Just starting the planning process

Sweetgnj

Hello ladies, I'm new wo the message boards.  I got engaged in March and just started researching for my 9/12 wedding.

I think I found the dress I want but haven't went shopping yet.  Also may have found my venue, just haven't booked it yet.

Not sure where to start with everything so any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Was also wondering how you guys plan on wearing your hair?  I'm undecided if I want to get braids and get them styled (so I don't have to worry about my hair on my honeymoon) or get my own hair styled.  WDYT?

djscat

WELCOME!!!!  You have just entered the best board on the knot! LOL

I would definitly start with booking your church and your reception venue.   A lot of places are booked a year or longer in advance.  Once you have those big items booked you can start on the smaller details.  Start looking at websites and magazines for the dress styles you like.  The knot has a great check list and it will give you ideas of when you should have items checked off your list. 

As far as your hair is concerned how do you normally wear your hair?  Where are you going on your honeymoon?  When you envisioned your wedding did you envision yourself in braids?  I know that braids are convenient but don't pick your wedding hairstyle based on convenience.  Pick the style cause you love it. HTH

Good luck and congratulations on your engagement.

shesheduke

Ditto PP welcome to the board the ladies here are great and a wonderful wealth of information.

Please look into booking your venue, church and photographer ASAP. If you are getting married on a popular date or during the regular wedding season dates go quickly as a 9.10.11 bride there was slim pickings when I started planning my wedding 19 months ago so if that is any indication of how fast things book you might want to get a move on it if you can.

As far as hair is concerned I am not a fan of braids for a wedding style unless you have dreadlocks. That is just MHO. I will be wearing a sew in with curls but I haven't quite finished that vision yet. Sew in are convenient for your hair you get the length if you need it and weave just lasts longer that real hair to me. HTH

Congrats on your engagement and happy planning come back often and join in the fun!

Ksk2012

Welcome!! Like Cat said this is the best board! Everyone is nice and very helpful. Just join in at any time!!

I agree... I have booked my venue ( wedding and reception at the same place) first. April 2012 wedding. I originally selected lunch and then when I considered changing to dinner they were already booked for all their sunset slots! So lunch it is -cheaper!!!

I have my photographer pretty much selected I just need to meet with him and see his work again in person. I saw it a few years ago.  I plan on booking him next so we can begin to pay down his costs.


I used to go to my local boards but they were pretty dry and boring. I found this board has engaged and married ladies from all over and they are just as willing, probably more, to help than local boards.

So make yourself at home and join in the fun.

OHH hair...Originally i was going for the weave. But I really like my hair but it just will go limp if I am sweating (I have a perm) and isn't used to being curled so I know it wont hold bug curls for long. So I was think about instead of doing a full head weave looking into extensions for more body and length. I have to talk to my beautician and see what is the best option.

Welcome again!!

LSAS

Congrats and welcome!!!

wallacje

Congratulations and welcome to the board!!!

Have you already set your budget, preliminary guest list?  Those would help with some of the decisions you will be making.  Decide what you really will splurge on and on other things that may not be as big of a deal to you.  My big items were venue (ceremony & reception), dress and photography.

Dress shopping is fun too!!! Enjoy it and make sure you take pictures of yourself in the dresses, they will all start to blend together if you end up trying on a lot.

Definitely agree with PP on not waiting to long to book your big ticket items.

As far as hair, find a style that you like and then determine if you can do it with braids or weave, etc...

Happy Planning!!!!

Sweetgnj

Oh gosh!  I hope my venue isn't filled when we're ready to book it.  We planned on paying in the March time frame  which only leaves us about 6 months.

I normally wear my hair down with a side part but I'd like to look "different" on my big day.  We'd like to go to St.  Lucia on our honeymoon.

OMG, 19 months ago!  I'm really behind the ball.  Ok so the braids are not looking popular.  I was thinking curly braids since I never wear my hair that way (see pics for example)

My other choice was a slick bun (see pic for example).  

I tried a sew in before and didn't like how I looked so maybe I'll go with a drawstring ponytail with twist in the front as my final resort.

Also, how are you ladies going about make-up and hair trials?  Are they supposed to be free?

Baesmom

HI and welcome!

you have found the right group of ladies to go on and on with about wedding planning and all the details inbetween. 


i got my venue the week after we got engaged.  Unfortunately due to the fact that our wedding is so far out,(9/13) we cant officillay "book:" it til the end of the year.  But the planner already has us penciled in for the day.
From there, the next thing was my dress.  And the guest list..

Just know that if you get stressed or hit a wall, the ladies in the AAW are here to talk you through and make you feel so much better.  Oh, and they give wonderful ideas lol

sweetjess2011

Welcome and Happy planning!!

Baesmom

Oh, im sorry,
i like the bun. I think you have the face for it.

lil01

Welcome to the BEST board on TK!!

Ditto the other ladies. As wallacje stated, definitely figure out your budget & tentative guest list. Once you've done that, book your venue asap.

Congrats & happy planning!

happe2gether

Welcome welcome welcome to the board. Everyone here is absolutely great about being supportive with wedding and NWR stuff so jump right in. I'm a 9/2/12 bride so my first thing was to determine size and budget then venue. You still have a ways to go so get the logistics taken care of first. I truly think until you get your dress and start that part your ideas about hair might change a million times. I wouldn't even worry about it right now.

PrettyCW5

Welcome and Congrats!!!! I think the previous posts have said it all for what I was going to mention. Budget and size. Happy planning!! Looking forward to hearing more about your upcoming planning!!

[Deleted User]

Congrats!

I'm a September 2012 bride as well. . So far we've booked our venue, church and photographer. .

You still have time, but it will be here before you know it!! I say if you like something right now book it! It doesn't make since to wait. Our plan is to book all our big must have vendors ( venue, church, florist, etc.) now so that next year all we have to do is pay for them.

There are so many things to choose from I just go with my gut and go for it!

Congrats again and happy planning!!