12 months before D-Day
Announce your marriage to your parents
The first step in your wedding planning is announcing the wedding to your parents and close family! This is one of the most emotional moments in preparing for your wedding and the event you have been waiting for since your birth... It's time to find an original idea to announce it to them: make them guess with a rebus, offer them a bottle or a personalized T-shirt or the traditional request for the hand of his daughter to the father of the future bride... And if you want to celebrate your union twice rather than once, why not organize an engagement party? Once this first step is done, we start the preparations!
Make a first list of wedding guests
First of all, you need an approximate list of your guests . This will allow you to define your wedding budget and give an estimate of the number of people to the service providers you will contact later.
Thinking about a tentative date for the big day
Having an idea of the desired date to celebrate the big day is essential. It is from this date that all quotes and availability checks can be carried out.
Set the budget
Now that you have your wedding guest list, you will be able to define your wedding budget . Here is a non-exhaustive list of the expenses that we are led to make for our wedding:
By knowing all these costs, as well as your personal savings, you can discuss together the budget you want to allocate to your wedding. If you need help, there are online wedding budget simulations that will help you get an idea of the prices.
Contact town halls, religious organizations
One of the first steps in organizing your wedding is to contact the town halls and/or religious organizations where you wish to get married, because the sooner the better.
It's up to you to decide whether you want to have a secular ceremony, a religious ceremony, or both? Do you want to have them on the same day? A week apart? Or at two completely different times? At the town hall of your home, that of your new residence or that of your parents? In spring, summer, autumn or winter? Lots of questions that are essential to be able to plan your wedding.
Once you have made your reservation, that’s it, you have your wedding date!
Choosing to continue alone or to call on a Wedding Planner
Your wedding is an exceptional moment in the life of a couple and this day in particular, you will remember it all your life. If you feel that the pressure is too much, and that you risk being quickly overwhelmed… Do not hesitate to call on outside help. The dream can also quickly turn into a nightmare, so do not question yourself and turn to people specialized in the world of weddings. Organizing a wedding is a real life journey, if you have to organize it yourself, you will need a lot of courage and patience. The hardest part will be to make a lot of choices, without making a mistake… do everything yourself and above all that all the elements fit together perfectly
Choosing a reception venue
Now that you have the date and the number of guests, you can search for your reception venue . Consider selecting a venue that is close to the wedding ceremony and easy to access so as not to lose your guests! Also think about the number of beds available in order to accommodate everyone . If the venue does not have any, you will have to think about booking a hotel not far from there.
A second point not to forget when choosing your reception venue is its size . You need to choose a venue that is suitable for the number of guests you have. If you have a large number of guests, you will need space. If, on the contrary, you are having a small wedding, choose a small room. You should not give the impression of emptiness. The space must be filled, which will make it warmer and more welcoming. Choose a wedding reception venue based on your theme (if you have one!), or the charm of the venue! If you want a princess wedding full of romance , choose a castle for your wedding reception. If you prefer a simpler style with a bohemian feel, look at vineyards and small country houses. Is water your element? Why not organize a wedding reception with your feet in the sand!
Anything is possible so it's time to make your wedding guests dream.
10 months before D-Day
Request to witnesses and bridesmaids
At this stage of wedding planning, it is time to choose your witnesses and bridesmaids.
Their role is both special and essential during a wedding. Usually, the bride and groom choose them among their closest friends or family members. They play a key role in planning and organizing the wedding, providing their valuable help in organizing pre-wedding events such as bachelor or bachelorette parties for example…
These close ones will have the task of supporting the bride and groom throughout the process leading up to the big day. During the ceremony, they are the guarantors of the smooth running of the legal formalities, but not only that, your bridesmaids will be there to hold your dress or your bouquet and help you think of the smallest detail that you could forget… Your witnesses and bridesmaids will be your pillars on which you can rely, so why not make them a beautiful request?
We have created a Bridesmaid box especially for these loved ones, made up of lots of little gifts that are useful for the big day, as well as a little “Will you be my bridesmaid?” card.
Choosing your wedding theme
This step is not mandatory, but in order to have visual cohesion, it may be recommended to choose a wedding theme . This way, all your service providers work with a common idea and the whole thing harmonizes wonderfully.
Among the most popular themes, we find the bohemian wedding, the romantic wedding, the chic country wedding, the celestial wedding, the thousand and one night wedding ... But you are free to invent and create your own wedding theme that suits you!
