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Wedding Planning Made Easy: Checklist for Your Special Day

Victoria Riddler • December 30, 2024

Planning a wedding is an exciting time of everyone’s life. Finding that special someone to spend the rest of your life with is a beautiful feeling. However, preparing for your special day as a soon-to-be bride can be difficult unless you’ve got a wedding planning checklist in place.

Not only can a wedding planning checklist make wedding planning easier by ensuring you don’t miss out on any important details, but it can also streamline the steps and plan of action for each task of the checklist. To help you prepare, here’s a comprehensive wedding planning checklist for soon-to-be brides.

Wedding Planning Checklist For Soon-To-Be Brides

Stage 1: Initial Essentials

Budget

One of the most important aspects of planning a wedding involves budgeting for the big day as a newly engaged bride. By creating a comprehensive budget that takes into account all the important aspects of your wedding day and personal preferences, you can start planning your dream wedding. Committing to a budget is important because it will be a guide to help you determine what to prioritize when organizing all wedding related activities.

Venue

The venue that you choose for your wedding can make or break your day. Deciding on aspects like the place of your wedding, theme, and choice of indoor and outdoor wedding venue can be a crucial decision to make. Keeping it in your wedding planning checklist can help you find the right venue for your wedding party and book it in advance. Many popular wedding venues can be booked as far as one or two years out. If your favorite venue has a long wait period, this will be something to take into consideration for your planning timeline.

Guest List

The next step on your wedding checklist is creating a guest list for your big day. Defining your guest list helps with decisions like invitations, seating, and the number of wedding favors. Starting with the guest list helps inform decisions about budget, location, catering, vendors, and more. A large guest list will inherently be more expensive. If you prefer a DIY wedding, consider a smaller guest list and plan your décor timeline in advance. If your guest list is small, a large, glamorous venue may not be necessary.

Bridal Party

Choosing your bridal party is a heartfelt milestone in the wedding planning process. These are the people who will stand by your side, offering support and love during this incredible journey. Consider selecting friends and family members who share your joy and excitement, and don’t forget to plan how you’ll ask them to be part of your special day. Personalized gifts or heartfelt notes can make this moment even more memorable!

Stage 2: Critical Wedding Preparations

Invitations

The next stage of the wedding planning process is to create and send out invitations to your guests. As a soon-to-be bride, you will have to start working on your wedding invitations as soon as possible. You can either create your own invitations or have a professional wedding invitation designer do it for you. Either way, planning ahead can help you get done with it fast.

Licenses and Permits

The next crucial step is to obtain all important licenses and permits for your wedding party. Apply for permits as soon as you book your venue to avoid last-minute issues. Certain permits may even be more important if you plan to host a wedding in your backyard.

Booking The Vendors

Another critical factor to be considered as a soon-to-be-bride is booking essential services like catering, décor, and wedding photographers ahead of time. You may also want to vet vendors, especially photographers, so picking your vendors early can make a big difference to your wedding day.

Wedding Favors

Last but not least, the choice of wedding favors for your guests and bridal party must also be added to your wedding planning checklist. Deciding what to give to your loved ones for being a part of your most important day is a sweet way to thank them, and choosing thoughtful wedding favors is a great way to do so.

Stage 3: Bridal Planning for Milestone Celebrations

Engagement Party

The engagement party is the first major milestone to celebrate your upcoming wedding. It’s a chance to gather friends and family, toast to your love story, and build excitement for the journey ahead. Sometimes, the groom will loop in the engagement with a surprise engagement party with friends and family after. If this isn’t you, and you’re still planning your announcement, think about choosing a meaningful venue—whether it’s a cozy backyard, a chic restaurant, or a picturesque park—that sets the tone for your wedding theme. Incorporate elements like personalized decorations, a curated playlist, and a signature cocktail that reflects your style as a couple. Remember, this is the perfect time to share your joy with loved ones and make memories to cherish forever.

Bridesmaid Proposal Party

The bridesmaid proposal party is a special opportunity to ask your closest friends and family to stand by your side on your wedding day. This gathering is all about heartfelt moments and meaningful gestures that celebrate your bond with each bridesmaid. Plan an intimate setting, whether it’s a cozy dinner, a chic brunch, or a fun at-home gathering, and surprise them with personalized proposal boxes or thoughtful gifts. Include a touch of creativity, like handwritten notes, custom keepsakes, or a mini photo slideshow of your memories together. This milestone is your chance to express gratitude for their support and make them feel truly cherished as part of your wedding journey.

