Plan a Wedding in a Month? That’s Crazy!!!!

A wedding is a time to celebrate your love. Traditionally weddings take six months to a year of planning in advance.  If you need to speed up the process, you can plan a wedding in a month.

Firstly, you need to get organized.  Put together a team will to help you with the tasks.  Many things need to be done so not be afraid to delegate.  Create a budget and stick to it.

Day 1-7:  Check on the marriage license requirements.  Decide on and secure the location.  Mail out your locally purchased the invitations.  Find an officiant. 

Day 8-14:  Begin booking vendors (caterer, photographer, videographer, DJ, transportation, etc.  Choose your bridal party.  Select and/or rent attire.  Decide on and book honeymoon.  Schedule an appointment for hair and makeup.

Day 15-21:  Order your cake.  Arrange your rehearsal dinner. Order your flowers.  Call and confirm vendor participation as well as arrival time.  Purchase wedding rings.

Day 22-28:  Purchase or create favors. Finalize seating plan. Put together all document necessary for traveling.

Day 29-30:  Confirm honeymoon.  Get wedding attire organized.  Rehearse and Dinner.

 

THE BIG DAY:  Just relax and be happy.  Don’t sweat the small stuff.  Even the most well-planned event has a few glitches.  Remember it is about the lifetime together not just the day.

Eco-Weddings 101

After having my wedding dresses showcased in the fashion show at the 2011 Mid Atlantic Green Wedding Showcase last weekend, I learned more about creating a truly eco-friendly wedding.  I wanted to share some tips with you.  The most important thing i learned is that going “Green” can save the earth as well as your pocketbook. 

Food ~ Make a statement at your wedding by finding a caterer willing to serve only local or organic food. It’s an eco-friendly choice that your guests will take note of not only for your principles, but for how amazing everything tastes

Eco-friendly Save the date ~ Of The Earth

Invitations ~ Of The Earth (www.earthinvitations.com) or Earthly Affair (www.earthlyaffair.com).  Some eco-friendly paper companies offer a one-piece option for the invitation. This style has a tear-off RSVP card, reducing the amount of paper needed.

Décor ~ Nature is full of beautiful items that can be utilized to decorate then be returned to nature after the wedding; rocks, twigs, flowers, potted plants, trees, leaves.  Use bamboo – one of the most sustainable materials on earth, bamboo is an eco-friendly décor option with an organic, modern feel.

Disposables ~ Forget about disposable plates, napkins, silverware and all that. Opt for rented china, crystal, and flatware that can be washed and reused. For a small affair, consider purchasing tablecloths, plates and tableware that you could reuse in your home after the wedding.

Favors ~ Edible favors like chocolates or homemade jam are a sweet reminder of your special day. 

Eco-friendly wedding favors ~ live plants

Another wonderful favor alternative is a donation your favorite green charity, made in honor of your wedding guests.

Location ~ Have ceremony and reception in the same location. Find a green (LEED) venue. 

Flowers ~ Use your ceremony arrangements to the reception!  Find a local florist who can provide organic blooms.  Skip cut flowers altogether.  Opted to use potted arrangements. Your guests can take them and plant in their yards after the wedding.

 Vendors ~ Choosing the right vendors is a key component of a green wedding.  A resource like The Green Bride Guide (www.greenbrideguide.com) can help connect you to trustworthy green vendors.