If you are a little lost, we advise you to create a Pinterest account and search for " wedding theme " you will find inspiration for all possible themes and will be able to discover the one that will make you dream the most
Prospecting
We are slowly starting to get to the heart of the matter, your service providers ... Start your prospecting, select several and ask for quotes. You will then be able to make the best choice according to your budget and the quality-price ratio. Here is a list of service providers you need to think about:
For our 2023 Collection, we were able to collaborate with Pascal Vo , a Parisian photographer with a soft, elegant and refined style, very attentive and very kind. But also Julien Bonjour with a soft and natural style.
Why not create a souvenir video of this special day? This will make a beautiful film to show your children in a few years... You can call on The Guerin Films , our Parisian videographer, for artistic videos, full of emotion and glamour. For weddings in Savoie and Haute-Savoie we can recommend Sylvain Felten , offering “emotional” wedding videos with music and captivating fluid slow motion.
One of the most difficult choices to make, the choice of the bride's dress(es) :) We advise you to look for inspiration beforehand to already have an idea of the styles or models that might please you once there. The choice may not be easy to make, which is why we advise you to take at least 10 months in advance. If you like the dresses in our collections, you can take a look at the websites of Atelier Emelia , Avina and Yasmin Hassaine . But also at our resellers who will offer you exceptional dresses: l' Invitation Mariage for our Carcassonnaise, Le boudoir for wedding dresses in New Caledonia, Inspire for our brides from Mulhouse and our adorable Kaa Couture with whom we shared a magnificent shooting.
You are in the right place, at the Atelier we make your jewelry and accessories by hand in our small Toulouse Workshop. We offer bohemian wedding jewelry, Swarovski wedding jewelry or pearl wedding jewelry. But also wedding hair accessories with flowers or pearls. Pieces full of elegance and modernity, in all styles and for all tastes. Do not hesitate to visit our shop .
We had the opportunity to work with Laure Baruch , a talented, sunny and attentive MUA, we can only highly recommend her. You can also turn to Eugenie Coster for elegant, romantic and elaborate wedding hairstyles. Or Julie Rose Poudre , for natural, modern and personalized hairstyle and makeup.
Among the essential service providers, the florist should not be forgotten. For the decoration of the room, the bride's bouquet or even the table decorations, it is essential. We were able to work with Bonifacio Déco on an inspiration shoot.
A small detail that makes all the difference! Beautiful invitations immerse your guests in the world of your wedding as soon as they receive your letter. But also think about menus, save the date, etc. Among the most beautiful service providers we can recommend: Cotton Bird , Save the date and Le comptoir du bonheur which all three make superb quality stationery.
7 months before the big day
Make a final guest list
At D-12 months, you have made a provisional list of your guests, it is time to finalize and close your guest list . Your service providers will start to ask you for the exact number of guests, especially the caterer, the pastry chef or even the reception venue.
Also, the table plan arrives very very quickly, you must have the exact names of all your guests.
Send the Save The Date
To help your guests organize and prepare for your wedding, we recommend sending them a Save The Date. Whether it's a visual sent by email or in person, they will be grateful.
Final choice of providers
It is important to confirm the different partners that you have booked in advance, in order to be able to complete this logistical checklist which is crucial for your wedding.
It is essential to check that the caterer has the right number of guests, that your DJ has all the information for launching the right music (entrance of the bride and groom, opening of the ball, etc.). They will greatly contribute to the atmosphere of the evening and it is necessary that your communication with them is clear and transparent. Don't forget to give your theme or your photo wishes to your photographer to keep unforgettable memories.
7 months before the wedding, it's the ideal time to take stock of everything you've achieved so far and see if you're ready to do the rest on your own or if you'd rather be accompanied by a Wedding planner .
To help you in your research, we share with you the most adorable wedding planners with whom we have already been able to collaborate, directly or indirectly: Florence from the Shades Waves Wedding Planner agency | Amandine Blanchi for the wedding of Fanny and Jérémy
Choosing the decoration of the reception venue
For the decoration of your venue , you must think about all the places where each stage of the wedding will take place, for example the reception, the entrance of the bride and groom, the dance floor, etc. Think about the general atmosphere of the room, the decoration of the tables and the exterior. In order not to greatly impact your wedding budget, you can find second-hand decorations, at flea markets and garage sales or even often at our relatives who always have unique decorations. Also think about getting in touch with your florist : they can take care of much more than your bridal bouquet. The decoration will be visible in your photos and will contribute to everyone's memories. You have to bring the "wow" effect!
