A new series is here! We know that wedding planning can be all consuming, so we thought it would fun to team up with some of our most trusted experts in the wedding industry and ask them for some insight, tips and tricks that can help lighten the wedding planning stresses that may arise! 
Spring is in full bloom, and for engaged couples planning a summer wedding, now is the perfect time to get organized and tackle those last remaining essential tasks to ensure your big day goes off without a hitch. I recently sat down with Kim, the owner of Your Perfect Bridesmaid and we discussed the 10 things couples getting married this Summer should be prioritizing now.
As a seasoned wedding planner, she has seen firsthand how proper preparation in the Spring can make all the difference in creating a stress-free and memorable wedding experience. So, without further ado, here are the top 10 things couples should be doing now to prepare for their summer weddings:
1. Schedule your dress fittings/alteration appointments. Alteration appointments go quickly and you want to make sure you aren’t rushing. The perfect fit takes time, usually at least three appointments. Get those scheduled now and don’t forget to ask them if they will steam and press your gown too.
2. Secure Your Last Minute Vendors: Summer is a busy season for weddings, so don’t wait until the last minute to book your remaining vendors. If you are wanting to add Videography, a photobooth or maybe even a Day of Coordinator, reach out now so you know they are available.
3. Ensure your wedding party has ordered their attire (and their accessories). You would be surprised how many wedding party members wait until the last minute to order their dresses or suits. Send a quick email and just make sure everyone has ordered their outfits and also remind them to schedule their own alteration appoints if necessary, too.
4. Finalize Your Wedding Décor: From flowers to table settings, now is the time to finalize your wedding décor. Meet with your florist and decorator to discuss your vision for the day and make any necessary adjustments to your plans. Be sure to update them on centerpiece counts once your floor plan is finalized, once your RSVP’s are in. Ask your florist what the drop dead date for changes is, and work backwards from there.
5. Finalize Your Menu: Food is a big part of any wedding celebration. Plan a menu review with your caterer to re-visit the choices you initially made and finalize things like appetizers and signature cocktail selections. It will also be a good time to tell them how meals you will need for your vendor team
6. Create Your Wedding Registry: With wedding season approaching, your guests will soon be looking for gifts. Take some time to create your wedding registry, making sure to include a variety of items at different price points to accommodate all of your guests’ budgets. I love just linking this to your wedding website. It makes everything so much easier.
7. Send a Vendor Check In. Take a minute and check in with your whole vendor team. Send them an updated timeline and ask if they have any questions, concerns, of if they need any additional info from you for them to do their best work come wedding day.
8. Plan Your Honeymoon:While your focus may be on your wedding day, don’t forget to plan for your honeymoon as well. Whether you’re dreaming of a tropical beach getaway or a European adventure, now is the time to start making those travel arrangements.
9. Finalize Your Wedding Timeline: Creating a detailed wedding timeline will help ensure that everything runs smoothly on the big day. Shameless plus for hiring a planner/coordinator but one of the most valuable things a coordinator will provide is a detailed and comprehensive timeline. This “playbook” is imperative for you, your wedding party, and your vendor team to have a stress free day. To give you an example of the difference between a planner’s timeline and something you see online,
YPB’s timelines are usually 11 pages of details. And trust me, details matter a whole heck of a lot when it comes to having a super smooth wedding day.
10. Take Care of Yourself: Last but certainly not least, don’t forget to take care of yourself during the wedding planning process. Planning a wedding can be stressful, so be sure to carve out some time for self-care activities like exercise, meditation, or simply spending time with your partner. Don’t let wedding planning take over your life. Get out there, enjoy the sunshine and the tulips.
I hope this list gives you actionable steps you can take starting today. By taking care of these essential tasks now, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy a beautiful and stress-free summer wedding. Happy planning!
I appreciate this comprehensive list of essential tasks for planning a summer wedding! It’s a great reminder to stay organized and tackle priorities ahead of time to ensure a smooth and memorable big day. Thanks for the insightful tips!
So glad that you found it to be helpful!