• ​Are those wedding bells that we’re hearing? Congratulations to the happy couple! This is such an exciting time. As you are getting ready to plan a once-in-a-lifetime wedding party, we are here to make sure that the fun starts early. Sure, planning a wedding requires attention and care, but that doesn’t mean that it has to feel like a chore. After all, love is in the air!

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• Thanks to the growing availability of awesome digital tools, wedding planning nowadays is not only easier but also much smoother. Couples have far more control over the details of their joyous occasion, and many of the steps can be entirely DIY-style. For instance, you have the option to create a website for the wedding, make your dream playlist, and collect photographs from guests - all from your own computer.

• This article will guide you through the steps of planning a wedding in the digital age - and point out some of the most helpful tools out there that will help make your special day even more memorable:

• 1. Create a wedding website
• One of the most exciting steps in planning your wedding is building your own wedding website. This online space will play several roles at the same time: the site will communicate all the details to your guests, it will allow you to gather all the information that you need from them and it will celebrate your love and commitment to one another with your friends and relatives.
• Here are some of the must-have elements to include on your wedding website:
• All the important info clearly stated: date, location, schedule, dress code.
• RSVP form (more on that below).
• Contact information for questions.
• Interactive map to the venue.
• A couple of gorgeous photos of the happy couple.
• And here are some fun-to-have items you might want to add:
• A section that shares the story of your relationship: how and where you met, who proposed and how.
• An album with photos from your time together.
• A section where guests are invited to share their congratulations.
• If people are traveling from afar, you can include information about local hotels, restaurants or sights.

• Start by browsing through Wix’s wedding website templates and seeing which one you like best. You’ll be able to easily customize all of these templates and turn them into your dream wedding website. And be sure to read our guide on how to create a wedding website.

• A great advantage of creating a wedding website is that it also operates as a digital invitation and spares you the need of collecting ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ and ‘Maybes’ manually through phone calls, emails, letters or pigeon post. Using a straightforward RSVP form, your guests can quickly and easily let you know where they stand.
• Work with the RSVP form to collect information for the following fields:
• Are you planning to attend?
• How many people in your party?
• Add the full names of everyone in your party.
• Are there any dietary restrictions you’d like us to keep in mind?

• 2. Research every step
• A large variety of online resources are available at your fingertips. Use them! With wedding blogs, vendor reviews, Pinterest albums and many other options, you have the ability to perform thorough research at every step of the way: from choosing your wedding photographer to deciding on the color scheme.

• For inspirational reading, start with going through One Fab Day, the Wedding Playbook and the Wedding Details Pinterest board. To get some great visual ideas, check out the incredible wedding photography portfolios by Thai Pham, Kamron Khan and Frédérick Lejeune. Discuss all things wedding on forums like WeddingBee or Best Destination Wedding, where you can learn from the experience of other couples.

• 3. Create a joint email account
• Rather that communicating with guests through your account, your partner’s account, their mother’s account, etc., why not create a special email account for the big day? It will be far easier for your guests and for yourself to have one centralized address for all wedding-related correspondences. Not to mention, it’s a cute addition to the wedding hype when all communications are run from a symbolic address, such as “ben.kerin.2019@gmail” or “TheJonesWed@yahoo”

• It’s easy enough to open a free account on the platform of your choosing. You can set up automatic forwarding to the personal email addresses of all organizers, and you can also create a filter within your personal inbox to display only the emails related to your wedding account.

• 4. Send beautiful email updates
• Keep your guests excited and engaged by sending email updates as the date of your wedding approaches. You can use Wix ShoutOut to design beautiful email messages, manage your contact lists and distribute your newsletters with ease. You can even organize your contacts into groups to have separate emails for the full guest list, the dress rehearsal party or the bridesmaids.

• Strategize your emails with moderation and pay attention to timing. You don’t want to overburden your guests with too many announcements. Three or four emails sent to the full guest list is quite enough. You can start with a “Save the Date” announcement, to be followed by a full invitation with all the details and a link to your wedding website. At a later point, you can send out a reminder to RSVP, a request for guests to add their favorite dance floor hits to your playlist or weather forecast updates.