Make your invitations and stationery
Now that you know when, where and with whom you will celebrate the most beautiful day of your life, it's time to send and print all your stationery!
Your wedding invitations can now be sent to their recipients, the menu confirmed with the caterer can be printed and all the decorations that need to be printed can be launched!
First fitting of dress, makeup, hair and costume
It's time to try on your outfits ! When this stage arrives, an overflow of emotions is to be expected. Seeing yourself in your wedding day outfit can be the most beautiful moment of the preparations, so we're planning the handkerchiefs... Here are some tips for choosing your wedding dress:
When it comes to makeup and hair , it is important to have an idea of the type of dress you will wear. For example, with a beautiful bare back, prioritize tied hairstyles to reveal your back! Don't forget, make appointments with the hairdresser and makeup artist according to the schedule that fits with your departure for the city hall.
4 months before the big day
Choice of hair accessories and jewelry
After choosing your dress, your makeup and your hairstyle, it's time to see the wedding accessories and jewelry that will accompany your bridal look. Bohemian, floral, romantic hair accessories, wedding jewelry with natural pearls , we are the pros in wedding accessory advice !
Depending on your theme, your hairstyle and makeup, your dress, we are here to answer all your requests and all your fears.
Define the entertainment, the music, the entrance of the bride and groom, the opening dance choreography
This is one of the most important parts of your wedding, so work with someone who will make you feel comfortable, who will listen to your choices and will not impose a particular style. It is sometimes difficult to find entertainment that is up to date and modern. Don't hesitate to emphasize the entertainment of the Vin d'Honneur with a cocktail bar for example.
On the music side , choosing the songs to include in your ceremony is important but you should not neglect the rest of the day: the song of your arrival will launch the beginning of the festive part of your wedding. The choice of song for your opening dance is essential: a song that has a meaning in your story or simply a song that you both like. Why not set up a choreography with your future groom or your bridesmaids depending on the note you want to give to your opening dance.
Organize civil/religious travel to the reception venue for the bride and groom
The arrival of the brides must remain anchored in the minds of the guests. You have the choice of original means of transport such as the carriage with white horses for the occasion, the limousine , the vintage but rustic car type 2CV or the triumph TR4.
For lovers of 2 wheels , the vintage motorcycle option can only be the best option and all your guests will remember it. If the place allows it, you can also opt for the very romantic arrival by boat . Original and surprising…
Preparing for the honeymoon
It's never too early to start planning your honeymoon . Especially if you're planning to leave right after your wedding.
You can choose to organize it yourself or, if the wedding preparations are already taking up all your time, go through a travel agency that will take care of everything for you. All you have to do is choose the destination of your dreams and see together what you want to do with your wedding, more adventurous or cooing on the beach?
Why not put your honeymoon on the wedding registry and make your dream trip come true with the help of your guests? It's a pretty nice idea for both you and your guests to know that their financial contribution to the wedding will allow you to have an unforgettable time.
Do the second fittings
The big day is approaching and it's time for the second fitting of dresses for the lady and suits for the gentleman! Now that the choices of makeup, hairstyle and wedding accessories and jewelry are made, it's time to match all the elements together. It's better to realize that you don't like your makeup anymore or that your hairstyle doesn't go with the shape of your dress 4 months in advance rather than on the morning of your wedding.
3 months before the big day
Submit the marriage application to the town hall
The marriage file allows both spouses to prove their identity, age and current marital status, because remember, marriage in France can only be celebrated between two single people. This file will be given to the civil registrar who prepares the hearings and subsequently establishes the marriage certificate as well as the family record book which will be given at the end of the ceremony.
There are several ways to put together your file. You have several forms to be filled out by both future spouses as well as a list of documents to provide. It can be obtained from the town hall of the domicile of one of the future spouses or from the town hall where the civil union will be celebrated. In addition, in most French town halls, it is possible to download the marriage file directly online. Don't hesitate to consult the website of your town hall before making the trip!
Wedding reminder : In France, the presence of both future spouses is required to collect the marriage file. It will not be possible to do this by proxy, make sure that both of you are free to travel to the town hall.
Choosing the wedding rings
Your wedding is an opportunity to respect certain customs and traditions. After the wedding rings you exchanged as a sign of your love and wear as a symbol of your commitment when proposing.
Now it's time to move on to buying your wedding rings . You have the choice between many types of wedding rings, from the most minimalist to the most remarkable: the solitaire, the pavé solitaire, the shoulder solitaire, the creative ring, the metal ring, etc.
