June is almost HERE. Wedding season is in full swing and we are dusting off our emergency kits and clipboards in preparation for our summer couples! In May, we challenged our brides to complete a few tasks for us. Let’s do a quick check in – how did those tasks go? Were you able to schedule your hair and make-up trials? And how did that date night go with your hunny writing your vows and selecting your music? And of course, did you set your beauty regimen for the next couple weeks?
These little tasks were all suggested to help you stay on track and tackle a few tasks, to ensure that you stay according to schedule and stay calm throughout the final weeks of planning. Many of our couples are June, July, and August brides, so as you read our next wedding “to-do” reflect on what you’ve done or what you can refine. So, snag a piece of paper or reach for your calendar and let’s tackle a few more wedding items during the month of June!
Week 1:
It is time to review your budget with your fiance and/or wedding planner. As your wedding day approaches, it is important to keep a detailed track of your wedding finances. This week, if your budget is not up to date, spend some time ensuring that receipts have been imputed and you determine final payments. About one month before, your vendors will have final payments due. Reach out to those vendors or coordinate how you will make those final payments. Ensure that your budget is up to date and that there are no outstanding balances.
Week 2:
Now is the perfect time to pre-order your thank you cards! If you haven’t checked out our blog on thank you cards, and the etiquette of thank you cards, we highly suggest you do. Many couples say, well we are going to order thank you postcards. We urge you to select a meaningful thank you card that can be personalized for each guest. You can always pre-order thank you cards and then print off a wedding photo to add in the envelope.
Week 3:
At this time, you should have received all RSVP’s for your wedding. If you haven’t, ask for your wedding party’s support in reaching out to guests that haven’t responded. Sit down with your wedding coordinator or planner and begin to arrange your guests into their final seating arrangements. We suggest getting a poster board and drawing your table arrangements on the board. Cut or use small post-its to arrange your guests around your table. Keep in mind a few tips when arranging your guests – do not over pack your tables. You want your guests to be comfortable and not overcrowded during the reception. Be thoughtful about where you place your guests. Think about individuals that may spark conversations with one another or may encourage others to get out of their shells. Most importantly, plan the seating chart together. You want to make sure that you both approach the seating arrangement before it is finalized.
Week 4:
This is the perfect time to organize all of your wedding related things! We highly suggest that when you pack your items for the ceremony and reception that things are grouped together and labeled. For example, if you have specific items for the altar space, pack these in a clearly labeled box together. Or, if you have specific items for the sweetheart table, pack these away in a box together clearly labeled. Whether your wedding and event team is setting up, or your loved ones are pitching in, having organized and clearly labeled boxes is KEY. You want your supporters to know where everything should go, have access to a labeled layout, and be able to knock out tasks in a timely manner. Most importantly this will decrease your stress on your wedding day and allow you to focus on getting ready. So, spend time this month organizing your wedding and reception items. Everything should be purchased by this time and if it’s not, we highly recommend gathering your final items to pack up.
We will be honest, these last few weeks prior to your wedding day can often feel like a whirlwind. But, we definitely want your whirlwind to be in your control and cause the least amount of stress. So, print off this to-do list for June and knock these items out. If you’re able to tackle a little bit each week, your wedding day will run smoothly and be a success.
Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 18 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.