Tulsa Wedding Planning - Countdown to your wedding in Oklahoma

 

Tulsa, Oklahoma Wedding Planning Countdown Congratulations on your Tulsa wedding engagement! It's a time where you will now be put to the test! There is a lot of preparation that needs to happen before the wedding. Oklahoma Weddings take a lot of planning and you will likely spend over 100 hours on the phone, visiting with wedding vendors in Oklahoma, you'll plan, and plan, and plan. To help you get off to a good start, Tulsa Wedding Guide has put together a complete outline of the things you'll need to do for your wedding starting 12 months before the wedding and counting down to the last 4 weeks before. Here is a timeline that will help you get those things done. If all else fails you can always hire a professional wedding planner in Tulsa, Oklahoma. For more information see our Tulsa Wedding Planner page.

Countdown to your wedding in Tulsa, Oklahoma!

12 months before the wedding in Oklahoma12 months before the wedding in Tulsa, OK
Decide on the date and type of ceremony in Oklahoma you both wish, make an appointment to see the minister or officiant to see if that date is available and also check if they do pre-marital counseling. If you are getting married in a church, you may have to be a member of that church or check to see what the rules and guidelines are such as; do they allow you to throw confetti, rice or petals or can you blow bubbles and so forth. Also, set the time of the ceremony taking into account guests who may have to travel quite a long way. Find out all the costs involved including hiring special ceremony music for your wedding. Sometimes certain churches have musicians that provide a soloist, choir music or wedding singers, organist and bell ringers if needed. Choose your bridesmaids, best man and the ushers. Once your wedding date is set and you have booked your wedding ceremony location, then you can start telling everyone about the date. Now is a good time to start a beauty routine. It’s vital to drink as many glasses of water as you can to help clarify your skin. If you would like recommendations on nutrition and beauty regimens go to our beauty page.

Choose your reception facility
Start to visit possible reception sites or venues and speak with their caterers about the choice of menu you would like. Usually they can give you many options, either a buffet, sit down dinner or a simpler choice meal. If you have a lot of vegetarians present at the wedding don’t forget to include a menu that would be suitable for them. The price varies according to the menu and choices. When you have found the ideal place, plan on paying a deposit to secure your wedding location. Sometimes there is a wedding planner on the premise to help with details such as: floral arrangements, music, the type of champagne or open bar, decorations etc. The caterer in Oklahoma will need an estimated count on the number of guests that plan to attend. The final headcount will come 1-2 weeks before the wedding. Start planning your list at this time. Don’t forget to ask about parking for the ceremony as well as the reception. Now that you know where you’d like to have your wedding location, it’s time to set a budget.

Tulsa Wedding Planning Countdown in Oklahoma!

11 months before the wedding in Oklahoma11 months before the wedding
Now that you have both agreed on where you would like to have your wedding and have both agreed on a budget. It would be a good idea to open a wedding account at a bank where you can save and put your money away. With a wedding account, it makes it easier to see where all the deposit money is going. If your parents are paying for the wedding it is still a good idea to save, maybe you’ll need a financial planner, save up for a house or buy an insurance policy together. It is important to decide who will be paying and who will be responsible for the cost of the wedding. You may want to choose your wedding rings at this time for a local jeweler in Oklahoma visit our Tulsa Jewelers page.

Choose your wedding dress
If you haven't done so already, it's time to start looking for your wedding dress. Try on as many styles as you like to find the look you want. Take your best friend, bridesmaid, sister or mother that can help you decide. If you are choosing a designer wedding dress that is custom designed especially for you. make sure you order in plenty of time before the wedding. There may be several fittings and alterations so allow yourself plenty of time. Try on different styles of veils together with the dresses. Try to buy the veil at the same time as the dress as some styles of dress call for a particular look with the veil. Plan on putting down a deposit for your dress. before the material is ordered and cut. If your bridesmaids are to have their dresses made by a custom designer, it would be wise to order them at the same time as the wedding dress. There may be a discount on your wedding gown or a break in the overall price. So don’t be afraid to ask for one.

Choose your photographer
Find a good photographer in Oklahoma . Do not compromise on the photographer. The results will be a lasting reminder of your special day. If you don't already know one, get recommendations from family or friends, then go and visit their studios and see their work. Ask to see portfolios and get a quote saying exactly how many prints you will get, whether an album is included in the price. Once you are happy with the quality of their work and the look they achieve, book him/her immediately. Give them a deposit to secure your date. A good photographer in Oklahoma may get booked up for years ahead. A great idea would be to also have disposable cameras on every table at the reception. You’ll get some great shots that will be a treasure for years to come. You may want to schedule an engagement photo at this time. For more information see our Tulsa Photographers page. Also try to find a good videographer in Oklahoma and give him a deposit to secure the booking. For more information on Videographers in Oklahoma see our Tulsa Videographers page.