• 5. Control your budget
• Every person who has ever tied the knot will tell you that budgeting is one of the most challenging parts about the whole process. Let’s face it, weddings are expensive. There are hidden and unexpected costs at every turn of the way, and it’s not easy to get a consensus about budget priorities for an event of this nature.

• The best way to tackle this issue is to come prepared and organized. Fortunately, you can rely on a variety of digital tools to help you manage, update and keep track of your budget. Cost of Wedding is one option to start with. It helps you itemize and calculate all projected costs to help keep you within your limit. Use mobile apps such as Wedding Happy or Fudget to track your expenses and keep track of the big picture.

• 6. Manage your wedding like a team project
• Some wedding productions require the meticulousness and precision of military operations. Even if yours is not expected to be as elaborate as those, you will still find yourself juggling multiple tasks, deadlines and choices.

• Since it takes at least two people to get married, planning the event often becomes a group project. How do you make sure that everyone owns up to their responsibilities and perform their duties on time? Use project management tools like Trello or Asana to assign tasks, keep track of the timeline, add notes and get notifications. With a helpful system to centralize all to-do items, you will not lose track of who is in charge of ordering flowers, who is responsible for testing the sound system and who prepares the welcome signs.

• 7. Prepare for online gifts
• We are gathered here today because of the two individuals who are in love, but let’s not forget about the gifts, shall we? Wedding gifts are one aspect of the event that has received an amazing boost thanks to the Internet. You can now build your wedding registries at your favorite eCommerce stores, and all that is required of your guests is to make the purchase online. Use Zola or Amazon to combine different brands, or if you want to focus your guests on a specific genre, go with websites such as Heath Ceramics or REI for camping gear.

• Of course, if you decide that instead of a gift registry, you prefer cash gifts, you can set up a PayPal or Venmo account. This will spare your guests the headache of bringing cash or checks with them to the event, and it will save you the trouble of securing the transfer of the envelopes away from the venue and into your bank account. Whichever you choose - cash or registry - be sure to add links and clear, friendly instructions to your wedding website. And don’t forget to thank them for their gifts!

• 8. Curate the ultimate playlist
• So much of the wedding fun happens on the dance floor, and one great perk of organizing the wedding is getting into the groove by preparing your music playlist for the event. If you are hiring a DJ to play at your event, preparing your own playlist is useful in helping them understand your musical preferences and agreeing on songs that you absolutely must have.

• Spotify is probably the best tool to curate your playlist, since you can find almost any piece of music there and simply add it to your list. You can also create several playlists, each with the right style for the different stages of your wedding, from the cocktail reception, through dinner time and to the dancing. You don’t want your event depending on the quality of wifi in the venue, so best make your playlist available offline.

• 9. Draft the seating arrangement
• Taking care of the seating arrangement is not known to bring joy to wedding planners. While we can’t help you with questions like how to seat feuding uncles as far from each other as possible, we are able to suggest a few digital tools that can make seating arrangement easier to handle.

• Start by organizing your guests and tables in a spreadsheet. You can use Style Me Pretty’s template as an example. Then, you can work with platforms like All Seated or Wedding Mapper to create a seating chart, adjusting its layout according to the venue’s seating arrangement.

• If you are artistically inclined, you may want to try sketching the seating arrangement on your own using your tablet. Use illustration and drawing apps like Paper, Adobe Sketch or Concepts to draw your venue layout.

• 10. Create a collective wedding album
• Gone are the days when wedding memories were captured solely by the professional photographer on the ground. Every guest can now participate in your wedding album using their smartphones. And since they will take photos anyway, why not share them with the whole party?

• One way to invite guests to share their own photos of your wedding is by setting up an Instagram hashtag, have everyone post their pics together with the hashtags, and use services like EmbedFeed to generate a visual feed of your wedding hashtag. You can then easily embed the feed into your wedding website by following these steps.