Bridal Shower

The bridal shower is a heartfelt occasion to celebrate the bride and shower her with love and good wishes. This event is often more intimate, featuring close friends and family, delicious food, and thoughtful gifts. Planning a themed bridal shower, like a garden tea party or boho brunch, can add a personal touch. Include engaging activities, such as a DIY flower-arranging station or memory-sharing game, to create a warm and lively atmosphere. The key is to make the bride feel celebrated and supported as she embarks on her exciting new chapter.

Bachelorette Party

The bachelorette party is all about fun, friendship, and creating unforgettable memories before the big day. Whether you opt for a weekend getaway, a lively night out, or a relaxing spa retreat, tailor the experience to the bride’s personality and preferences. Consider incorporating unique elements like matching outfits, personalized party favors, or a curated itinerary that highlights her favorite activities. This milestone is more than just a celebration—it’s a way for the bridal party to bond and honor the bride’s journey to the altar with laughter, love, and a touch of adventure.

Stage 4: FINAL ACT WEDDING ARRANGEMENTS

Getting Ready in the Bridal Suite

Preparing for your wedding day in the bridal suite is a magical experience filled with excitement and anticipation. Ensure your suite is equipped with essentials like mirrors, comfortable seating, robes and gifts for your girls, and plenty of natural light for flawless makeup application. Stock the space with refreshments, your wedding day emergency kit, and sentimental touches to set a calming yet joyful mood. Invite your bridal party to join you for a morning of bonding, laughter, and making memories as you get ready for the biggest moment of your life.

Wedding Attire

Final fittings for your wedding attire a few days before the big day is the most important part of your wedding planning checklist. This must be completed in time so that any changes can be made swiftly. Now, you can shine like a diamond on the most important day of your life.

Catering & Decor

Just before the wedding day approaches, you will need to finalize your catering situation. Whether you hire an external caterer or pick the catering services offered by your venue, you will need to finalize your choice of food and drinks. Maybe, you want more seafood options like scrumptious grilled lobster tail in your wedding, or you want a vegan-friendly menu. Deciding on all of these aspects and finalizing them a few days before the wedding can make a big difference. Check final décor and select decorations that complement your wedding theme as part of your planning checklist.

Planning a wedding from scratch is no easy task. However, it is possible to make the time-consuming process more streamlined by preparing a wedding planning checklist as a soon-to-be bride. By dividing the task into smaller fragments and getting through them one by one, you can make your wedding planning process fruitful and enjoy your special day to the fullest.

Don’t forget to share your wedding journey with us! Tag @weddingfavorites on Instagram or use the hashtag #WEDFAVLOOK to show off your special moments. We’d love to celebrate with you!

How to Host the Perfect Fall Engagement Party with Rustic Elegance

Victoria Riddler • December 16, 2024

Engagement season is the most magical during fall and winter, with its crisp air, vibrant foliage, and cozy atmosphere and sparkling lights making it the perfect backdrop for engagement celebrations. As couples embark on their journey toward tying the knot, an outdoor engagement party is ideal for setting the stage for the upcoming wedding. Combining rustic charm and elegant details in a garden setting can create an unforgettable event that speaks to personal style and seasonal beauty.

Here’s how to blend rustic charm and sophistication to create a memorable gathering for you and your family.

Choosing the Right Venue: A Garden as the Perfect Setting

First, the venue is one of the most important aspects of any engagement party. A garden is a beautiful option, offering a natural canvas that can easily be transformed to reflect rustic charm and elegance.

Whether the garden is at a private home, public space, or dedicated event location, the natural surroundings of trees, plants, and flowers will effortlessly enhance the autumnal vibe.

For couples in Southern California, consider a wedding venue in Irvine or Burbank. These cities boast many scenic outdoor locations with well-maintained gardens perfectly blending nature and convenience. When searching for the right garden venue, make sure it has plenty of open space for both seating and mingling areas. Don’t forget lighting options for when the sun sets early during the fall months.

Beautiful semi-indoor greenhouse style with rustic wood backdrops and off white accents. Perfect for engagement ceremonies or weddings.

Creating a Warm Atmosphere with Lighting

Lighting is a powerful tool in setting the tone for your engagement party, especially as the days grow shorter in autumn and winter. Consider incorporating a mix of different lighting types to combine rustic charm and elegance.