10 months before the wedding in OklahomaTen months before the wedding
It’s time to start your beauty regimen and where you will get your services done. Perhaps a day spa in Oklahoma can offer you a wedding updo, nails, facial, makeup, massage treatments before the wedding. Look up day spas in Tulsa on the internet to help you decide. See if there are any packages for weddings. Perhaps a gift certificate could be purchased by a mother of the bride for a shower gift. Some salons offer spa services and can be at your wedding location the day of the wedding. Check around for availability. Make sure you have professionals at work for you. The last thing you need to worry about is your hair. If you are going to do your hair and make up yourself, start trying for the result you want. Perhaps permanent makeup may be an answer for you. Check out our beauty page for permanent makeup artists in your area. Make sure if you change your hairstyle get it done months before the wedding so you can see what it will look like. If it’s a new cut and you don’t like it, there’ll be plenty of time left for it to grow out. Don’t make any drastic changes right before the wedding. To see a list of recommendations see our
salon & day spa page.

Choose your transportation
There are many choices of transportation in Oklahoma such as a limousine, trolley, limo bus, or a horse drawn carriage. Sylvia’s Carriage Service provides this service. If you have always wanted to be driven in a vintage car, check locally what is available, and book it in good time. Make sure your budget can afford the type of transportation needed. There are many choices so shop around or go to our limousine and transportation page for more options.

9 months before the wedding in Oklahoma9 months before the wedding
It's time to choose your wedding cake for the reception. Also don't forget the groom's cake. Cakes now come in a variety of flavors and fillings. So make an appointment with your local bakery in Tulsa. For more choices click on our Wedding Cake page. Will you or a member of your family make the cake or will you shop around to local bakeries in Tulsa , Oklahoma . Whatever the choice; decide on the size, shape and design you want. Look around at local bakeries or online at the Tulsa Wedding Guide and choose the type of wedding cake that would be large enough to feed all the guests. There are even cake toppers, or flowers that you could decorate you wedding cake. Choose the design you want and the color scheme you have decided on for your wedding. Now there are even fillings for wedding cakes for different flavors. For more wedding cake ideas and for wedding cake recommendations see our
Wedding Cake page for more options.

8 months before the wedding
Now it’s time to start considering where you would like to go on your honeymoon destination. Maybe you will want to getaway for a honeymoon in Oklahoma at a bed & breakfast or stay in a honeymoon suite in Tulsa before the big trip. If you decide to go abroad, make sure your passports are up to date and get any inoculations booked that may be necessary. Start planning with an Oklahoma Travel Agent for tips and ideas. Make sure your hair and beauty regimen is still intact and keep drinking water every day.

Choose your Florist
This is the time to select and discuss your color scheme with the florist or decorator for the ceremony and reception in Oklahoma . You’ll need a bridal bouquet and bridesmaid flowers and you may also need flowers for the church and reception. Balloon decorations are also a nice touch at a reception. Don’t forget the groom he’ll need a boutonniere and the groomsmen, mother-of-the-bride and mother in law will need corsages as well. Find local flower shops in Tulsa to help you decide and once you’ve decided on your wedding flowers pay your deposit to secure your date. To keep the cost down use flowers that are in season and lots of greenery. You may also check out the local florists shops in Tulsa at the Tulsa Wedding Guide.

7 months before the wedding in Oklahoma7 months before the wedding
It's time to go to a local bridal shop or tailor to have your dress custom fitted. This will entail a strange bodice like garment that is fitted and moulded to your shape. The bridesmaids dresses do not need fittings at this time and it's better to wait until 3 months before the wedding to have children fitted to allow for growth spurts.

Choose your Wedding Rings
If you have not done so by now choose your wedding rings. Couples like to have matching or complimentary rings. To see a list of jewelers or wedding rings go to our Jewelers page. You may want to buy gifts for the best man, maid of honor, bridesmaids and ushers at the same time or choose special favors or gifts from our Gifts & Registries page.
Choose your Wedding Gifts & Wedding Favors
Decide upon your gift registry and your wedding gift choices. If there is a theme for your wedding then choose the wedding favors that would compliment your colors, style and taste. Some suggestions would be: a gift of chocolate truffles, or a stick of gum or candy wrapper with both your names and wedding date on the wrappers. For more information on choosing wedding favors look at our wedding gifts & accessories page.