• Another option is to ask your guests to upload their images directly to your wedding website at their own leisure. Follow these steps to add the image upload feature to your site.

• If you want to display the images during the wedding itself, you can use HashSlide to create a feed that collects all tagged images and creates one amazing slideshow out of all of them. Once you receive your professional pictures you can show them off using Wix Pro Gallery on your site. Rest assured, your images will always look pixel-perfect - just like your big day celebration was.

• Have a lovely wedding, you two!

• Planning a wedding? Create a wedding website with Wix and get your guests excited!

• By The Wix Team
• Content provided courtesy of WIX. www.wix.com

•  Wedding Planning Timeline  Courtesy of www.bweddinginvitations.com
• 
  Congratulations! You’re at last engaged and now is the time for all the planning to begin. You’ve dreamt of this moment all of your life, but we understand it can get overwhelming and you’re already thinking to just elope in an abandoned dessert. B Wedding Invitations has come to your rescue with our steps to planning a wedding and tips to make the journey much simpler, smoother and streamlined for you. We are pleased to present you with our thoughtfully detailed wedding planning 101 timeline. Keep the romance alive even after the high of engaged bliss with this planning guide we have put together for you to be your new best friend in preparation of your magical day.

• 12 MONTHS PRIOR

• 1. ENGAGEMENT PARTY
• While you’re still excited (and secretly wishing for any excuse to show off your ring), plan and host your engagement party to celebrate with your nearest and dearest!
• 2. SET THE BUDGET
• You need to keep track of all expenses so make sure you properly sit down with your partner before you lock it in all in to set a budget and keep in line with it throughout.
• 3. ORGANIZE GUEST LIST
• You need to set your numbers because this will essentially effect the venue and reception you choose and their capacity.
• 4. SELECT A BRIDAL PARTY
• This will be fun! Sit down with your partner and plan who will be there every step of the way leading up to the big day and how you’ll propose to them!
• 5. BOOK A VENUE/RECEPTION
• Venues book up fast! Pick the venue before your date as you don’t want to have your heart set on one only to find out it’s not available on the date you wish. Once you book your venue, you’ll plan your design and décor around that.
• 6. SET THE WEDDING DATE
• Depending on certain dates and holidays your wedding date may fall on, it will affect the pricing, venue availability and attendance. Take your time settling on a date and make sure to do your research.

• 8 MONTHS PRIOR:

• 7. HIRE A PHOTOGRAPHER/VIDEOGRAPHER
• Don’t lose out on your favorite one because you’ve left it too late to meet with them, discuss your expectations, build a relationship and then of course book them in! Every photographer has a unique style, you need to carefully choose the right fit for you!
• 8. ORGANIZE CATERING FOR RECEPTION
• I don’t know about you, but food is one of my favorite things about attending a wedding. Set down a menu and be mindful to take into account certain intolerances your guests may have.
• 9. SHOP FOR WEDDING DRESS
• Ladies, the journey to finding the perfect dress is going to be overwhelming so grab your bridal party and start the search early. Know your budget, look up designs for inspiration and book in an appointment with a stylist from a bridal gown boutique. While you’re there, remember to move around in the dress and not just look at it in the mirror. You want to ensure you’re comfortable on the day and bring along your accessories if you already have them.
• 10. DECIDE ON THE THEME
• Choose the style you want your wedding to have – décor, details, floral styling and color, as this is going to be important to pass onto your vendors so they can work with you to achieve the look you’re envisioning.
• 11. BOOK CELEBRANT
• Don’t underestimate how quickly celebrants book up. Keep in mind this person is hosting your first step towards marriage, you want the best in the business so be sure to do some research and allow yourself a chance to meet them to see if they’re the one.
• 12. HIRE A WEDDING PLANNER (IF YOU CHOOSE TO HAVE ONE)
• Completely optional! If you find it really hard to make decisions and the whole idea of planning this once in a lifetime event seems too much for you, have an expert be your go-to throughout the entire start to finish process.

