Congratulations! You’ve just said “yes” to the love of your life, and you’re now sporting a fabulous new piece of jewelry. After you’ve finished staring at your ring (no judgment, it’s mesmerizing!), you might be wondering, “What comes next?” Fear not, newly engaged one! Well-Dressed Events is here to guide you through the whirlwind adventure of planning a New Jersey wedding.
If you’re new around here, we’re Well-Dressed Events, New Jersey’s premier style-centric wedding, party, and event planning company. We specialize in high-end, unique events for modern, bold, standout clients and we pride ourselves on cutting-edge, creative design, styling, and event management.
So without further ado here’s our New Jersey wedding planning guide to break down the journey from engagement to the big day with a handy timeline, some helpful advice, and a sprinkle of humor (because, you know, we’re funny)!
First Things First: Celebrate!
Before diving into the planning process, take a moment to celebrate. This is a huge milestone! Throw an engagement party, have a celebratory dinner with your closest friends and family, or simply enjoy a cozy night in with your fiancé. Relish this special time before the wedding planning madness kicks in.
12+ Months Before the Wedding: Start Dreaming
Set the Date: Begin by picking a few potential dates for your wedding. Consider the season, your schedules, and any significant family events. Remember, summer on the Jersey Shore can be dreamy, but fall in the Garden State? Gorgeous!
Budget: Ah, the budget conversation. It’s not the most glamorous part, but it’s essential. Sit down with your fiancé and any contributing family members to establish a realistic budget. Think of it as your first big team effort—yay, teamwork!
Create a Vision: What kind of wedding do you want? A glamorous ballroom affair, a rustic barn celebration, or a chic city soirée? Start gathering inspiration from Pinterest, wedding magazines, and blogs (like ours!). Dream big, then let’s make it happen.
Venue Hunting: Start touring venues in New Jersey. From stunning vineyards to beachfront resorts, the Garden State has it all. Book your favorite as soon as possible to secure your date. Here are 5 of our favorite romantic wedding venues to get the ball rolling! Pro tip: Always check out the bathrooms. A stylish venue with sketchy restrooms? Hard pass!
Hire a Wedding Planner: If you’re feeling overwhelmed (or just want to ensure everything runs smoothly), hire a wedding planner. They’ll be your fairy godparent, waving their magic wand to make your wedding dreams come true. Don’t think you need one? Well, click here for 6 reasons why you do! If you’re still not convinced, you can consider our Power Planning Service (see, we always have your back)!
10-12 Months Before: Let’s Get Big Sh*t Done!
Dress Shopping: Start the search for *the* dress. Bring along your entourage for opinions and moral support. Remember, it’s your day—choose what makes you feel fabulous. Cue the tears and tissues when you find “the one!”
Guest List: Draft a guest list with your fiancé and family. It might feel like herding cats, but it’s crucial for planning. Plus, it’s a great way to practice your diplomacy skills. Click here to read our guide on wedding guest lists, if you’re feeling stuck!
Save the Dates: Once you’ve locked in your venue, send out save the dates. This gives your guests ample time to make travel arrangements and mark their calendars.
Bridal Party: Pop the question to your bridal party! Get creative with your proposals—personalized gifts, heartfelt notes, or even a mini scavenger hunt. Remember, these are your ride-or-die folks, make them feel special. If you think your bridal party needs some help with the lay of the land, send them this blog on all things bridal party responsibilities!
8-10 Months Before: The Details Matter
Vendors: Book your key vendors: photographer, videographer, florist, caterer, and entertainment. New Jersey boasts some incredible talent, so choose wisely! These are the folks who’ll capture, cater, and celebrate your day. At Well-Dressed Events, we know that vendors are a big part of what makes your wedding day magical which is why we curated a New Jersey wedding planning guide which includes a list of vendor recommendations for every main category including florals, photography, bridal salons, entertainment, and more!
6-8 Months Before: Fine-Tuning
Invitations: Design and order your invitations. Keep them consistent with your wedding theme and don’t forget to include all the essential details. Click here to read our blog on wedding invitation do’s and don’ts! Triple-check for typos—no one wants a wedding in “Jersy”!
Registry: Set up your wedding registry. Think about what you need and want as a couple. Pro tip: include items at various price points for your guests’ convenience. And don’t forget the fun stuff—yes, you need that waffle maker!
Menu Tasting: Schedule tastings with your caterer and finalize your menu. Make sure there’s something for everyone, including those with dietary restrictions. Plus, who doesn’t love a good excuse to eat cake?
Hair and Makeup: Book trials for hair and makeup. It’s a great excuse for a glam day out and ensures you’ll look stunning in all your wedding photos.
Music and Entertainment: Meet with your DJ or band to discuss your playlist. Include songs that reflect your personality and get everyone on the dance floor. No Macarena? Totally your call!
1-3 Months Before: Almost There
Seating Chart: Begin working on your seating chart. It’s like a giant puzzle, but with more drama. Be prepared for some shuffling around. Just keep your fun cousin away from your conservative aunt—trust us!
Wedding Rings: Pick out your wedding bands and have them engraved if desired. This is another chance to add a personal touch to your special day.
Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties: Celebrate your last hurrah with your bridal party. Whether it’s a wild weekend in Atlantic City or a relaxing spa day, have fun! Click here for some inspo on planning the ultimate bachelorette bash!
1 Month Before: Crunch Time
Final Fittings: Have your final dress fittings and make any necessary adjustments. Don’t forget to break in your shoes! Blisters are not part of your wedding look.
Confirm Details: It’s all about those final touches now! Confirm all details with your vendors. Create a detailed timeline and share it with your wedding coordinator (yes there’s a difference between coordinators and planners).
Marriage License: Don’t forget to apply for your marriage license. It’s a simple but crucial step. Remember, no license, no legally binding “I do”!
Pack for Honeymoon: Start packing for your honeymoon. Make sure your passports are up-to-date if you’re traveling internationally. Sunscreen and swimsuits, or parkas and hiking boots—whatever your dream trip requires!
Wedding Week: It’s Showtime Baby!
Relax: Take some time to relax and pamper yourself. Get a massage, have a spa day, or just take it easy. You’ve earned it!
Welcome Party: Consider hosting a welcome party for out-of-town guests. It’s a great way to kick off the festivities. Think casual BBQ or a chic cocktail party.
Rehearsal and Dinner: Have a rehearsal with your bridal party and a dinner afterward. This is a chance to thank everyone for their support and set the tone for the big day.
The Big Day: Enjoy Every Moment
Your wedding day has arrived! Trust that all your hard work has paid off and enjoy every moment. From the first look to the last dance, soak in the love and joy of your special day. And don’t forget these 12 essential wedding day bridal tips!
To Put A Bow On It!
Planning a New Jersey wedding is an exciting journey filled with endless possibilities. From setting the date and finding the perfect venue to choosing your dream dress and selecting vendors, there’s a lot to consider. Remember to take breaks, celebrate milestones, and most importantly, enjoy the process. With our New Jersey wedding planning guide and a sprinkle of humor, your dream wedding day will be a reality. Whether you need ideas, planning assistance, or just a sprinkle of inspiration, we’ve got your back, contact us and check out our Pinterest! Contact us and check out our Pinterest! Happy Planning!
