Bridal Checklists- Timeline

Every bride can get a little frazzled when her upcoming nuptials are looming. I have compiled some checklists in order to keep it all together and get everything done, while looking like you haven't missed a beat!

Checklist by time frame-

9-12 months before your wedding

• Officially announce your engagement
• Set a budget and decide who will pay for what
• Pick your date
• Start a wedding folder (somewhere you can store ideas, pics or whatever you think will help plan)
• Thinking about your dream wedding and budget decide on the type of wedding you want to have (formal, informal, semi formal)
• Hire a wedding planner if you choose to
• Decide whether you want ceremony site and reception site to be the same or in different locations and book both.
• Think about your officiant and consider booking them early
• Start a guest list (can be just a rough draft)
• Throw engagement party if you wish
• Choose wedding party

6-9 Months before your wedding

• Announce your wedding date
• Hire photographer, videographer
• Hire entertainment (DJ/Band)
• Hire catering service
• Decide on bridesmaids dresses
• Start shopping for wedding dress, jewelry and shoes-consider purchasing within this time frame to allow for any special requests or orders
• Launch wedding website if you choose to
• Book hotel rooms for out of town guests
• Register
• Begin planning honeymoon
• Book florist
• Reserve structural or electrical structures (chairs, tents, portable toilets etc.)
• Arrange transportation if you choose

4-6 Months before your wedding

• Choose and order wedding invitations and stationary
• Book rehearsal and rehearsal dinner venues
• Buy wedding rings
• Discuss menu with catering service
• Decide on wedding cake and purchase from baker
• Schedule hair and makeup appointments-try styles early so that you have decided before wedding day!
• Pick music
• Give shower hostess your guest list
• Start dress fitting
• Make sure bridesmaids have ordered dresses
• Meet with florist and finalize arrangements

2-4 months before your wedding

• Finalize guest list and send invitations (Invitations should go out about 8 weeks before wedding date)
• Order favors
• Finalize readings
• Purchase undergarments
• Finalize order of ceremony and reception
• Order tux's for groom and groomsmen
• set your final menu
• Purchase gifts for bridal party, each other, parents etc.
• Purchase wedding supplies and accessories (flower basket, guestbook, ring pillow etc.)
• Begin merging money and accounts if you choose to

1-2 months before wedding

• Check in with vendors- make sure preparations are going smoothly and you are on the same page.-menu, hair and makeup appts, floral arrangements and music list
• Schedule final dress fitting to be ready in enough time for bridal portraits if you choose to do them
• Schedule Bridal portraits with your photographer
• Contact anyone that has not RSVP to make sure you have a good head count
• Send as many final payments as you can
• Seating charts
• Write vows- if you choose
• Mail rehearsal dinner invitations
• Wedding programs

3 Weeks before wedding

• Obtain marriage license
• Confirm hotel arrangements for out of town guests

1-2 Weeks before wedding

• Have final gown fitting if not already done so
• Set wedding day schedule and share it with anyone involved with the wedding (attendants, parents etc)
• Confirm arrival times with ALL vendors
• Send final guest list to caterers with head count
• Break in your shoes
• Make spa appointment if you choose to
• Pick up your dress
• Pack for honeymoon
• Prepare wedding favors

Day BEFORE the wedding

• Prepare payment envelopes for vendors and delegate responsibility of dispensing these to someone trusted
• Get manicure, pedicure and massage if you choose
• Gather all wedding materials in one place so that it is easy to get to
• Rehearse with officiant and bridal party 
• Confirm flight and arrangements for honeymoon

Wedding Day

• Eat a good breakfast- to get your day started
• Have hair done
• Have makeup done
• Take rings and marriage license

After wedding

• Get bridal gown cleaned and decide how to preserve it
• Write and send thank you notes
• Name change
• Meet with photographer and videographer to get albums or prints

Sally Hansen DIY Manicure Review Part 2

Last week I gave a review of Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure nail polish in which you can click here to read. It is a great polish and I love it. This past week I tried another line from Sally Hansen called Salon Effects French Mani.
Here is what Sally Hansen has to say about this product

"Fast, Flawless, French Mani. Sally Knows nails are the best accessory. Now, it's easy to get a salon perfect French Tip any time, any place. It wears like nail polish because it IS nail polish. No dry time, so you’re ready to go."



 

 

This is another great product from Sally Hansen. It is such an easy application that I couldn't believe it. I honestly looked in the package, pulled everything out and stared at it, baffled. In my head I made the process so much harder than it actually was. The instructions are a little confusing at first. It took me a few minutes to figure out that there are two applications per strip. If you throw the strip out before applying the other hand, you will run short. Once you I realized that, application was so simple. You begin by filing and prepping your nail and wiping away any debris with polish remover. Once it is dry, find the sizes that will fit your nail best and your ready for action. When you are ready for the polish strip you just apply it to the tip of your nail. This strip is stretchy which makes it easy to fit. There is a silver tab that you will break off at the top and then you just press it down to conform to your nail. It is truly a great product. I have had it on my nails now for about 3 days and it is still going strong. That includes everyday activities and cleaning. I also love that there is no drying time.

 

For someone looking to do their own nails for a special occasion or wedding day this could save a lot of time at a salon as well as money. They have 8 amazing colors to create a variety of looks.

The only concern I had was finding the strip sizes to fit my nails. I have very small hands and I couldn't find any to fit my pinkie finger. I did use the smallest one and filed it to make it work and it still looked great. 

 

The color I photographed is Pink Macaroon

 

 

 

To read more about colors and Sally Hansen products visit Sally Hansen Website Here

 



Sally Hansen did provide these products for me to test, but, as always, my opinions are my own.

