Organizing The Months Before The Wedding

Organize the many important details that will make up your wedding, from the budget to the guest list to the music and flowers.

Set deadlines for yourselves. If you have fewer than six months to plan your wedding, don’t panic; just get started as soon as possible. And never allow the details to overshadow the joy of the event.

Six or more months ahead
Think about the type of wedding you want——formal or informal,
big or small——and the time of year you want it to take place.
Set budget.
Hire wedding coordinator, if desired.
Compile guest list, and organize addresses.

Finalize wedding date.
Reserve ceremony and reception sites.
Choose attendants.
Order dress and accessories, including veil and shoes.
Book officiant.
Book caterer.
Order wedding cake.
Book florist.
Book music for ceremony and reception.
Book photographer and videographer.
Plan and book honeymoon.
Send save-the-date cards, if using.

Four to six months ahead
Reserve rental equipment, such as tables, chairs, and tents.
Order stationery, including invitations and thank-you notes;
book calligrapher, if using.
Register for gifts.
Purchase wedding rings.
Purchase or reserve groom’s attire.
Choose attendants’ attire.
Buy stockings and any special lingerie your
dress requires.
Choose favors.
Book a room for wedding night.
Choose gifts for wedding party.
Reserve accommodations for out-of-town guests.
Sign up for dance lessons.

Two to four months ahead
Discuss details of menu with caterer.
Discuss service with officiant.
Choose readings for ceremony.
Write your wedding vows, if you choose.
Schedule rehearsal time and rehearsal dinner.
Try out makeup and hairstyle.
Mail invitations.
Write thank-you notes as gifts arrive.

One to two months ahead

Buy guest book.
Have programs printed.
If your state requires blood tests, make appointments.
Obtain marriage license, and request certified copies.
If you intend to change your name, prepare the
necessary documents.
Send change-of-address information to post office.
Contact local newspapers about publishing wedding
announcement.
Have final dress fitting with shoes, accessories, and lingerie.
Begin seating plan, and write place cards.
Notify caterer of guest count.
Write toasts for rehearsal dinner and wedding reception.
Address announcements.
Break in wedding shoes at home.
Designate someone to look after your home while you
are on your honeymoon.
Find out where your guests will be staying, if you plan to
deliver welcome notes or gifts to their rooms.
Finalize seating plan.
Assign specific responsibilities, such as handing out corsages
and boutonnieres, to members of your wedding party.
Pick up dress or have it delivered.
Confirm details with caterer.
Confirm honeymoon arrangements, and give your itinerary
to a friend or family member in case of emergency.
Update caterer with final guest and vendor meal counts.
Pack for honeymoon.

One week ahead/One day ahead

Confirm transportation arrangements for ceremony
and reception.
Give announcements to an attendant for mailing after
the wedding.
Have manicure and pedicure.
Rehearse ceremony.
Hold rehearsal dinner; give gifts to wedding party. If you
choose, give gifts to parents to thank them for their support.
Prepare tip and payment envelopes for officiant and vendors,
and make arrangements for someone to distribute them.
Your wedding day,  Relax, and enjoy yourselves!

Wedding Planning Tips

We look forward to making your wedding dreams come true. Follow these simple tips and you will be on your way to perfect flowers to enhance your own wedding.

Tip #1: Baby its cold outside…

Are you planning a winter wedding or bearing the heat of the long summer days? Weather is one of the main factors that come into play when choosing flowers for you wedding. Envision a color scheme rather than a specific flower and then allow the qualified staff at Jacobsen’s Flowers to show you a variety of flowers in your colors that will do well in the weather of the season.

Tip #2: Eliminate the worry

Things will get hectic leading up to the wedding, but don’t let stress about your flowers be one of your worries. Plan ahead so that you know what time pictures will be taken and how long the flowers will be sitting for; this will allow a timely delivery and ensure that you have only the freshest flowers throughout the entire wedding day.

Tip #3: I think this would match…

With so much depending on your flowers and what will compliment the best, instead of guessing, make sure to bring a swatch of your bridesmaids dresses as well as a tablecloth sample for your centerpieces. As it is likely hard to recall the exact shade and to envision which swatch of any fabric will play into your choice of flowers,  be certain everything looks good together and don't rely on memory alone.

Tip #4: Above and Beyond

At Jacobsen’s Flowers we know that a wedding is a lot more than just the actual ceremony. We encourage each bride to think beyond just the ceremony and extend their floral ideas to reach other important areas of their wedding such as the bachelorette party, the bride’s parent’s and groom’s parent’s houses and the brunch the morning after the wedding. We also offer arrangements that can be immediately sent as thank-you gifts to all those important people who were so crucial in making your big day spectacular. Another idea offered to the parents of the newlyweds is to send an arrangement to the honeymoon suite as a wedding gift to the new couple.

Tip #5: Avoid "Oops!"

As tempting as it may be to have each bridesmaid holding a big, beautiful arrangement of fresh flowers it is important to think of the possible consequences. Big bouquets can often be heavy and you could end up with breaking apart or toppling out of the bridesmaids’ hands. Instead, stick with a smaller bouquet of equal beauty. Make sure that when you are handing the flowers to the bridesmaids that the flowers look fresh but aren’t still wet and dripping down the fronts of their dresses!

Tip #6: Don’t wait!

It is important to make sure to be diligent about focusing on the floral arrangements for your wedding, in fact it is never to soon to start planning. To be able to come into a consultation with our design team and build off your ideas makes sure that your personality and vision are incorporated from the beginning of the planning process. Acting early also gives plenty of time to develop a color scheme and to really put thought into what you want your wedding to look like.

Tip #7: The times they are a’changin

With new trends constantly coming and going, it is important to inquire about the options you have as a bride. Sometimes what was unconventional before is traditional now, and the choices are endless. Our team of designers is constantly updating their knowledge on wedding trends and is eager to show you the latest in bouquets, arrangements, corsages and boutonnières.

Tip #8: Keep it together

Weddings call for a number of different venues, from the florist to the band to the location. Dealing with all of these different people can be tough and confusing and at Jacobsen’s Flowers we try to make you life a little simpler by fulfilling your floral needs as well as the rentals. We offer vases, settings and more so that you are not looking around to find the extra pieces that you need and are able to eliminate one step of the crazy planning process.

We know that you will have many more questions about ordering flowers for your wedding and we welcome you to contact us at 248 681 5300 or e-mail us at www.jacobsensflowers.com   and we will be happy to answer your concerns. Better yet, make an appointment with one of our outstanding wedding designers and sit down for a complimentary consultation.

Most Popular Wedding Months

Every year millions of people get married and start their lives together. December is one of the more popular months in which to get engaged, but other months of the year are more popular for weddings.


The decision on when to get married depends on a host of factors. Some couples choose the date based on availability with a church or reception hall, while others might prefer to walk down the aisle during a specific season. Some couples choose their date because of a special event, such as a birthday or another day of note.

Most couples decide on a wedding month primarily for the weather. That’s why the spring and summer are the most popular times of the year in which to tie the knot. Here is a list of the most popular months to tie the knot.

1. June

2. August

3. May

4. July

5. September

6. October

7. December

8. November

9. April

10. February

11. March

12. January

Less popular months for weddings may be easier to book in terms of availability, and certain vendors may discount items because of a slower season. Having a wedding during this time can be advantageous if money is tight.