• 6 MONTHS PRIOR:

• 13. BEGIN HAIR AND MAKEUP TRIALS
• You need to see how well your desired beauty team actually work on your face and hair. You want to look close to perfect on your special day and trials are important in giving you an idea of how long your makeup and hairstyle will last as well.
• 14. ORDER THE CAKE
• Get excited for cake tastings! When choosing a cake consider design, flavor, size, budget, temperature on your wedding day and a cake designer who you know doesn’t just want your money, but to help design the cake of your dreams.
• 15. HIRE A FLORIST
• One of the best ways to find the perfect florist is to ask your family and friends for recommendations or to look through online portfolios and reach out for quotes and what’s included in their services etc. will they deliver on the day or must you pick up?
• 16. SOURCE MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT
• Think about whether you want a DJ or live performances, and then think of what style of music and feel you want your reception to have. Do you want entertainment that’s meaningful and romantic or upbeat and will get your guests on the dancefloor, or both?
• 17. ORDER THE WEDDING DRESS
• Once you’ve got your heart set on the right dress, make sure you put in your order with enough time to allow for design customizations, fittings, consultations and alterations.

• 4 MONTHS PRIOR:

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• 18. ORDER BRIDESMAID DRESSES
• Consider what style and design – the theme and season of your wedding will affect this, color and length you want the dress, but also take into consideration whether you want them all in the same one or if you’re wanting to accommodate for each of their personal preferences, personalities and body shapes – let them have a say, but also remember that you want to be entirely happy with the final outcome.
• 19. PURCHASE WEDDING BANDS
• Make sure you settle on a budget and decide whether you want you and your partner’s bands to match and what material and style you’re after.
• 20. SEND SAVE THE DATES
• Note that your guests will need to keep your wedding date free and some will have to allow for travel. Be sure to include your names, the wedding date (dates if it spans a weekend), location (a city if no venue has been confirmed) and notice for a formal invitation to follow. Do not expect RSVP’s, this is simply a reminder to reserve the date.Your guest list will be finalized at this point so be sure to make note of whether or not they are allowed a plus one and whether children are allowed (so they can arrange a sitter!) to allow for flexibility around adjusting your guest list/seating chart if you need to.
• 21. BOOK HONEYMOON
• Set your honeymoon wants, wishes and expectations from the get go. You must both have an input in this as it’ll be your first trip as a married couple. Do you want to relax, sight see or go on adventures? Consider which country will be best for the type of honeymoon you’re after and for the time you’re planning to go. Book early to ensure you get your desired accommodation and activities (if any) locked in. Do not rely solely on online reviews, personal recommendations or what sounds or looks appealing, really do your research and set aside a budget so you’re not left short overseas to enjoy yourself
• 22. ORGANIZE GROOM AND GROOMSMEN ATTIRE
• Keep your look in line with what will complement the wedding theme and of course, the bridal party. Allow enough time to rent or get your formalwear fitted and altered. Consider matching accessories such as ties or bows, pocket squares, cufflinks, socks and shoes.

• 2 MONTHS PRIOR:

• 23. ORDER WEDDING INVITATIONS
• Pick your invitations to ensure it’s in line with your wedding style and colors and something that reflects you and your partner’s personal style. Order samples, consider the way you’ll word the invitation, order a beautifully cohesive set of on-the-day and Thank You cards and cannot stress this one enough… please triple check your final proof to make sure all the information is correct!
• 24. ORGANIZE WEDDING FAVORS
• When selecting a gift for your guests, choose something that has meaning to you as a couple, is personalized with your names and wedding date or is practical and they will actually make use of. This is your perfect chance for a D.I.Y project too!
• 25. FINALIZE VOWS
• First speak with your officiant as they may need you to cover an important part of the ceremony. Find inspiration, write from the heart and think about your journey with your partner thus far and what your promise is to them. Keep it short and sweet and don’t forget to re-read and rehearse it!
• 26. ORGANIZE BRIDAL PARTY GIFTS
• Decide whether you want to give everyone the same present or if you want to add a special touch and give each a unique gift that’s perfectly meaningful and sentimental to your relationship with them. Add a personalized note as well!
• 27. ORGANIZE TRANSPORT
• Don’t forget to plan how you, your bridal party and family are going to get from one place to the other – e.g. home to the wedding, wedding to the reception, from the reception to whatever follows.