6 months before the wedding in Oklahoma6 months before the wedding
Consider pre-marital counseling at this time. Also reserve your wedding rental equipment. For a list of referrals go to our Party Rentals page. You also want to keep up with your hair and beauty regimen and don't forget to keep drinking water and exercise regularly. This would be a good time to start conditioning your hair weekly basis and to get relaxing massages for you and your fiance. Things can get a little stressful so this would be a good time to learn how to relax together before the big day. For a list of local day spas in Oklahoma go to our day spas page.

Choose your wedding invitations
When choosing your wedding invitations or stationary, try and co-ordinate the color and the theme that you have chosen for the wedding. Try to use the same design from the wedding invitation - to the "thank you cards". A list of items to consider would be the invitations, reply cards, the place cards, the reception card, program for the ceremony, thank you cards, envelopes, paper napkins, etc. Go over the final invitation list making sure no one is overlooked. Make sure you check that all addresses are correct. Feelings can be hurt for years if a close relative or friend gets overlooked because you mailed the invitation to the wrong address. Go to our Invitations page for more options.

5 months before the wedding in Oklahoma5 months before the wedding
Start shopping around for your wedding accessories, honeymoon apparel, fine ladies apparel and shoes. Underwear, lingerie and stockings if you plan on wearing any and don't forget the "garter". If you are traveling find going away clothes or clothing that would be appropriate for the type of weather or season you'll be in. So have some fun and start spoiling yourself. Start shopping for the men's attire for the wedding. For more ideas on what to wear on your honeymoon go to our fine clothing apparel stores.

Choose your Shoes
When choosing bridal shoes, make sure you have the opportunity to wear them around the house and break them in first without your fiance being able to see them. After all, you do not want to spend your wedding day
with your feet hurting.

4 months before the wedding in Oklahoma4 months before the wedding
From this point the time will literally fly by. It's time to check on the requirements for your marriage license. Check your lists frequently to make sure all is in order.You will need to make another appointment with the minister or wedding officiant to finalize the Order of Service and the choice of wedding music etc. . Unless you have a favorite passage in the Bible you want for the reading, your wedding minister will advise you of the choices. You may want to research and select readings for the ceremony. Make music selections for the ceremony and reception. If you know a soloist who will sing for your wedding, or play an instrument while both of you are busy signing the register, make sure their contribution is included in the Order of Ceremony. Review all your contracts with your Tulsa wedding vendors and service providers.

Choose the Hotel

You will need to book for your first night as a married couple and it is very important to choose a romantic setting if you are not traveling immediately after the reception. After all, this will be a special night. Try and find one that does not involve too much traveling straight after the wedding. If the groom wants to have a drink at the reception, his driving will be curtailed. That will leave it down to the bride who might also like to have a drink of champagne. Should you decide you will need a hired car, book one now. Book Your Holiday Time from Work
Make sure you book your time off from work and inform your Personnel Dept. or Department or Human Resources. It is wise to try and get some time off from work during the week prior to the wedding, which is extremely valuable for the preparation.

3 months before the wedding in Oklahoma3 months before the wedding
Make an appointment with your minister or wedding officiant to get the pre-marital counseling that's needed. Find out what would be desirable for the church or chapel as far as rules and regulations. If you have decided on a Registry Office wedding, notice of your intended marriage must be given to the superintendent registrar at least sixteen days before the wedding.

Send out the Wedding Invitations
Check the final guest list one last time, then send the wedding invitations. If the invitations are coming from the bride's parents, they will receive the responses first. For a recommendation on invitations see our Tulsa Invitations page.
Enquire locally about the choice of lodging and hotels to accommodate your guests who may be traveling long distances and wish to stay overnight. For a list of local Hotels and lodging see our Tulsa Hotels page.
Arrange for the Maid of Honor & Bridesmaids to be Measured
Now is the time for the maid of honor and bridesmaids to be measured for their dresses if you are having them made. If you are buying them at a Tulsa Bridal Shop it is a good idea to get them to the bridal shops to try them on, in case any alterations may be needed. Mother of the Bride and Mother of the Groom should be deciding on their individual look. They should make sure their colors do not clash with everyone else.

2 months before the wedding2 months before the wedding
The big day is getting closer so make sure all is well with everyone. Make an appointment to see the photographer to make sure that he is still on track with everything. Visit the location a day or two beforehand to check the surroundings for the best results. Check your lists regularly and check off everything that has been confirmed. Give the best man a list of the names so he will be familiar with everyone and try to get him to meet them. To keep the stress down get a regular massage treatment.

