18 STEPS TO PREPARE
A WEDDING 2022/2023
Preparing a wedding can turn into a wonderful experience or a terrible nightmare.
18 STEPS TO PREPARE A WEDDING 2022/2023
Preparing a wedding can turn into a wonderful experience or a terrible nightmare. There are many things we must take into account, plan, and book in advance, countless vendors and services to contact, evaluate, quote, and hire. However, the reality is that many of us work and commonly don’t have the necessary time to search for what we need. Therefore, in our free time or at night, we dive into specialized internet platforms and start making lists of things blindly, hoping that nothing escapes us. For all these situations, I have prepared this list, which is enunciative but not limited to many of the elements needed to prepare a wedding. This list is not definitive, but at least it serves as a reference guide. Sincerely, Wedding Dance Master Umberto Fabris (www.elbailedetuboda.com).
- GODPARENTS, BRIDESMAIDS, and BEST MEN
- Selection of godparents and subsequent invitation:
- Candle ceremony
- Rings
- Lasso
- Arras
- Bouquet
- Choosing Bridesmaids
- Choose and buy or have the bridesmaids’ dresses and shoes made
- Selection of Best Men and their attire/shoes
- Selection of Ring Bearers and their attire/shoes
- Selection of godparents and subsequent invitation:
- PREPARATION LIST
- Engagement Ring
- Engagement Dinner
- Wedding Announcement
- Define Wedding Budget
- Make Activity Calendar and Timelines
- Decide if you will hire a Wedding Planner
- Choose Wedding Venue, Color, and Theme
- Reserve the Venue
- Select and reserve the Church
- Prepare Preliminary Guest List
- Define Final Guest List
- Send out Invitations
- RSVP Confirmation
- Schedule Medical Exams
- Decide to hire a Master of Ceremonies
- Decide if you will hire a DJ or Musical Group
- Decide on Music for the Reception
- Select and reserve the Wedding Cake
- Purchase Cake Knife and Server
- Acquire Toasting Glasses
- Decide on Beverages for the Reception (Alcohol)
- Decide on Beverage for the Toast
- Guestbook Service
- Will there be a Photo Booth?
- Decide on Wedding Favors
- Are you hiring Giant Letters? Find a Supplier
- Rent the Dance Floor
- Hire cold fire (if applicable)
- Select Flower Supplier and make arrangements
- Who will design the “Save the Date”?
- Decide if Children will attend the Wedding
- Decide if you will hire a Childcare Provider for the Wedding
- Prepare Emergency Kit in case needed
- Have all Documents Confirmed?
- Schedule Premarital Counseling
- THE RECEPTION
- Book Garden / Venue
- Choose Menu and Tasting
- Hire Catering Service
- Select Venue Decoration
- Choose Centerpieces
- Determine Number of Waitstaff
- Hire Linens, Tableware, and Cutlery
- Purchase / Order Wedding Cake
- Design Menu Cards for the Wedding
- Purchase Beverages
- Purchase Cocktail Hour Appetizers
- Buy Champagne and Sparkling Wine for Toast
- MUSIC
- Choose Music for the Church
- Select DJ or Band for the Reception
- Choose party favors (hats, masks, etc.)
- Select music for dinner (Strings, Saxophone, etc.)
- Create a must-have playlist for the party
- Prepare a list of forbidden songs for the party
- Will there be lighting effects?, cold fire?, Smoke? Contact Suppliers, Get Quotes, and Hire
- THE BRIDE AND GROOM’S DANCE
- Select songs for your wedding: Entrance to the venue, First Dance, Dance with Parents, Opening Dance Floor, Bouquet Toss Song, Garter Removal Song.
- Do you know how to dance? If not, hire a “Wedding Dance Course” www.elbailedetuboda.com
- CIVIL WEDDING
- Reserve date at the registry office, payment, and corresponding fees
- Select witnesses
- Civil Wedding process
- Organize Food
- RELIGIOUS WEDDING
- Church Selection
- Reserve date
- Payment of Ceremony
- Bride and Groom documentation
- Obtain: Arras, Rings, Lasso, Cushions for coins and rings, Chests, Bride and Groom Cushions, Bible, Lasso, Rosary, Candles
- GIFTS AND FAVORS
- Choose favors for guests
- Create thank you cards for guests
- Delivery of favors
- PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEOGRAPHY
- Hire photographer for Church, Reception, and Venue
- Hire Videographer
- Define Delivery Date
- TRANSPORTATION
- Choose car and Hire
- Car decorations
- Select driver and Hire
- HONEYMOON
- Request time off from work (preferably months before the event)
- Choose Location
- Get Quotes
- Book (Tickets, Hotel, etc.)
- Select Vacation Attire
- SEND OUT INVITATIONS
- Choose Invitations
- Order them
- Choose text and font type
- SETTLE OUTSTANDING PAYMENTS TO SUPPLIERS
- BRIDE’S PREPARATION
- Body Hair Removal
- Facial
- Teeth Whitening
- Select and Acquire the Wedding Night Trousseau
- Makeup and Hairstyle Trials
- BRIDE’S TROUSSEAU
- Something Blue
- Something New
- Something Borrowed
- Something Old
- Shawl or something warm
- Jewelry
- Garter
- Stockings
- Perfume
- Bride’s Shoes
- Bride’s Sneakers
- Headpiece
- Veil
- Dress
- Outfit for Godmothers
- Dress for Mom
- Main bouquet
- Offering bouquet
- Bouquet to toss
- Garter
- GROOM’S PREPARATION
- Groom’s Suit
- Groom’s Underwear
- Accessories
- Haircut and Beard Trim
- Teeth Whitening
- Facial Treatment
- Eau Du Toilette
- Boutonniere
- Shoes
- Watch
- Change of Beachwear (if applicable)
- WEDDING DAY ACTIVITIES
- Shower and Breakfast
- Makeup and Hairstyling Appointment
- Lunch / Light Snack
- Getting Dressed
- Photo Session
- Civil Ceremony
- Religious Ceremony
- Reception
- Photography
- Guests Entry to the Venue
- Entrance Music
- Couple’s Thanks/Speech
- Guests Congratulations
- Reception Dinner and/or Dance
- First Dance
- Dance with Parents
- Toast
- Cake Cutting
- Opening Dance Floor
- Cake and Coffee Serving
- Party
- Bouquet Toss
- Garter Removal
- After-party
- Mariachi Band
- RECOMMENDATIONS
- Define dates for photography and videography work delivery
- If taking a dance course, do it in advance
- Make sure to hire true professionals
- Prepare a Kit for Newlyweds (him/her): Toothbrush, toothpaste, AlkaSeltzer, Towels, Alcohol, Buscopan, deodorant, perfume, eau du toilette, hairbrush/comb, mints, change of beachwear (if applicable)
- Practice using the restroom at least once to learn how to maneuver in the dress
- Carry some cash for emergencies
- Validate that the venue has emergency protocols (fire extinguishers, safety areas, power generator, contingency plan for children, guests,
