Wedding planning can be pretty confusing—after all, it’s probably the biggest party you’ve ever thrown. But the best way to avoid problems later is to ask questions early.
Let’s go through some of the common questions brides ask us when planning their wedding. We will also provide answers to each question.
WHEN SHOULD WE SEND OUT INVITATIONS?
The best time to send out your invitations is 8-12 weeks before the wedding date. This gives enough time for planning and sending back the RSVP card in time. For out of town weddings, it may even be nice to send invitations out more than 12 weeks in advance to give guests a little more time to arrange travel plans.
DO I NEED TO INCLUDE THE DRESS CODE ON THE INVITE?
Yes, this is a thoughtful gesture for your guests so that they know what to wear to the wedding. Nobody would feel comfortable coming to your wedding wearing something completely off from your colour code.
SHOULD WE HAVE HAIR + MAKEUP DONE AT THE SAME PLACE?
Yes – whether it be at a hotel, your home or even a salon, having both done at the same place allows for a more stress-free morning without worrying about timing/location between the two places, moving everyone and their stuff multiple times, etc. It can take up more time and add more stress to the day than one may think.
SHOULD ALL THE GIRLS ARRIVE AT THE SAME TIME FOR HAIR + MAKEUP?
We would suggest doing so. You then eliminate any stress if someone is running late, hair and makeup is ahead of schedule they can just continue on to the next girl, and of course you want to soak up as much of the morning as you can with your favorite people!
HOW WILL MY BRIDAL PARTY PROCESS IN FOR THE CEREMONY?
This can come down to a personal preference and even the setup of your ceremony space.
Here are some common combinations:
- Groomsmen and bridesmaids walk down the aisle together
- Groomsmen enter from the front/side and bridesmaids process down the aisle individually
- Groomsmen enter from front/side and then meet the bridesmaids individually half way down the aisle and escort them to the altar
DO WE NEED A CHOICE OF ENTRÉE FOR A SEATED DINNER?
This isn’t really necessary except you know that a certain number of your guests are vegetarians or have allergies ahead of time then the caterer can be given a heads up so they are fully prepared with options for such guests.
DO WE NEED WELCOME BAGS FOR OUT-OF-TOWN GUESTS?
This is completely optional, however if you feel it is something your budget can accommodate, then your guest would find it quite thoughtful.
DO WE HAVE TO DO FAVORS?
They aren’t a necessity, but if you’ve got some room in the budget then a small thank you to your guests is always a nice gesture and can be a beautiful addition to your reception tables.
DO WE HAVE TO HAVE A REHEARSAL DINNER?
Absolutely not, it’s completely up to you.
The main wedding rehearsal is usually followed by rehearsal dinner. Rehearsal dinner helps to break the ice between both families before the wedding. It will also take a ton of pressure off introductions on your big day.
