with over 300 couples - I can assure you it happens and you’re not alone! The holiday season is magical, but it can also leave you feeling behind on wedding planning. Whether you’re getting married in Grand Rapids, Detroit, Chicago, or beyond - as a professional Michigan wedding planner, I’m here to help you refocus and set yourself up for success. Here are five essential wedding planning tips for getting back on track after the holidays.
TIP #1: Make Sure You’ve Ordered Your Bridal Gown
Your wedding dress is the centerpiece of your bridal look, and ordering it on time is crucial. Many gowns require several months for production, taking up to 4-6 months to ship. If you haven’t ordered yours yet, make this a priority as that doesn’t take into account the time needed for fittings and alterations. Once you’ve chosen the dress, it’s time to select bridesmaids gowns and other wedding fashion!
Stunning non-traditional wedding gown from Wed Co Wedding Wear in Grand Rapids, MI.
TIP #2: Secure All Your Vendors
Booking your vendors early is key to ensuring your wedding day goes off without a hitch. It’s always a good rule of thumb to have all your vendors booked by the beginning of the year in which you’re getting married. Don’t panic if you haven’t quite nailed down a ceremony musician or a bakery, but you definitely want to have the big players (venue, caterer, band or DJ, photographer, etc.) lined up. After the holidays, reach out to confirm your bookings or secure any remaining vendors. Your Grand Rapids wedding planner can assist in finding trusted professionals and managing contracts to keep everything on track. Do your best to have all your contracts signed and deposits placed by the end of January. Vendor referrals are included with all services available through Holden Michael Events.
TIP #3: Review Your Stationery Timeline
Take a minute to note when your save the dates and invitations should be mailed (it’s easy to overlook these and order them late!) Save-the-dates and invitations require careful timing. Review your stationery timeline to ensure you’re meeting important deadlines. Save the date cards should be mailed 6-8 months before the wedding, while invitations should go out 8-10 weeks before. You’ll want to order any printed materials 4-6 weeks before you plan to mail them, and even further in advance if you’re going to have a calligrapher address them. Work with your Grand Rapids wedding designer to finalize designs, confirm guest lists, and schedule mailings. Staying ahead on stationery will keep your guests informed and excited for your big day.
Custom invitation and wedding day stationary design by Electric Hues in Grand Rapids, MI.
TIP #4: Update Your Wedding Website
The purpose of your website is to convey information to guests regarding hotel accommodations, transportation schedules, and event details such as start times, attire, etc. You’ll definitely want to put the web address on your save the date. After the holidays, update it with any new details, including accommodations, schedules, and registry information. Make sure the site reflects your current plans and answers common questions. A well-maintained website reduces confusion and ensures everyone is on the same page. An online planning portal and wedding website are included with all wedding planning packages available through Holden Michael Events.
TIP #5: It’s Never Too Late to Get Help!
Feeling overwhelmed? Perhaps you’ve realized this whole wedding planning thing takes much more work than you expected, or that you simply don’t have the time or knowledge to create the fabulous event you’ve dreamed of. It’s never too late to enlist professional help. As a professional wedding planner, we can step in at any stage of the process to help you organize, prioritize, and execute your vision. We would be thrilled to chat with you about our planning, design, and coordination services and learn how we can help you pull off a truly memorable wedding! Click here to get started.
Springtime in the South wedding design inspired by the sights of spring in Savannah, GA.
If you set aside wedding planning the last couple months (or you’re newly engaged) - by implementing these five essential wedding planning tips for getting back on track after the holidays you’ll be well on your way to planning the wedding of your dreams.
Photography Credit: Kate English Photography