Confirm the number of guests
This step may seem trivial but it is necessary for good communication between you and your service providers. You just need to send them a short email or text message or even a phone call to confirm the exact number of your guests . The caterer, the reception venue, and possibly the wedding planner are the service providers to target first.
Prepare gifts for guests
Whether it is symbolic, original, inexpensive but chic, for a wedding gift it is the intention that counts in the eyes of your guests. Personalizations are always welcome, a small personalized vial with limoncello like Fanny for example or even small personalized gifts.
1 month before the big day
Focus with the host
With 1 month to go before your wedding, it is important that all the organization of the entertainment for your reception is planned. Contact your host, DJ, choreographer or other service providers in charge of the entertainment for your wedding to take stock before the big day.
Prepare the table plan
The guest list is ready, the caterer informed of the number of guests, you can start the famous table plan . A test worthy of an obstacle course, your mission will be to not put grandma at the table of the young people, or your two childhood friends next to it when they haven't spoken to each other for 10 years.
Book the honeymoon
Your honeymoon is prepared like your summer vacation, in advance and carefully. Book your tickets and accommodation before your beautiful wedding days in Bali slip away from you!
Celebrate the EVJ
One of the most fun parts of the pre-wedding is your bachelorette/bachelorette party ! The most fun is to leave this heavy burden to your witnesses. You keep the surprise for a day or a weekend off and relaxing with your friends and loved ones just before the wedding.
Finalize the decoration and the service providers
With 1 month to go before your wedding, it's time to finalize the decorative choices with all your service providers. This gives you plenty of room to maneuver in case of a major problem.
Collect the dress and costume
The long-awaited moment: collect your looks from the big day.
Think about accommodation (if necessary) for guests
If you are having your wedding at a venue far from home or if you have loved ones who are travelling just for you, don't forget them! Always think about people who are coming from far away and offer them accommodation for the occasion .
7 days before D-Day
Check that you haven't forgotten anything
To make sure you don't forget anything, go back to your checklist or wedding schedule and check one by one that everything is ready. This way you can sort out any last little problems and sleep soundly. Don't have a checklist? Don't panic, we've created one for you! Download your free wedding planning pdf at the bottom of this article.
Go get the wedding rings
With 7 days to go until your wedding, it's high time to go and collect your wedding rings from your jeweler. Tick-tock, tick-tock... The big day is approaching!
Prepare a small emergency bag
No matter how much you think about the smallest details, you are never safe from the unexpected. A touch-up of makeup needed after crying your eyes out, a blister that would prevent you from dancing until the end of the night...
To prepare for all these eventualities, we have created the bride's survival kit ! In our kit you will find: bandages, a small hairbrush, tissues, a pocket mirror, a hair accessory, lip balm and a packet of biscuits. All the essentials to live your wedding fully and without pitfalls!
Rehearse your wedding
Ladies and gentlemen, it's time for the big rehearsals! You can first prepare the ceremony with your witnesses and close family, this will allow everyone to know what they have to do and thus avoid small mistakes on the big day.
Also rehearse your opening dance , that way you avoid your husband stepping on your dress or getting your steps wrong!
Make yourself beautiful
7 more days to prepare for your wedding, it's time to think about yourself. Make an appointment at the beauty salon for hair removal or to redo your nails. You will be perfect down to your fingertips.
Do not test new products
This is not the time to test new products, we wouldn't want to end up with a rash or a nasty allergy a few days before the wedding... So we stick to our beauty routine and don't go crazy!
Enjoying your other half before marriage
One last most important point, we enjoy and relax with our other half . You have spent months preparing your wedding, it is time for you to let go. Why not set aside a few days of reunion just the two of you, turn off the phone and enjoy these last moments before the big day.
The day before D-Day
Eat healthy
This is not the time to get food poisoning... So we avoid fish, seafood and anything that can be smelly like garlic, cheese or onions... We stock up on vitamins and we don't go to bed on an empty stomach!
Relax!
Our dear brides, we know that the day before the wedding the stress rises, so take some time for yourself and above all relax! Everything will go well.
Sleep well and go to bed early
Get some rest, it is important to get a good night's sleep so that you are in good shape the next day. Go to bed early, put on your earplugs and night mask and see you tomorrow...Now it's time to enjoy your husband and loved ones!
All this organization comes at a cost, which is your time and energy, so make the most of this wonderful day <3
Please feel free to give us feedback on our planning! We would be delighted to know that we helped you organize your big day.
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