String Lights

Draping string lights across trees, along fences, or over seating areas adds a whimsical touch to the garden. This soft, warm glow enhances the romantic vibe and highlights the outdoor space’s rustic beauty.

Candles and Lanterns

Place candles in vintage-style lanterns or use large pillar candles in glass holders along pathways or on tabletops for a more elegant, intimate feel. The flickering candlelight adds sophistication while maintaining the cozy warmth of the season.

Fairy Lights in Trees

If the venue has large trees, stringing fairy lights through the branches can create a magical, ethereal atmosphere. The subtle twinkle of the lights contrasts beautifully with the rustic natural elements, adding just the right amount of elegance.

Personalized Favors for Lasting Memories

An engagement party or wedding event isn’t complete without a thoughtful token of appreciation for guests. Personalized wedding favors are a thoughtful way to thank friends and family for celebrating your special moment and allow them to leave with a meaningful keepsake. Select something custom made or personalized just for them.

When choosing engagement favors, think about items that reflect the fall or winter season and the rustic-elegant vibe of the event. Here are some favor ideas that would be perfect for a cozy fall garden party.

Mini Succulents or Potted Herbs

These eco-friendly wedding favors are not only practical but also beautiful. Mini potted succulents or herbs, adorned with custom tags featuring the couple’s names and engagement date, offer guests a living reminder of the special occasion. It’s something they can care for long after the event has ended. It also serves as a gentle reminder, sparking a memory filled with joy.

Customized Candles

A candle favor can double as décor during the event. Choose fall-inspired scents like pumpkin spice, vanilla, or cedarwood, and package them in rustic jars with custom labels for a personalized touch.

Personalized Hand Selected Gift Boxes

Delight her with a personalized, hand-selected gift box featuring custom tumblers, thank-you cards, and luxurious bath bombs—all topped with her name! These beautifully curated boxes combine elegance and thoughtfulness, making them the perfect way to show your appreciation. Packaged to impress, each gift is tailored to leave a lasting impression.

Seasonal Dried Flower Favors

When getting married, you want to lock in your bridal party as soon as possible. Utilize the engagement party to also double as your chance to as your BFFs to be your bridesmaids. Ask in style with adorable dried flower favors as a thank-you gift! These charming keepsakes add a personal, heartfelt touch, making your bridesmaid proposal extra special. Perfect for celebrating your bond, these unique favors are a beautiful way to show your appreciation.

Elegant Touches to Elevate the Engagement

While rustic charm sets the tone, adding subtle elements of elegance will make the celebration feel special and sophisticated. Elegant details can be incorporated into various aspects of the engagement party, from the décor to the menu.

Chic Floral Arrangements

Upgrade the traditional rustic wildflower look with sophisticated dried flowers like baby’s breath, pampas grass, and bunny tails in a soft off white color. Gold or copper vases and accents can further enhance the luxurious feel blending in modern boho florals with western rustic farmhouse vibes.

Crystal Glassware and Fine China

Incorporating elegant crystal glassware or heirloom-quality china into the place settings instantly raises the event’s formality. This unexpected blend of rustic tables with high-end tableware creates a beautiful, thoughtful, and personalized contrast.

Elegant Linens and Soft Furnishings

For outdoor garden parties, soft furnishings such as cozy blankets, velvet cushions, and plush throws can serve both functional and decorative purposes. In cooler fall weather, these added comforts keep guests warm while contributing to the overall luxe feel.

Inviting Nature In: The Role of Rustic Décor

Rustic décor is an essential component of any fall garden engagement party. The key to achieving this look is incorporating natural materials, vintage pieces, and earthy tones that blend seamlessly with the surroundings. The texture and color of these items should be the biggest consideration for this part of your planning. Here are some ideas for infusing rustic charm into your engagement party.

Wooden Tables and Chairs

Choose long wooden tables and mismatched chairs for a rustic dining area. The wood’s natural grain pairs perfectly with the fall landscape, creating a grounded and welcoming environment.

Burlap and Lace Table Runners

Layer your tables with burlap runners for a rustic foundation, then add lace overlays or soft linen napkins for contrast. This mix of textures introduces an elegant touch to the natural simplicity of burlap.

Mason Jar Centerpieces

Fill mason jars with seasonal blooms, such as mums, or wildflowers, and add a sprig of eucalyptus or wheat for a rustic, fall-inspired centerpiece. Pairing these jars with wood slices or metallic accents can bring a balance of elegance and countryside charm.

