Step-by-Step Tips & Unique Gift Ideas
Congratulations on your decision to take the next step in your relationship and get married! Planning a wedding involves many details, but our comprehensive wedding guide will walk you through each step and suggest thoughtful gifts to make your wedding day unforgettable. From engagement to bridal showers and the wedding itself, our selection of gifts, favors, and essentials will make this wedding season truly unique for the lucky couple.
Getting Engaged
The journey begins with the engagement. Make this moment unforgettable with a customized engagement ring box. Our round wooden ring boxes serve as romantic keepsakes and can also be used as an alternative ring pillow during the ceremony.
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Set A Budget
Start your wedding planning by discussing the budget with your significant other and any other contributors, such as your parents. Decide whether you want a small, intimate celebration or a larger, luxurious event. Setting a budget early helps you prioritize and manage your dream wedding wish list efficiently.
Decide Who to Invite
With a budget in place, determine how many guests you can afford to invite. Divide the guest list fairly among you, your partner, and any other contributors. Don't forget to include potential plus-ones and decide whether children will be allowed. This ensures your guest list remains manageable.
Choose a Wedding and Reception Venue
With your vision and guest count in mind, it's time to choose a venue. Research and tour potential locations with your wedding planner, if you have one. Ensure the venue can accommodate your guest count. If you prefer the ceremony and reception at the same location, confirm there's enough space for both.
Finalize Your Wedding Color Scheme or Theme
Once you've selected a venue, choose a color scheme or theme to tie everything together, including attire, invitations, and decor. Decide whether you want the ceremony and reception themes to match or have distinct looks.
Assemble Your Wedding Party
Select who will stand beside you as part of your wedding party. Explore our unique wedding party proposal gifts for bridesmaids and groomsmen. Plan to ask potential wedding party members at least 10 months to a year before the ceremony to give them time to prepare.
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Hire Your Wedding Vendor Team
Start contacting caterers, DJs, photographers, florists, cake designers, and officiants. Meet with vendors to finalize your choices. If you need assistance, consider hiring a wedding planner, either for the entire planning process or just for the wedding day.
Decor for the Ceremony and Reception
Welcome Table
Set up a welcome table with a guest book, personalized cards for advice and well-wishes, and signage with your wedding hashtag and photography policy.
Reception Table
Ensure you have all the necessary items like tables, plates, silverware, and chairs. Use escort cards and table signage to guide guests to their seats.
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Dessert Table
Make your dessert table special with a beautifully designed cake and custom cake topper. Use engraved cake knives and serving sets for a memorable first cake-cutting experience.
Engagement Photos
Take engagement photos to use for save-the-dates, wedding websites, and wedding day displays. This also helps you get comfortable in front of the camera.
Wedding Websites
Create a wedding website to share detailed information about your wedding day, including parking, hotel accommodations, and registry links. Use it to gather RSVPs later on.
Save the Dates
Design your save-the-date cards or magnets using your engagement photos and theme. Send them out 6-8 months in advance, or 9 months for destination weddings.
Wedding Dress
Begin shopping for your wedding dress as soon as you finalize your wedding date and venue. Allow time for ordering and alterations, ideally starting 16-20 weeks before the wedding.
Wedding Invitation Suite
Choose or design your wedding invitation suite to match your theme. Include the wedding website URL or QR code and send out invitations 6-8 weeks before the wedding.
Bridal Shower Party
Bridesmaids and maid of honor, plan a memorable bridal shower with our customized shower ideas and favors like engraved wine stoppers and personalized recipe cards.
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Wedding Party Thank You Gifts
Thank your wedding party with unique gifts such as custom picture frames or engraved leather flasks. These thoughtful tokens show your appreciation for their support..
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Parents of the Bride and Groom Gifts
Present gifts to your parents or future in-laws, either individually or jointly, as a gesture of gratitude for their support.
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Gift Exchange from the Bride and the Groom
Don't forget the first gift exchange between you and your partner. Make it special as a symbol of your love and commitment.
Thank You Favors for Guests
Show appreciation to your guests with personalized wedding favors like custom wine stoppers or dessert bags with heartfelt tags.
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Thank You Cards
Have thank you cards ready for early wedding gifts and wedding shower gifts. Match them to your wedding theme and personalize each note to express genuine gratitude.
Final Thoughts
Thank you for exploring our wedding planning guide. We hope it makes your journey smoother, no matter your role in the celebration. Best wishes to the newlyweds for a happy life together, and enjoy the festivities!