2019 is HERE, which means that January + winter weddings are coming in HOT despite the super cold temps! With that in mind, here's a short list of last-minute ideas + To-Dos for those of you saying “I do” in January, February, or early March! Just for fun, I've also created a free 2019 bride phone wallpaper for y'all in celebration of all things love and marriage! Scroll down to snag it!
COLD WEATHER WEDDING IDEAS
- Keep a basket of pashminas on-hand to ensure that guests stay warm during your ceremony, cocktail hour, and/or reception (especially if any of those events are taking place outdoors!).
- Is a cold front on the horizon? Check in with your wedding planner and/or venue coordinator to make sure that plenty of space heaters will be available!
- Stock your beverage bar with plenty of HOT drinks to help guests warm up before hitting the dance floor. Cocoa, mulled wine, cider, coffee and tea, and a warm signature drink are all great options. Up the presentation and customization factor by making add-ons like marshmallows, peppermint stirring sticks, honey, and fancy sugar cubes available, too.
- Getting married right around the New Year? Offer guests festive NYE headbands and noisemakers to use as dance floor and photo booth props.
FINAL WEDDING PREP CHECKLIST
(PS: Find our complete 6-month wedding timeline HERE!)
1 MONTH BEFORE YOUR WEDDING
Get your marriage license—Allow at least 24 hours for processing.
Check and double-check RSVPs—Follow up with any invited guests who have not yet responded.
Confirm, confirm—With every vendor on your list. Try to send in as many final payments as possible.
Stock the reception bar
Assign reception seating—Or if you’re opting for open seating, consider creating signage so that your guests don’t spend time needlessly searching for their seating assignment. Create individual menus or a large menu board at this time as well.
Purchase gifts for bridesmaids
Attend your bachelorette party
WEEK OF YOUR WEDDING
Distribute a wedding week timeline—You know the schedule by heart, but does everyone else? Hand a printed timeline to anyone and everyone involved, just in case. This includes each member of your wedding party!
Pick up your dress—By this point your frock should be fitted, hemmed, and steamed to perfection. Ask your tailor for a heavy-duty plastic hanging bag to keep it protected and pristine.
Photographer check—Create a list of can’t-miss moments and put it in his or her capable, camera-clicking hands.
Reconfirm, reconfirm—Send in your absolute, 100%, no chance of changing, final headcount to the caterer at least three days before the Big Day.
Here’s a tip—Pre-determine tips for vendors. Seal the tips in labeled envelopes and ask your wedding planner or a trusted family member to distribute them after you’re unwinding in the getaway car.
Drop off welcome gifts at your guests’ hotels—Welcome gifts are becoming increasingly common, especially when the bride and groom are hosting a large number of out of town guests or having a destination wedding! Ensure that the hotel staff knows to place a gift in every room on your room block list prior to guest check-in.
Pack for your honeymoon
Spa day—Get your nails done a day or two before your ceremony, and while you’re at it, how about a massage? You deserve it!
2019 BRIDE-TO-BE PHONE WALLPAPER
Click the photo below to make it yours.
If you use one of these, be sure to tag us in a photo/story on Instagram so we can see how ca-yoot your phone looks and repost on our page! @ashortengagement
