What were you doing a year out?

whereismymind32 · April 2011

This is mainly a question for you ladies getting married this summer. How many "checks" were you working on a year from your wedding date? We've finally figured out our budget and picked our venue (The Inn at Glenora!), so what now? I've looked at the planning timelines, but how much of that really needs to be done this far away? I've also visited the ladies in the May 2012 board, but I'm overwhelmed by how much they've already done. I feel behind already!

kevinandmonica2011 · April 2011

Venue, budget (which you've already done- good for you!!)
Then we tried to figure out which vendors were most important to us. For us, it was our photog... for other brides it might be the DJ, flowers or hair/makeup.

We then spent lots of time researching our options, then met with and booked our photog at about 10 months out.

We booked the most important vendors first, to make sure we got who we wanted. The ones that didn't matter as much we saved until we had time/money to research and book them... if we didn't get our top limo vendor (for example) we wouldn't be heartbroken.

I also decided on my colors and started to work on my DIY projects (centerpieces, etc).... I have a very busy schedule w/ school and work so I did everything I could last summer (about 12-10 months out) because I knew once school started again I wouldn't have any free time to spend putzing around with projects.

You sound like you are on a pretty good roll. Glenora is a beautiful venue (I'm a little biased).... congrats!!!!!

sbolger17 · April 2011

I booked the venue 13 months ahead of time. Also booked the DJ and photographer about a year out. I don't think that's necessary, but if you have the time, you might as well make sure you get who you want! I booked catering at about 11 months then waited a little bit longer on everything else.

EDIT: I remember being overwhelmed by all the details that my month board girls posted about really early (even now, actually!). But everyone is at different stages; the ones who get things done early just have more to post about, so it seems like everyone is really far ahead when that's not true.

rsfan23 · April 2011

I booked the venue, DJ & Photographer all within a month of each other, but not at the year mark, more like 11 months. The Knot checklist is a good tool to follow. Also, I have done my own to-do lists that kind of coincide with the checklist.

whereismymind32 · April 2011

Thanks, I'm just easily overwhelmed because I feel like I'm doing this all by myself and there is so much to do! All of my girls and my mom are interested in the wedding and want to help, but they all live in another state, which makes it hard. So I'm trying to pace myself so my perfectionist self doesn't burn out!

acmj11 · April 2011

We booked the venue, photographer, and dj a year ahead of time. Believe it or not our first choice photographer and dj were already booked. If it's something you REALLY want, the sooner the better.

sbolger17 · April 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_central-new-york_were-doing-year-out?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:621Discussion:fca4c777-9f50-4389-98c4-9d7eb535e95aPost:a4facb10-e457-4484-9620-353ef626b34e">Re: What were you doing a year out?</a>:
[QUOTE]Thanks, I'm just easily overwhelmed because I feel like I'm doing this all by myself and there is so much to do! <strong>All of my girls and my mom are interested in the wedding and want to help, but they all live in another state, which makes it hard. </strong>So I'm trying to pace myself so my perfectionist self doesn't burn out!
Posted by whereismymind32[/QUOTE]

This is me too! Don't worry, you have plenty of time and you'll get it all done. And make sure your FI helps too!

rsfan23 · April 2011

Also, use us here if you feel like it. Just by talking it out or putting out ideas to us, it will help with some of the overwhelming feeling.

bitofrits · April 2011

I'm in a similar situation with not too many people around. I had my mom doing some internet reserach to find some vendors, since that's how I'd be doing it myself anyway. It was more for her to feel involved than anything else though, cause she was sending stuff for locations that were totally out of my budget... but that's another story...

My fiance is helping a lot, but really as moral support. He goes to appts with me, but I don't really give out control so I'm doing most of the researching of places myself. I did have him make appts for us though... giving him dates and times that would work. (Control freak much?... I know...)

Also, definitely check out wedding shows in your area. They are very overwhelming at first, so what I suggest is going with one or two types of vendors in mind that you're looking for (today only Dj and flowers) for example.

I'm getting married in July 2012 -- my goal was 1 thing a month to research and book. It's turned into one vendor every two months though since life is just like that.

You may want to consider a bridal planner to help. I know that some people feel it's unnecessary, but I found one that's really reasonably priced. Jaime from A Pink Door in Syracuse; I know that's like 1 1/2 hours from your location, but she travels. Not sure how much extra travel is, but again she's really reasonably priced. She can make appts for me, get pricing, and has great ideas on how to save money.

Good luck!!

whereismymind32 · April 2011

I thought about a coordinator, but our budget is already going to be stretched to the max! We've already decided to drop a few things just to be sure we get the quality of vendors we want for the things that matter most. I actually talked to a few coordinators at a bridal show and was impressed by how creative and friendly they were, but I think I can manage without one. (I may have a few control issues too!)

Happily9 · April 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_central-new-york_were-doing-year-out?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:621Discussion:fca4c777-9f50-4389-98c4-9d7eb535e95aPost:363d1e4a-19c7-42ea-995f-f7c36dac8367">Re: What were you doing a year out?</a>:
[QUOTE]I'm in a similar situation with not too many people around. I had my mom doing some internet reserach to find some vendors, since that's how I'd be doing it myself anyway. It was more for her to feel involved than anything else though, cause she was sending stuff for locations that were totally out of my budget... but that's another story... :) My fiance is helping a lot, but really as moral support. He goes to appts with me, but I don't really give out control so I'm doing most of the researching of places myself. I did have him make appts for us though... giving him dates and times that would work. (Control freak much?... I know...) Also, definitely check out wedding shows in your area. They are very overwhelming at first, so what I suggest is going with one or two types of vendors in mind that you're looking for (today only Dj and flowers) for example. I'm getting married in July 2012 -- my goal was 1 thing a month to research and book. It's turned into one vendor every two months though since life is just like that. You may want to consider a bridal planner to help. I know that some people feel it's unnecessary, but I found one that's really reasonably priced. <strong>Jaime from A Pink Door in Syracuse; I know that's like 1 1/2 hours from your location, but she travels. Not sure how much extra travel is, but again she's really reasonably priced.</strong> She can make appts for me, get pricing, and has great ideas on how to save money. Good luck!!
Posted by bitofrits[/QUOTE]

Hope you don't mind me asking...but do you know how much she charges for DOC services. (I also just sent her an email)

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