Planning Timeline
PLAN
PLANNING STAGE: AT LEAST 60 DAYS TO 1+ YEAR(S) PRIOR TO YOUR WEDDING
Think of your wedding as a movie. Like any film, a wedding has intensity and meaning, prelude with a dramatic moment that builds up to an exciting climax and satisfying end. When planning, take an imaginary journey through your wedding scene by scene. Incorporate the ideas created during your dream stage and imagine how you’ll feel at each moment of each scene. Conceptualize each scene of your wedding as you plan, from arriving to your destination, the hotel, to the location and vows, music and cuisine throughout the wedding and honeymoon.
STEP 1 - GATHER ALL YOUR INFORMATION
Review Imagine Weddings Website. Review the options and get ideas. Contact an Event Manager for more information or on how to help customize your big day.
STEP 2 - DECIDE ON A WEDDING DATE
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Contact the your travel agent and decide on a destination location and date that is right for you.
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Next, call or email the Weddings department to check availability of your wedding date, review package option and licensing requirements for a legal wedding in the available destination of your choice. Your Event Manager can place your date on a courtesy hold for three (3) business days. Remember the hold will automatically cancel if payment has not been received.
STEP 3 - PLACE A DEPOSIT ON YOUR VACATION WITH YOUR TRAVEL AGENT
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Discuss flight, hotel and transfer options.
STEP 4 – CALL/EMAIL THE WEDDINGS DEPARTMENT TO BOOK YOUR WEDDING
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Your vacation must be booked prior to your wedding.
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When booking your wedding, you will need any reservation numbers.
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After you book your stay, your event manager will send you a wedding contract packet and guidelines for your selected wedding destination. Once your signed contract is received, you will be emailed a link for payment.
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Full payment for the wedding package and marriage license is due at the time of booking in order to reserve your wedding day. Please be sure to review the cancellation policies, and note that marriage license fees are not refundable once payment has been made.
STEP 5 - CREATE YOUR WEDDING GUEST LIST
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Send out a “Save the Date” announcement with cruise details to your guests who will be attending the wedding.
STEP 6 - CONTACT YOUR EVENT MANAGER TO START PLANNING DETAILS
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Your Event Manager is available to answer questions via phone or email (info@imaginevip.com) at any time during your planning stage. Our office hours are Monday - Friday from 9am to 5pm EST.
DECISION
DECISION STAGE: TWO TO SIX MONTHS PRIOR TO YOUR WEDDING
Once you’ve begun your planning and reviewed all of the information, it’s time to make decisions.
BOOK YOUR CUSTOM WEDDING PLANS
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Although wedding and reception extras are not required to be booked and paid for until 60 days prior to your wedding date, they are booked based on availability. Do not wait until the last minute. Prepare a wedding budget to help you decide.
OBTAIN YOUR MARRIAGE LICENSE
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Complete your paperwork and submit the documents to your Event Manager if Imagine Weddings is arranging your Marriage License. Remember, some ports of call have unique requirements, so please follow the timeline detailed in your Wedding Guidelines. Please note the Marriage License Coordinator will guide you through the process and is available to answer any questions.
BEGIN GATHERING YOUR FINAL GUEST LIST
SELECT YOUR WEDDING ENHANCEMENTS, RECEPTION, ENTERTAINMENT, SALON SERVICES, AND MORE
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Choose from the diverse selections Imagine Weddings offers to enhance your event. Please consult with an Event Manager to review your specific options based on your destination and itinerary in detail.
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Request quotes for any available customized items needed or required, such as transportation, decor, chairs, entertainment, etc.
DECIDE ON YOUR WEDDING VOWS
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Write your own special vows if you’d like. Use the traditional ceremony; or create a unique combination of both; it’s your choice. Please note; in some locations vows cannot be changed. Please refer to your Event Manager for a list of these locations.
FINALIZE
FINAL STAGE: UP TO 60 DAYS PRIOR TO YOUR WEDDING
Your wedding day is just around the corner. Now it is time to finalize your dream day. Check your list and finalize every unique detail of your wedding. Once you complete this stage, it is on to the stage to sit back and relax. Here are some final details to confirm.
UPDATE AND SUBMIT YOUR FINAL GUEST LIST
SUBMIT ANY SPECIAL REQUESTS
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Please submit any special requests in writing such as custom vows, special music selections, announcements, photography shot lists, bridal party lists, toasts, traditions and ceremony and reception requests bouquet toss, readings, etc. to your Event Manager no later than 60 days prior to your wedding.
SUBMIT FINAL PAYMENT
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Your selected wedding products and services must be paid for in full 60 days prior to your wedding.
EVENT MANAGER’S FINAL STAGE: 2-3 WEEKS PRIOR TO YOUR WEDDING
Once you’ve submitted all of your final decisions and paperwork, your Event Manager will work and plan your dream day.
WEDDING TIME AND LOCATION
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Your Event Manager will set your wedding time and location based on your final requests (submitted by couple no later than 60 days prior), final guest count, and availability of times and location.
FINAL CONFIRMATION LETTER
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Your Event Manager will send you a Final Confirmation Letter detailing everything you’ve purchased. You must review the letter completely to confirm everything is correct and return your signed letter to your Event Manager to secure all your arrangements within 48 hours of receipt.
INFORM YOUR GUESTS OF YOUR WEDDING DETAILS
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Please ensure you have informed all your guests the details regarding your travel, hotel and wedding plans.
PREPARE AND PACK FOR YOUR WEDDING AND HONEYMOON VACATION
Be sure to carry all the documents and paperwork you will need:
o Marriage license (if you are obtaining your own, based on the destination of your wedding)
o Passport
o Driver’s license
o Guest list copy
o Wedding contract copy
o Final confirmation letter
o Travel documents