5 Months to the Wedding? Here’s What You Should Have Already Planned

 

With just under half a year left until your wedding day, it’s not exactly crunch time, but there are definitely a few things you’ll want to check up on to ensure that your wedding planning is on track. Surprises can be fun, but not on your wedding day!

By choosing The Grove at Centerton as your wedding venue in South Jersey, you will receive a dedicated wedding consultant. Our wedding specialists are professional and well-organized and will ensure that every wedding day detail you’ve dreamed of is included on the planning check list. At the five-month mark, we recommend having the following in order:

Date and Venue

Undoubtedly the biggest decision you have to make is where your wedding will be. Do you want your ceremony and reception in the same place? More couples are choosing this option because it’s convenient and cost-effective. If you plan to have your ceremony and reception in separate locations, always remember to factor in traveling times for both yourself & your guests. Don’t forget to choose a hotel and block out rooms for out-of-town guests.

Catering Menu

To save time and hassle, choose a banquet hall in South Jersey that offers its own catering services. With this arrangement, you’ll be able to taste the food and select the menu without needing to seek out a separate service, coordinate availability, and manage delivery.

Another thing to think about is how you want the food served. Plated dinners are typically more expensive but can be more elegant and relaxing for guests while an equally delicious buffet-style dinner may be a good way to save money. Be sure to take into account any food allergies that may impact the overall meal, such as a severe peanut or gluten allergy that may eliminate certain entrée options.

Wedding Coordinator

Your relationship with a wedding planner should start right away since they can provide you with insider’s information on venues, caterers, entertainers, and more. If you already have an event venue in South Jersey in mind, ask if they include a wedding coordinator or consultant as part of their package offerings. The Grove at Centerton, for example, assigns a professional wedding coordinator to each wedding couple to assist in coordinating vendor deliveries, making décor decisions, and arranging a floor plan to keep things running smoothly.

Save-the-Date Cards

While destination weddings may require that you send out your save-the-date cards 8-12 months in advance, 4 months is adequate for local ceremonies & receptions. To ensure your cards go out on time, start the planning process as soon as you select your wedding date. Should you have those details arranged, you can also include helpful information such as your wedding website URL, registry locations, and nearby accommodations on the card.

Videographer, Photographer and Entertainment

Most wedding professionals only have the capacity to engage one client each day. Booking early is essential in locking-in the vendors you love. Your videographer, photographer, and musical entertainment don’t need to know specifics – think song requests and photo inspiration – but you should have the time and date scheduled so that they don’t book another client. As you get closer to your wedding date, you can discuss specific shots and your desired music list.

The Grove at Centerton offers everything needed for a successful wedding and the experience of a lifetime, including a professional wedding coordinator, an elegant ballroom and guest spaces, catering packages, complimentary parking and premium open bar service. To learn more about having your wedding at our extraordinary private event space in NJ, contact us today by calling (856) 358-3325.