Weddings

The only planner you'll ever need
September 1, 2022 - Featured, People & Places - Comments: 
Text by Special thanks to Kelle Kitchel-Cooper, Visit Kitsap Peninsula | The Content Scout

‘Til Lists Do Us Part

Cedar Springs (venue); Elevated Events by Tosha (wedding planner) (Photo courtesy Cindy Nguyen Photography)
Cedar Springs (venue);
Elevated Events by Tosha (wedding planner)
(Photo courtesy Cindy Nguyen Photography)

Getting married is easily one of the greatest things that can happen to anyone. However, planning a wedding can spiral into a terrible hassle. Questions and concerns may swirl. What am I supposed to do? Who can I call? Will I be able to pull this off? The next thing you know, you’re crying into a quart of chocolate ice cream at 3 in the morning.

Do not fear, though. With the proper resources and a to-do list, it’s possible to create a wonderful and memorable wedding without destroying your mental health.

Yet, it’s critical to watch out for the common pitfalls of wedding planning. Tosha Chavez, a wedding planner from Elevated Events by Tosha, says that “a lot of people have a tough time putting together the timeline” for their wedding. That’s why there is a 12-month to-do timeline list below. It reviews all the necessary elements for a great wedding and shows when they need to be completed.

When it comes to timelines, Chavez says that couples must “start with a budget, before any other wedding planning. It’s really important to consider what your total cost is going to be.” It’s vital to know the resources that can go into your big day.

Chloe Mosey Events (Photo courtesy Debbie Gilman Photography)
Chloe Mosey Events (Photo courtesy Debbie Gilman Photography)

Another wedding planner, Chloe Hix from CME Experience, agrees with Chavez. “The big thing before you should start planning any kind of event is making sure that you know what your overall fund is and how many guests you want to invite,” Hix says.

Your wedding should be one of the best days of your lives — so plan it thoughtfully, design intentionally and then sit back and enjoy it.”
~ Taylor Rychener,
Bixby + Pine

It’s also very important, according to wedding planner Holly Rohrbacher from Holly Rohrbacher Events, “to assemble a team that you can trust, so that when it comes down to your wedding day, you can relax and know that you’re in good hands.” Surround yourself with people you can trust and rely on.

Elevated Events by Tosha (Photo courtesy Cindy Nguyen Photography)
Elevated Events by Tosha (Photo courtesy Cindy Nguyen Photography)

Keep in mind that those close to you can create a secondary pitfall in the wedding planning process. Hix shares that interpersonal and family dynamics can be challenging during this period. “It comes down to trying to please everyone,” she says. Often, friends and family members have their own ideas about what a wedding should look like, and couples want to make them happy.

 

However, Rohrbacher believes in the importance of couples having the wedding that they want. She says, “Follow your heart when it comes to wedding planning, too. You probably have ideas that may or may not be different than your mother-in-law’s, your mom’s, your wedding planner’s or your best friend’s. I think the deal would be to just follow your own instincts and your heart and your plan. Stick to your guns. If your vision is different than the people around you, you’re the one that ultimately is going to live with it for the rest of your life, and so it should be what you want it to be.”

Bixby + Pine (Photo courtesy Levi Hrizco)
Bixby + Pine (Photo courtesy Levi Hrizco)

Chavez also says, “Don’t feel like you need to stick to traditions in weddings. For example, if you don’t think a garter toss or a bouquet toss is a genuine representation of you as a couple, then there are plenty of alternatives and other items that we can fit into the day and have instead.” After all, it is your day. Do what you want.

 

“I recommend tailoring your wedding with personal items that really share you two as a couple and what it means to be in that relationship,” Chavez says. That’s because “this day is about you guys as a couple.” It doesn’t matter what others think the wedding should look like. Do what makes you comfortable and happy.

Taylor Rychener, a Bixby + Pine wedding planner, adds, “Plan and design something that is unique and authentic to you two as individuals and as a couple. … Don’t do things because you have to. Don’t partake in something ‘because it’s tradition.’ Don’t eat cake if you want to eat ice cream. Make your day so uniquely you, that it wouldn’t make sense for someone else to have your wedding.”

Chloe Mosey Events (Photo courtesy Debbie Gilman Photography)
Chloe Mosey Events (Photo courtesy Debbie Gilman Photography)

Even if the wedding doesn’t go the way you would like, though, know that it will still be a magical moment. “The most important thing to remember is that it’s about the two of (you) getting married and becoming one,” Hix says. “At the end of the day, there will be a few things that might not be exactly how you envisioned, or something could go wrong. But, the important thing is that (you) get married.” In the end, the wedding will be special, because it celebrates something so important and special.

 

“Your wedding should be one of the best days of your lives — so plan it thoughtfully, design intentionally and then sit back and enjoy it,” Rychener advises.

With these handy lists and ideas in your figurative pockets, you are on your way to success. Don’t panic. Enjoy the journey, and may your wedding day be as bright and beautiful as your future.