Send out Thank You Cards
Send out the "thank you" cards as your wedding gifts arrive to save yourself time. The guests appreciate it and know their gifts have arrived safely. Continue to see your hairdresser and get regular massages to cope with the stress. If your hair stylist is going to your ceremony location make sure you are in their appointment book. Try on your veil or tiara with your new wedding updo or hairstyle. See what your makeup will look like and if you have decided to go to a salon, confirm your booking with your favorite hair stylist. If you are having highlights or color make sure it is in plenty of time before the wedding day.
Book the Bachelorette Party
Choose a party that you will really enjoy. Your friends may help you put on this one. A meal in a fine restaurant or a visit to a pub that provides good food are the most popular choices. You can even get a limo in Tulsa to accommodate everyone. You may even go to a day spa with all your friends and then head out for a night on the town. Make sure you let everyone know how the attire of the evening will be or type of dress that is suitable for the occasion. Try to have the party about a week before the wedding..
Book the Bachelor Party
This is the grooms "last fling" as a single man before becoming becoming a married man with all the responsibilities that marriage entails. Usually they are held in a local pub where all the friends of groom gather and traditionally it is arranged and organized by the best man who tries to plan the Bachelor party a while before the wedding day itself. Let everyone know attending the party how to dress. Try not to have the party the night before the wedding day. A groom attending his wedding still suffering a bad hangover from the night before, is not a good start for any marriage!

1 month before the wedding in Oklahoma1 month before the wedding
Let everyone know what to expect before the wedding. Let your bank know when you will be changing your name and fill out the proper paper work. Check the list for all the guests who will definitely be there and keep the reception and caterer informed if the numbers change.

Check the Grooms Wardrobe, Maid of Honor & Bridesmaids Dresses
Make sure the fittings and making of the bridesmaids dresses are on target. Decide on their head dresses and shoes, then buy them. Make sure the groom and best man's tuxedos or outfits have been bought or ordered. If renting them check they have the correct sizes. Make sure the groom gets sized for his tux, it has been known for the groom to wear an ill fitting suit and because no one checked with the company. If necessary, go to the shop in person and insist they check. For recommendations on renting a tuxedo in Oklahoma go to our
Tuxedos page.
The Final Wedding Dress Fitting
If the brides weight fluctuates before the wedding allow for 1 more fitting. It would be a disaster if your dress did not fit properly on the day of her wedding. Take your underwear, shoes, tiara and jewelry with you. If any alterations are needed, there is plenty of time to get it worked out.
The Final Guest List
By now you should have the final list of all the guests who will be present. A head count may be required to give to your caterer. There is always someone who will reply at last minute, so be prepared. Send the list to the printers as they will require the final list if you are having the place cards printed. If you are going to write them yourselves, it will take quite a time. Sometimes it's best to hire a professional or someone who can do calligraphy. Figure out who will be sitting where at the reception. Consult both sets of parents. Some family situations can be quite complicated, so take into account people who are likely to meet at the wedding, who have been divorced and have new partners. Be considerate of broken families. This can be a daunting task.
Buy The License
Buy the Certificate of License from the registrar if you are getting married in a licensed building or registry office in Oklahoma. You can take care of any chapel or church fees at this time and ensure that the best man is informed of all his duties and he is well prepared. This would be a good time to let him hang on to the wedding rings.

4 weeks before the wedding in OklahomaFinal Countdown -
4 weeks before the wedding in Oklahoma!


4 weeks before the wedding
The big day is getting really close now and there is so much still to check. The mother of the bride or the chief bridesmaid will help to co-ordinate all the detailed checklists and confirm all is going to plan. Check on your travel plans. Also check that your cake will arrive on time and what type of arrangements you'll need for the cake. Make sure you have to the cake stand and the knife. Both of you must finalize the table plan at this time, and give it to the reception location. Sometimes the reception venue will place a plan of the seating arrangements on the wall so the guests will be able to see where they are seated before entering in the reception facility.
3 weeks before the wedding
If your state requires blood tests, make appointments. Go over your vows. Buy a guest book. Have your wedding programs printed. Send your wedding announcement to your local newspaper. If necessary change your address to you local post office and don't forget your marriage license.
2 weeks before the wedding
Have final dress fittings and bring along your shoes & lingerie you are going to wear on your wedding day. Arrange your seating plan and write your place cards. Notify your Tulsa Caterer of the final head count of guests. Write toasts for the rehearsal dinner and the reception. Keep breaking in your wedding shoes at home and keep drinking plenty of water.
1 week before the wedding
Pick up your dress and have it delivered. Assign specific responsibilities such as handing out corsages & boutonnieres. Confirm your transportation to the ceremony and the reception. Keep up with your thank you notes.
The day before the wedding
Have a manicure and pedicure. Give each member of the wedding party a gift with a note. Rehearse the ceremony and hold the rehearsal dinner. Have a good nights sleep and get plenty of rest.
Your wedding day...Don't forget to pray together & have a blessed life!!!
Don't forget to have breakfast. Nerves are not good on an empty stomach. Get a massage if you have the time. Enjoy your wedding day!