• 6 WEEKS PRIOR:

• 28. ORGANIZE MARRIAGE LICENSE
• Don’t forget you must make your union official on paper! Most states will have a government website with useful information on what documents are required and the office’s contact information so you can go to obtain your license. Don’t forget some states require a waiting period between granting the license and your nuptials!
• 29. CONFIRM DETAILS WITH ALL VENDORS
• Check in with all vendors to make sure they’re all well prepared, have nailed your vision and all have the correct date and time for completion and action. Double check the details to ensure there’s been no miscommunication regarding the final product.
• 30. FINALIZE CEREMONY AND RECEPTION DETAILS
• Make sure all the details you’ve passed on for the ceremony as well as for the reception have been clearly received and confirm the procession for the day and have it promised it will all run smoothly.
• 31. MAIL INVITATIONS
• Time to let you guests know of the finer details of your big day and to finally send out the wedding invitations!!!

• 3 WEEKS PRIOR:

• 32. HAIRCUT AND COLOR AND GET A FACIAL
• The big day is getting closer and we need you looking as fresh as possible, it’s time to treat yourself!
• 33. PRE-WEDDING CELEBRATION
• Your Maid of Honor, along with the bridal party, will most likely plan this so just be prepared to let your hair down and have some fun!
• 34. FINAL DRESS FITTING
• Time for one last glimpse of yourself in your wedding gown just to make sure no final alterations need to be made.
• 35. CHASE UP R.S.V.P
• Sit down with your partner and make sure you’ve got most, if not all, guests’ responses.

• 1 WEEK PRIOR:

• 36. PICK UP ANY ITEMS YOU NEED
• Get all the little bits and pieces together and pick up any orders and package them neatly so they’re all ready to play their part in your magical upcoming day!
• 37. FINALIZE THE SEATING CHART
• Lock in the seating chart and ensure all friends and family are appropriately and accordingly seated near one another – consider who will be best put together and who needs to be kept at a distance.
• 38. WRAP FOR GIFTS BRIDAL PARTY
• Don’t leave this to the last minute or the night before! Prepare it all now so it’s one less unnecessary headache on your to-do list leading up to the wedding.
• 39. FINAL HEAD COUNT TO PROVIDE TO VENUE/CATERERS
• By now you should have received and reviewed all of your RSVPs and now it’s time to pass on the final numbers to your venue and vendors.

• 2 DAYS PRIOR:

• 40. GET PLENTY OF REST FOR THE BIG DAY
• Relax and rest and trust your bridal party and team of vendors will take care of everything from here on out.
• 41. GET YOUR SPRAY TAN DONE
• Go get that bronzed goddess glow and give it time to settle so it’s not going to stain your beautiful white gown!
• 42. GET A MANICURE/PEDICURE
• Unwind with treating yourself to a fresh mani and pedi so you’re all set!
• 43. PUT TOGETHER BRIDAL EMERGENCY KIT
• Your Maid of Honor needs to be on-call with an emergency kit which should include but isn’t limited to: mints, tweezers, bobby pins, hair ties, hair spray, blotting paper, makeup, sewing kit, tissues, perfume, baby wipes, fashion tape, clear polish, Panadol and most importantly, the wedding day itinerary and phone numbers of all vendors!We have prepared this easy overview infographic for you to download and refer back to and make sure you tick all those tasks and allow plenty of time to achieve the wedding of your dreams, without stress.​We hope we’ve given you some wise advice to give you a more crystal-clear picture of the steps you need to take to peacefully plan your wedding and to give you an insight into what your schedule will look like! Be inspired by the ideas we have put forth and from the team here at B Wedding, we truly wish you and your partner a beautiful wedding day that will mark the first day of the rest of your life together.​ 
• Wishing you a happily ever after.