There is a timeline tradition for any wedding.  This is a suggestion of when you should have particular details of your wedding completed (or at least started) by month.  Here is a guideline for your consideration:

12 Months – Announce your engagement, choose a wedding theme, work out a budget, research wedding professionals (caterer, florist, DJ or band, photographer and videographer) and venues.  You can also set appointments with the wedding pros at this time.

11 Months – Select a wedding consultant (if you are using one), meet with caterers and arrange tastings, select and book the caterer, select and book the music entertainment (band/DJ), decide on music selections, select and reserve your venue, (ceremony and reception), start thinking about your wedding dress.  If you are choosing a destination wedding, now would be the best time to send save the date cards.

10 Months – Choose and purchase your wedding dress and veil.  Choose attendants and discuss with them their duties and what you expect of them.  If choosing a park or recreational area for the venue, secure the proper permits.

9 Months – Register for your wedding gifts, decide on food for the reception, choose whether you will have an open bar, limited bar or no alcohol at your reception, make a playlist for your music, research places for guests to stay, reserve blocks of rooms at a local hotel for guests.

8 Months – Go to your first gown fitting, order bridesmaid dresses and accessories, look at wedding rings, confirm florist and discuss wedding theme and flower arrangements, start making a decision regarding invitations (style, color, font, etc),

7 Months – Review and finalize your wedding details with your consultant, set fittings for bridesmaids’ dresses, choose tux styles for groomsmen,  select a flower girl and ring bearer, choose and purchase wedding rings, finalize invitations.

6 Months – Review invitation proofs and make changes if needed, finalize invitations, discuss honeymoon ideas, meet with travel agent, work on wedding decorations (table decorations, favors, etc).

5 Months – Order place cards and programs, finalize honeymoon arrangements, make reservations for rehearsal dinner and menu.

4 Months – Get groom to try on tuxedos and purchase accessories, work on vow’s, make appoint with stylist regarding hair and makeup, address wedding invitations.

3 Months – Approve anything that is being printed for the wedding (programs, place cards, etc), decide about rehearsal dinner, next day brunch and reserve restaurants, discuss bachelorette party, review registry and make any adjustments.

2 Months – Mail invitations, purchase wedding gifts for wedding party members, go to second (possibly final) gown fitting, have groom make final decision regarding tux and reserve, arrange transportation for bride and groom to reception from ceremony site, purchase ceremony accessories (unity candle, wine glasses, etc).

6 Weeks – Send rehearsal dinner invitations, write thank you notes as you receive gifts, confirm music playlist with music entertainment, purchase any remaining wedding favors or table decorations, purchase a gift for your spouse-to-be, meet with stylist again for a practice run (take veil with you).

4 Weeks – Confirm with florist and arrange delivery times, meet with officiant to discuss details, determine any seating arrangements and reception layout, placement of cake table, placement of DJ or band, schedule an appointment for a mani/pedi  just before the wedding, schedule pick up of grooms tux, finalize photographer and videographer.

3 Weeks – Go over RSVP’s and finalize head count with caterer, call anyone who has not responded to get accurate count.

1 Week – Confirm honeymoon arrangements and start packing, pick up wedding dress and tux.

WEDDING DAY – Eat a good breakfast, attend hairstyle appointment and make up appointment.  RELAX and ENJOY  yourself!!

Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed and Something Blue!  What does this mean?  Where did this saying come from?  Actually, it is an old English saying from the Victorian era that ended with “And a silver sixpence in her shoe”.  It was said that if a bride followed this saying on her wedding day it would bring her good luck.  Each saying has its own meaning.  “Something old” is meant to signify continuity with the brides’ family.  “Something new” means optimism and hope.  “Something borrowed” is typically from a happily married family member and is meant to carry that happiness into your marriage.  “Something blue” has been used as far back as ancient Rome to symbolize love, modesty and fidelity.

The “something new” is an easy one.  Usually the wedding dress itself will cover that.  If you are wearing your mothers wedding dress, then there are plenty of other things in your wedding that will cover the “something new”.

“Something old” can be a little harder to incorporate.  In this case if you are wearing your mother’s wedding dress ,you have it covered.  Including antique jewelry is another way to incorporate something old into your wedding.  If you are keeping with tradition, in order for the bride to have good luck she has to carry these components with her on the wedding day.

“Something borrowed” can fit in just about anywhere within the wedding attire.  Moms’ wedding dress, grandmas pearl necklace or earrings, Aunt Sophies’ diamond bracelet.  Just use your imagination.

“Something blue” is were you can have a little fun.  Why is it that the first thing people think of for something blue in their wedding is the garter?  There are plenty of other things that can be blue that do not affect your wedding theme.  Have you thought about fancy blue shoes or converse tennis shoes?  What a great way to add a touch of color, fun and whimsy into your wedding.  If you cannot find that perfect shoe to suit your fancy, then what about a hairpiece that has blue in it.  This doesn’t mean that your hair has to be done up in all blue, but you could consider adding a fancy blue comb at the top of a beautiful bun.  Brides could also use a bejeweled bobby pin in blue crystals.  Wearing your hair down?  What about blue sapphire earrings, necklace or ring?  Want to kill two birds with one stone?  Consider borrowing sapphire earrings from a friend or relative.  That will take care of something borrowed, something blue .  Find a friend or relative with an antique blue sapphire necklace that you can borrow and you have now covered something old, something borrowed and something blue.  You can also add a touch of blue to your bouquet.  The main theme doesn’t have to be blue but you can always sneak in a blue flower or blue ribbon if you want.  You may also consider painting your fingernails blue.  You can do a French manicure with just the tips blue, or you may decide to paint the whole nail a shade of blue.  You can also wear some fancy blue lingerie if you choose.

The best advise we can offer is have fun with it!  For the superstitious bride, what items will you have in your wedding to have “extra” luck?  Comment below.