 





Sally Hansen DIY Manicure Review Part 1

Every bride needs fantastic nails for her wedding day. Whether you are looking for a neutral color manicure, classic french manicure or creating a pop of color with your nails, it is easy to create a look in your own home. For a budget conscious bride, you can save your money by avoiding a spa and opting to do it yourself. Better yet, have your bridal party come over the night before the event and have your own spa night!

Sally Hansen so generously allowed me to try some options from the Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure line and Sally Hansen Salon Effects French Mani line. I wanted to give all of you diy brides a review on these great products.

This week I tested the Complete Salon Manicure nail polish. Here is what Sally Hansen has to say about the line on it's website.

"Skip the salon, get the results. Don't settle for just color when you can get a base coat, strengthener, growth treatment, salon-inspired color, top coat, chip-resistance and a gel finish all in 1 bottle. Featuring the unique precision brush for a flawless finish and patented Vita Care technology for advanced 10 day wear, more shine and nourishing care."

The Complete Salon Manicure line is fantastic. They offer a variety of colors, one for every bride, from glitter to sheer. I personally tried 5 different colors, all of which were fantastic. The applicator is awesome and squared. It makes application so much easier. The color just glides on with no ripples or ugly lines. Drying time, for most colors, was less than 2 minutes. Some colors didn't even need the second coat, but I applied it anyway. Once the polish dries it leaves you with a smooth, shiny finish.

Red My Lips

Red My Lips was the only color I had issues with. It is a pretty color, but came out a little tacky which made it hard to get a smooth finish. It also took the longest to dry. After 10 minutes I tried to take the picture of my nails and it was still slightly tacky, when I bumped the nail on the camera it caused a smudge. This is still a pretty color so I would take my time when applying to avoid mistakes, as reds tend to be difficult to clean up, and allow a good amount of drying time before becoming active.

 

 

 

 

Back to the Fucshia



Get Juiced

 



The next two colors I tried would be perfect in a spring or summer wedding. Get Juiced and Back To The Fucshia are bright, fun and fabulous. On my pictures you will notice they look very similar, but they are not the same. Back to the Fucshia is just what it says, Fucshia!

Get Juiced is more of a bright coral color. They are both gorgeous and would look great on the bridal party or add a great pop of color to the bride.









So Much Fawn





 This color is very neutral and would be great for someone looking to go with a bit more conservative or traditional look. It could also be good for a bride that has already incorporated colors into her look and would prefer to keep the nails toned down. (Small smudge on left corner)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Black and Blue

 

 

 

 

Lastly, Black and Blue, is for the more daring bride. It changes color in different lights. It is a darker color with greens, blues and sometimes shades of purple. It is a gorgeous color once it is on your nail. I actually love this color because it is so unconventional.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I love this polish. I will personally be buying this product from now on. It is good quality at a good price. You can find the Complete Salon Manicure line at your local drugstore or CLICK HERE to find all of the colors offered on the Sally Hansen website.

 

Next week I will be posting part 2 of this review with the French Mani set so stayed tuned. In the mean time check out www.sallyhansen.com to see all of their products!

Sally Hansen did provide these products for me to test, but, as always, my opinions are my own.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Try A Dessert Table Instead

If you want to add a little creativity to your wedding, try a dessert table instead of the traditional wedding cake. Also know as a dessert buffet or dessert bar, this gives your guests a variety of options for sweets and makes your celebration more unique. This trend is growing rapidly and is becoming more and more common.

You could opt for a theme or color trend when compiling your dessert ideas. Or if you have trouble deciding, just pick you and your partner's favorite desserts. Try having a traditional cake as a centerpiece and some mini desserts around the rest of the table. There are so many directions you could go with this idea to make it your own and impress your guests. Just take your time and really find the best style for you and your wedding. The best part, TRY lots of desserts before you decide.

Here are some ideas I have found along the way. These are not my photos and do not take credit for any of them. If you would like any more info about the photo, I have posted links below each.

 

Found on IndependentWedding

 

 

Found at The Dotted Apron

 

 

This gorgeous rustic themed table can be found here

 

 

Try this for a black and white wedding

 

 

 

 

Prom Accessories

Just added lots of new prom stuff to the website girls! All of it was added today. Go to www.weddedblissonline.net to check out all of the new supplies. Got in garters in variety of colors and some charms for 2013!

New Products, Deep Discounts

Hey guys. Just added 70 new products to the store this weekend. I still do not have everything listed on the site, but it's getting there. Thanks for being patient with me and thank you for the business this week. I appreciate everyone who allowed me to provide products for them. I love this business and I want it to thrive and grow, and with stellar people like you all, it's possible. Again I want to let everyone know that I am far from having everything I offer on the site so if there is something specific or a general theme you are looking for then feel free to contact me. I will be happy to help find anything you are searching for. Just give me your ideas and I will be happy to find what you need and get back to you with pics and information so that you can decide what is best for your special day. My email is weddedblissonline@gmail.com

Here is one of my favorite products I put on the site this weekend. It is a 2- ribbon custom 6 piece wedding collection which makes your wedding purchasing much easier. When you buy a collection it gives you everything you could need for your ceremony without the time of trying to track down individual matching pieces. It comes with all of the pieces shown here and is available in white and ivory. The 2 ribbons shown are custom and chosen by you. This piece will fit ANY wedding because there are 28 ribbon colors to choose from to make it your own unique style.

Check it out here!

15 % Off Sale

Our 15% off sale is almost over. Take advantage of these great discounts while it lasts. The grand opening sale ends March 31. Simply type grandopening in coupon code at check out and you will get 15% off of your ENTIRE ORDER. I am adding new products every day so check back frequently.