Consider the Season: Embrace the Fall Weather

A fall garden engagement party presents challenges due to unpredictable weather, so planning ahead is essential. Evenings can get chilly, and rain is possible in cooler months, but these factors are easily manageable.

Cozy Blankets for Guests

Providing personalized blankets for guests to wrap themselves in as the temperature cools is practical and welcoming. You can even display the blankets in rustic wooden crates or on a ladder for an extra touch of décor.

Tented Areas for Rain Protection

When hosting an outdoors event, consider renting a clear tent or canopy to cover the dining area. A tent protects from any unexpected weather while allowing guests to enjoy the garden views and autumn foliage.

Fire Pits or Heaters

If the night turns chilly, having a fire pit or heater will keep guests comfortable while adding a cozy, intimate vibe. Gathering around a fire encourages conversation and connection, making it an excellent addition to any engagement party.

Capture the Memories: Décor that Doubles as Photo Opportunities

A fall garden engagement party offers beautiful photo backdrops, enhancing the experience and creating picture-perfect moments for guests. Consider these ideas.

Vintage Furniture for Photo Ops

Create a stylish photo area with vintage furniture, such as an antique couch or rustic wooden bench, framed by the garden’s natural beauty. Adding seasonal arrangements or a floral arch creates a stunning photo focal point.

Polaroid Stations or Photo Booths

Set up a Polaroid station or a rustic-themed photo booth where guests can snap instant photos to take home or leave behind in a guest book. Provide a selection of props, such as fall leaves, pumpkins, or cozy scarves, to add to the fun.

A cozy fall garden engagement party offers the perfect opportunity to blend rustic charm and elegance in a beautiful, natural setting. By carefully selecting your venue, décor, and favors, you can create an unforgettable celebration that captures the warmth and beauty of autumn.

With a bit of creativity and attention to detail, your fall garden engagement party will leave a lasting impression on all who attend. If you used any of these tips, make sure to tag us @weddingfavorites!

National Proposal Day!

Jayda Jalali • March 17, 2023

Happy National Proposal Day! March 20th is a special day many couples not only celebrate their marriage and relationship, but also when some decide to pop the question! Everyone’s proposal story is unique in its own way, filled with hard-hitting emotions. Here at Wedding Favorites HQ we love all wedding stories, so we decided to ask our followers to share theirs! Here are two proposals that we thought were special! (Plus a special surprise at the end!👀)

Proposal #1

“I’ve always wanted to go to Hawaii and my boyfriend and I finally got a chance to go for an anniversary and Valentine’s Day. We both work in a hospital so we haven’t gotten a vacation since Covid-19. And then we got there. The next day he said he hired a photographer just for “fun” so I could keep the memory. He planned with the photographer how he was going to propose. He’s been planning this for 2 years… It was so perfect! ❤️”

-Brittany Barron

Proposal #2

“My fiancé and I started dating in 2020 and two weeks later I lost my mom. My fiancé was and is an absolute rockstar of a support system. We’re quite the crazy cat ladies so I knew I wanted to incorporate them into my proposal. So I bought the cat’s bandanas that said “will you marry my mama?” Long story short, the bandanas never made it on the cats (they were camera shy) and I got down on one knee and shouted “surprise!” Instead of “will you marry me?” Nevertheless, she said yes!

Two weeks after, her mom died 💔 We’ve been loving and supporting each other through these heartbreaks. That following October, I came home from work to a fall festival with a pumpkin saying “will you marry me” and it was my turn for my ring! I told her I’d have to think about it 😉 Wedding is set for April 27, 2024! We’d love to be featured to spread light through our heartache 💍🤍👰👰 #twobridesarebetterthanone”

– Taylor Wallace @_taylorsamantha

These stories were a pleasure to share and both so special. If you have any interesting or memorable proposal stories feel free to share them with us @weddingfavorites. To continue celebrating the love today, you can use our exclusive code: PROPOSALDAY2023 to save 25% OFF sitewide. (Code expires 3/22/23 @ 11:59 PM PDT)

Happy National Proposal Day!

5 Easy Engagement Photo Ideas

Jayda Jalali • February 14, 2023

Congrats on your engagement! Now what…? Engagement photos, of course! Like any celebratory life event or milestone, this is the perfect time to plan a photoshoot to capture the excitement and love between you and your partner. While it is important to organize details like the photographer, location(s), and outfits, remember that this process should be fun! Utilize this time to get comfortable planning and practicing how to pose for the wedding day. If you are stuck on what to wear or how to work with the camera, we got you with these 5 tips.