Now, let’s get started.

Holly Rohrbacher Events
Holly Rohrbacher Events

To-Do List Timeline

This is a yearlong to-do list for your wedding, broken down by the month when the items should be completed. It’s compiled based on insights from Brides and Glamour magazines and Heather Chesky Photography.

Twelve Months Out

  • Decide on the budget
  • Create the guest list
  • If desired, hire a wedding planner
  • Book the caterer
  • Hire a photographer
  • Choose your wedding date
  • Book the venue
Chloe Mosey Events (Photo courtesy Debbie Gilman Photography)
Chloe Mosey Events (Photo courtesy Debbie Gilman Photography)

Eleven Months Out

  • If desired, book large bands, DJ, videographer, stationer and any other vendors who easily become booked
  • Plan the wedding’s theme and decorations
  • Search for florists
  • If large numbers of guests are from out of town, book lodgings for them
  • Choose the wedding party (bridesmaids and groomsmen)

Ten Months Out

  • Book the florist
  • Take engagement photos
  • Start the invitations (style, photos, printers, etc.)
  • Bixby + Pine (Photo courtesy Caitlyn Nikula)
    Bixby + Pine (Photo courtesy Caitlyn Nikula)

    Start dress shopping

  • Search for an officiant

Nine Months Out

  • Buy the wedding dress
  • Send all “save-the-date” announcements
  • Register for gifts

Eight Months Out

  • Choose the bridesmaids’ dresses and have their fittings done
  • Book all other vendors
  • Book the officiant

Seven Months Out

  • Book the venue for the rehearsal dinner
  • If desired, hire a small group of musicians

Six Months Out

  • Hire a lighting technician
  • Book the honeymoon
  • Buy the rest of the bride’s apparel (shoes, jewelry, etc.)
  • Bixby + Pine (Photo courtesy Peyton Byford)
    Bixby + Pine (Photo courtesy Peyton Byford)

    Book the rental items (tables, chairs, linens, etc.)

Five Months Out

  • If needed, book guest transportation
  • Book transportation for the bride and groom
  • Get the groom’s tuxedo or suit
  • Order the invitations
  • Make bookings for the wedding night

Four Months Out

  • Have the final tasting with the caterer
  • Choose the cake
  • Buy the rings
  • Find the groomsmen’s attire and have them fitted
  • Arrange for the bride’s hair and makeup trial
  • Plan the wedding rehearsal
  • Make the groom’s suit or tuxedo alterations

Three Months Out

  • Make the wedding menu with the caterer
  • If desired, book the photo-booth rental
  • Elevated Events by Tosha (Photo courtesy Cindy Nguyen Photography)
    Elevated Events by Tosha (Photo courtesy Cindy Nguyen Photography)

    If desired, decide on guest favors

  • Write the vows
  • Choose the readings for the ceremony
  • Meet with the officiant
  • Begin any DIY projects
  • Confirm ideas with the florist

Two Months Out

  • Send the official invitations (guests should RSVP at least a month before the ceremony)
  • Send the rehearsal dinner invitations
  • Have the first wedding dress fitting
  • Get the marriage license
  • Buy gifts for the bridesmaids and groomsmen
  • Get a floral mock-up from the florist
  • Provide the song list to musicians or DJ
  • Buy all other small items for the wedding
  • Finish the print orders (menus, place cards, etc.)

Month of the Wedding

  • If desired, put together the guest gifts
  • WeddingsPay all the vendors
  • Create the seating chart
  • Do the last walk-through of the venue
  • Prepare to tip the vendors (cash envelopes)
  • Break in the wedding shoes
  • Finish last DIY projects
  • Finalize the guest number
  • Finalize the guest number with caterer
  • Confirm with all the vendors
  • Give the wedding schedule to the wedding party

Week of the Wedding

  • Have bride’s makeup, hair and waxing done
  • Have the rings cleaned
  • Practice the vows
  • Pack for the honeymoon
  • If desired, finish all edible crafts
  • Conduct the wedding rehearsal

WeddingsVenues List

No wedding is complete without the perfect venue. Below is an alphabetized list of some of West Sound’s unique wedding venues.

Holly Rohrbacher Events
Holly Rohrbacher Events

Vendors List

Everyone needs help. Here is a list of specialists to aid you on your matrimonial journey.

Desserts:

Bixby + Pine (Photo courtesy Samantha McFarlen)
Bixby + Pine (Photo courtesy Samantha McFarlen)

Caterers:

Holly Rohrbacher Events
Holly Rohrbacher Events

Dress Shops/Tailors:

Drink Vendors:

Chloe Mosey Events (Photo courtesy Debbie Gilman Photography)
Chloe Mosey Events (Photo courtesy Debbie Gilman Photography)

Florists:

Music:

Photographers:

Rental Agencies:

Wedding Planners: