What's Next?

....continued from "You're engaged....now what???"

You have your budget, guest list, venue, bridal party, and most of your vendors booked. By this time you should have a good idea of your color palette and style.

​So, what's next? I created a list of what else there is to do. Keep in mind this is a very generic list because everyone's wedding is different and some things won't apply to you. 

11. Officiant
You will need someone to perform the ceremony and legally marry you! You may have an officiant provided for you by your church or you may need to bring in your own. You can hire someone or choose someone you know. If they are not ordained, it is super simple online. 

12. Bridal party attire
You will likely need bridesmaid dresses, groomsmen suits, flower girl dresses, etc. Whether you choose the exact outfit, just the style, or just the color, you will not want to wait on this. Sometimes these things can take a long time to come in and they will likely need alterations. 

13. Florals
If you have a florist you love book them! Even if you do not have all of the details yet. You likely won't be able to get a quote until you know more details. Once you have attire figured out, colors, general idea of what you want (long tables vs. round tables, ceremony arch, how many bouquets, etc.), then it's time to make that appointment with your florist! It's a good idea to save some photos of things you like to share with your florist and listen to their advice on how that will work or not work. They are the experts. 

Florals by the Flower Alley Photo by Raelani Stockwell Photography

14. Hair and Makeup
This one is often put off and shouldn't be. Hair and Makeup artists book up fast! Especially on location artists. So book services for yourself, all the ladies in your bridal party, and don't forget any moms.

17. Timeline
You probably won't have every timing detail yet but it is a good idea to have a ceremony and reception start times and end times. This will help with your vendors' timing and figuring out the logistics of everything before the wedding (If you hire a Wedding Coordinator, they should be creating this timeline with you.)

15. Food
This is probably the most important thing to your guests! Make sure you try the food and have a good variety of things. 

16. Dessert
My favorite part! You have to have dessert. Guests expect it! But you do not have to have cake! You can have enough cake for everyone, a small cut cake, or no cake at all! You can have donuts or an ice cream cart. Dessert tables with mini desserts are my fav! They look amazing and tie in to the details and guests can try multiple things. 

Cake by Bella e Dolce Photo by Raelani Stockwell Photography

18. Hire any remaining vendors 
Some other vendors you may want are ceremony musicians, a photobooth, transportation for bridal party and/or your guests, lighting, rentals, and a stationery designer. 

19. Things to Buy
You will probably need to buy things like a card box. But do you really need a huge list of things? 
Check out "Things you need and things you don't need" for some of the small details.