WHEN:

When to take your engagement photos depends on you. If you plan on using these photos for your save-the-date, we suggest planning to meet with your photographer 8+ months in advance of the wedding day. Ideally, this would give you enough time to ensure your photos are edited, printed, and mailed out at just the right moment. Otherwise, the most popular time frames to take the engagement photo will be right after the engagement date or 4-6 months before the wedding date.

WHERE:

To begin planning where you will take your photos, think about these questions: What are your favorite colors? Do you like nature? Or, are you a fan of city life in all its industrial glory? Is there a place that is special to both of you? Your first date location? Your favorite place to spend time together? Maybe, the spot is your towns local coffee shop or your favorite record store? What theme or atmosphere do you want to go for? Beachy? Vintage? Vibrant? If you can’t decide on one place, there is always the option to shoot in multiple locations.

WHAT TO WEAR:

Our favorite part of an engagement photo is… the outfits, of course! This is our most beloved tip we must share with you. Showcasing your future last name or new status is easy when your clothes and accessories do the talking. WeddingFavorites has plenty of options for jackets, hats, purses, and accessories to glam up any outfit you choose. We offer lots of neutral pieces that will add a personal touch without taking away from the stars of the pictures… the newly engaged couple!

Here are some of our favorite customer engagement photos to gain some inspiration from:

1. Minimalistic

To achieve a minimal & natural background, a desert scape is a great option that creates a shining spotlight on the couple. The stunning future bride is wearing our Personalized Denim Jacket, color matching the future groom. Our denim jacket can be worn with almost any outfit, in this case, it elevates a gorgeous white dress to a chic fashion statement. With minimalism, sometimes less is more. The more relaxed you are, the better your photos will be.

2. Vintage

We love high-quality vintage photos! This couple utilized a vintage photo filter in the editing process that was able to tie together multiple elements like their car, flower bouquet, Mrs Jean Jacket, and wrapped up into one beautiful engagement photo. This bride was able to stay classy and relaxed when she let her fashion make the announcement. If you don’t know what to do with your hands, think about holding and wearing our Mrs. Fedora Hat. The placement of her hands on the Fedora naturally guides the eye to the declaration, “Mrs.”, a picture with no caption needed. Taking pictures looking out into the distance away from the camera is a confident and stylish pose we recommend pairing with vintage-style shoots. With super cohesive and on-theme items, the pictures will turn out gorgeous, just like these retro ones.

3. Winter

Do you and your significant other enjoy winter, snow, or nature? If so, a snowy photoshoot is a great idea! This couple achieved a clear, contemporary engagement photoshoot by picking a wintery nature scene. Our Sparkly Mrs. Beanie will keep you warm & cozy while showcasing your future title the whole time! Just like this couple, consider switching up poses like warm hugs, gentle nuzzling, or super fun piggyback rides that highlight the natural, loving energy you both share. Our beanies come in several colors, so choose whatever colors you want that will amplify your photos.

4. Classic

With a pop of color from the teal car, a trendy jacket to display the future-shared-last-name, and a charming pose, this couple pops in these beautifully edited photos. The classic style leans on sepia and browns, which pair incredibly well with our White Sparkly Fringe Jacket. Without words, this jacket clearly communicates this new level of your relationship. Everyone will know that you are engaged and will be excited to see your new last name! The calm and effortless ambiance of these photos makes for great inspo!

5. Beachy

If you live near the beach, you must consider the ocean as an option. Not only will there be impressive scenery, but you can achieve incredible energy in your photos based on the time of day. Early sunrise or mid-sunset are tricky times to achieve but offer a high reward. Who doesn’t want the dramatic colors of a sunset in the background? Girl, that makes for one powerful engagement photo! This bride-to-be opted to engage with our Mrs Fedora Hat in her photos. This hat doubles as a pretty accessory, and a fun prop for your poses. We LOVE their “kissing” pose behind the fedora! It’s a super cute and expressive idea for a couple who might be camera-shy.

Well, there you have it! 5 easy engagement photo ideas to guide and inspire your future photoshoot! Sign-up for our E-mail Newsletter for exclusive weekly wedding tips and inspo. We’ll share special tips, tricks, and good tidbits to help you break down all things bridal in your wedding journey. We are obsessed with all things wedding and love to see how you styled our products. If you use any of our bridal accessories for your engagement photos make sure to tag us @weddingfavorites!

Till next time!