When you first start planning a wedding, you may be overwhelmed by the sheer number of jobs you have on your to-do list. The good news is that you don’t have to do everything right away. However, there are certain things that you shouldn’t try and organize at short notice. Nobody wants to be stressing out on the run-up to their big day. If you’re planning your wedding, here’s what not to leave until the last minute.
The venue
The venue is the first booking most couples make. If you’re looking for a venue weeks or even months before your wedding, you may find that availability is an issue. It’s particularly important to book a venue early if you want to get married on a public holiday or during the summer months.
The dress
When you go shopping in normal life, you can grab things off the rail and take them instantly. With wedding dresses, it’s not always so simple. You try on samples, and if you like the style, the salon will order your dress, which will usually arrive around 6-12 months later. It is possible to buy samples off the rail, but there’s no guarantee that they will fit you or that you’ll find a gown you absolutely love. If you want your dress to be perfect, it’s best to give yourself plenty of time. Once the dress has arrived, you’ll also have to factor in time for fittings and alterations.
The rings
You can buy wedding rings from jewelry stores or order them online, but it’s always wise to leave a couple of months just in case you want a specific style, you want to design or make your own rings, or you need a size that isn’t in stock. If you need a ring resizing, it may need to be sent away, so don’t leave ring shopping until the day before the wedding.
The photographer
If you’re desperate for incredible photographs of your wedding, you’re probably interested in hiring a professional wedding photographer rather than asking a friend to casually snap away on the day. Photographers take bookings months even years in advance, so if you want the very best, it’s wise to get in there early.
Bridesmaid dresses
If you’ve got a party of girls to dress, the process can be time-consuming. First, you’ve got to find a dress that everyone loves, and then you may have to order it in and arrange fittings. If you’re buying off the rail, you don’t have to worry too much, but if you’re ordering a gown online or from a bridal salon, it’s best to get sorted around 3-6 months in advance.
When you’re planning a wedding, it’s always a good idea to be as organized as possible. There are lots of things you can do with weeks to go, but don’t leave trying to find a dress, booking a venue or choosing rings until the last minute. Often, these things take time, and nobody wants to be panicking that gowns or rings aren’t going to arrive in the days before the big day.