Recently Engaged, Now What? Breaking Down the Wedding Planning Process
It's finally here! You've just taken the first step toward starting the next chapter in your life. Planning a wedding can feel daunting, but we’re here to point you in the right direction and give you a helpful planning timeline to help you remain calm, cool and collected during the wedding planning process.
It's finally here! You've just taken the first step toward starting the next chapter in your life. Planning a wedding can feel daunting, but we’re here to point you in the right direction and give you a helpful planning timeline to help you remain calm, cool and collected during the wedding planning process.
FIRST THINGS FIRST
soak it in
Celebrate the moment! Take some time to enjoy the newly-engaged life - pop some champagne, celebrate with your loved ones, and show off that ring! You don’t have to start planning right away, especially if you are planning for a longer engagement, enjoy the moment and start planning when you are ready.
take engagement photos
Begin researching photographers that fit the vibe you’re going for and book an engagement session! It’s important to take engagement photos early so you have enough time to receive your photos, decide on your favorites, and create a beautiful Save The Date.
gather inspiration
Start dreaming about your big day! Create a Pinterest board, browse through wedding trends on Instagram, and read through wedding blogs to begin curating your own wedding vision.
draft a guest list + BOOK YOUR VENUE
As soon as your guest list is set, start researching venues that align with your wedding vision, location, and can accommodate your desired guest count. Don’t wait to book your wedding venue! If you have your heart set on a certain month (or even date), waiting to book your venue could lead to unnecessary stress and disappointment.
SELECT a CATERER
We recommend scheduling tastings with at least two caterers so you can compare their menus and pricing. Rustic Manor 1848 works off a wonderful list of preferred caterers who offer a wide variety of food types at different price points. We have no doubt that you will find something that satisfies your tastebuds and fits within your budget!
BOOK any “MUST HAVE” VENDORS
If there are any wedding vendors that you must have to make your wedding vision come to life, book them right away! Desirable vendors can book up quickly, so don’t waste any time if you know you need to have them as part of your dream wedding vendor team.
MONTHLY MILESTONES
6-9 months before
book remaining vendors
order wedding dress + bridesmaid dresses
finalize guest list
mail your save the dates
build wedding registry
begin planning day-of timeline
9-12 month before
Order Save The Dates
Start Dress Shopping
reserve room block(s)
continue to gather inspiration
conduct research on wedding vendors
build your wedding website
2-4 months before
finalize details with florist
order wedding cake + dessert
discuss ceremony details with officiant
choose songs for ceremony + reception
send out invitations (3 months before)
plan bar + beverage selections
4-6 months before
book wedding day transportation
research rehearsal dinner options
order wedding stationary
book honeymoon accommodations
purchase wedding rings
shop for SUITS / TUXES
FINAL WEEKS
CREATE SEATING CHART
CONFIRM FINAL DETAILS WITH VENDORS
PICK UP WEDDING RINGS
PACK FOR WEDDING DAY
ORDER LATE NIGHT SNACK
PICK UP DRESS + MEN’S FORMAL WEAR
1-2 months before
hair and makeup trials
finalize timeline + floor plan
order linens
get marriage license
finalize menu with caterer
CONFIRM REHEARSAL DINNER PLANS
Stressed about wedding planning? No need, the Rustic Manor 1848 Team is here for you and is happy to answer any questions you may have during your wedding planning process! If you’re interested in learning more about our wedding packages or are ready to get the planning process started, visit the Rustic Manor 1848 website. We are excited to discuss your vision and help you plan a wedding that’s perfect for you and your partner.
10 Things Every Bride Should Do the Morning of Their Wedding
Planning a wedding means feeling like you have a never ending to-do list. In all your planning, it’s important to make sure you add these 10 things to your “Wedding Day To-Do List” to ensure it’s everything you hoped it would be!
The birds are chirping, the sun is shining bright in the sky, and the moment you’ve been waiting for is finally here - it’s your wedding day! In a few short hours, you’ll be walking down the aisle to marry the love of your life.
Sure, you may have some pre-wedding jitters, and there are probably a million different thoughts running through your head. But it’s important to remember that your wedding day is supposed to be fun! So, leave your worries behind, jump out of bed, take a deep breath, and make sure that you’re doing these 10 things the morning of your wedding:
1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
Start your day by drinking a big glass of water. Many brides understand the importance of staying hydrated, and drinking a glass of water early in the morning will certainly help.
2. Take a Deep Breath (or Two)
You’ve spent countless hours planning your wedding, and everything is ready for your big day. All that’s left for you to do is sit back, take a deep breath, and relax. You got this!
3. Take A Walk Down Memory Lane
Before all the hustle and bustle of the day begins, maybe while you’re taking in some of those deep relaxing breaths, open your phone and scroll through the photos you have saved of your journey together. Laugh at those early, goofy photos and smile upon those more recent ones. This is your person! Today’s going to be an amazing day with them.
4. Go Over Your Checklist
A few weeks before your wedding, make a checklist of everything that you’ll need to bring with you. This way, you can go over this list on the morning of your wedding and ensure that you don’t forget any essential items.
5. Eat Breakfast
Eating a delicious and nutritious breakfast in the morning will fuel you for the rest of the day. So please, don’t skip breakfast - you’re going to need it!
6. Change Into Something Comfortable
Put on a robe, sweatpants, or whatever clothing you feel the most comfortable in.
Chances are, you have a lot of pampering and prep ahead of you and comfort is key during this time. Personally, we recommend loose fitting clothing, no watch and no hair ties around your wrist. These things can leave lines on your skin for hours so skip them altogether!
7. Rehearse Your Vows
Take some time out to rehearse your vows. Even if you know them by heart, reviewing them one last time doesn't hurt. After all, practice makes perfect!
8. Get Your Glam On
Glam is one of the most fun parts of your wedding morning! So sit back, get your hair and makeup done, and embrace your inner queen. Today is your day, and you deserve to be pampered.
9. Listen to Music (and Have a Dance Party, Too)
There’s nothing like listening to some of your favorite songs or even some old school jams to get you pumped up on your wedding day. By all means, try to sneak in a dance party with your tribe too!! You know they’ll be down for all the hype vibes that morning!
10. Pop Some Champagne
Last but certainly not least, gather up your tribe and pop that champagne! It’s time to celebrate your special day while also taking the time to show appreciation for all of the amazing friends and family who have helped you along the way. There’s some delicious sparkling cider options out there as well to accommodate everyone’s tastes while still staying fancy!
Make the most of your wedding day from the moment you wake up until the very last song plays. This is a special day for you and your partner and the moments ahead are something you’ll cherish for the rest of your lives.
If you’re interested in having your Wisconsin barn wedding at Rustic Manor 1848, it’s easy to contact us! We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have and will work to help you find the perfect date for your wedding.