Photo by Wallflower Photography

Washington ABC Resources

12 months in advance:

Venues and Catering

The location sets the tone for the event and should be one of the first things selected after becoming engaged.

Ask about any restrictions including the type and volume of music, the number of guests allowed, use of an outside caterer, decorations, parking, setup times, etc.

Ask the Caterer if there are tastings or open houses that you can attend to taste their food and see their presentation.

Before signing a contract, understand all of the charges - does it include tax, gratuity, set-up, equipment rentals, bartender charges, etc.? If you book the site for 5 hours, does that include the set-up and clean-up or just the actual reception?

8 to 12 months before wedding:

Wedding Attire

Look in the bridal magazines to get a feel for the look you want to portray and then try on several gowns. You may be surprised by what feels right and looks good.

Read the purchase contract. How many fittings and what type of alterations are included?

The formality of the tuxedos or suits should match the formality of the gowns.

Have out-of-town attendants go to their local formal wear shop to be professionally measured. Most shops will do this for free.

Find out when the tuxes will be available for fittings. If possible, try to pick up the suits two days before the wedding so that there is a full day to correct any errors with the order.

Photographer and Videographer

Choose a professional who is experienced in producing wedding videos and who uses quality video production and editing equipment. Picture and sound should be crystal clear, and the colors should be accurate.

It is very important to see a sample of the Photographer's work. Find the style that makes you feel comfortable and be sure to communicate your wishes regarding formal photos, candid shots. Create a checklist.

Check with your church to find out the rules regarding videography and photography.

6 to 12 months before the wedding:

Rentals

All event rentals are best reserved early to secure your first choice. Quantities can always be adjusted closer to your wedding date.

Ask about deposits, cancellation fees, and delivery/setup services.

6 to 8 months before the wedding:

Entertainment

The personality of a DJ is one of the most important aspects in hiring a DJ. If there are many DJs in a company, be sure to meet your DJ in person and get his/her name in the contract.

Discuss the type of music you want played. Discuss the DJ or band's dress code, the events you want announced and when you expect them to arrive for set-up.

Ask about charges - is there a flat rate or do they charge by the hour? Will the DJ or band be available for overtime if requested and what does it cost?

When considering a band, try to listen to the musicians during a live performance. Ask a band how many breaks they will take and for how long? Will they provide recorded music during the breaks? Do the musicians expect you to feed them?

Flowers

Visit florists' websites and set appointments with the ones that most closely match the look you'd like to portray on your wedding day.

When you meet with a florist, bring any photos of flowers you like, fabric or ribbon samples, your invitation and anything else that might convey your wishes for your floral palette.

Prepare a list of all personal flowers needed (remember to include siblings, ushers, readers, soloists, etc.) Giving individual names can make it easier for your florist to know who will receive flowers upon delivery.

6 months before wedding:

Invitations

Invitations come in various formats from paper to digital. For paper invitations, consider the type of printing you will use: thermography, engraved, offset or letterpress. For digital Allow plenty of time when ordering - four months in advance minimum suggested.

Will you hand address your invitations or use a calligrapher?

Officiant

Is the officiate willing to have a complimentary meeting to ensure that you're a match?

Is the officiate able and willing to help you put your ceremony together, including personalizing your ceremony and understanding that the ceremony should be a reflection of the couple?s wishes and beliefs?

3 to 4 months before the wedding:

Cake

Be sure to sample the cake. Choose a reputable baker who specializes in wedding cakes and who has experience transporting multi-tiered cakes, and setting up the cake at your venue.

Wedding cakes are generally priced by the number of people they serve and the complexity of the decoration. There is usually a delivery charge. Get all of your charges on the contract.

If you are using fresh flowers for the cake top, be sure to coordinate whether the florist or the baker is responsible for placing the flowers on the cake.

6 to 8 weeks before the wedding:

Timing for mailing your invitations.