You’re Engaged!
You certainly want to enjoy this wonderful and magical time in your life but you know that planning your own wedding is going to be a big job! The following checklists might make it a little easier for you to keep it simple, keep it organized and keep you sane!
The 12-Month Countdown
6-12 Months Before Your Wedding…
The wedding date has been set and now like any large project, it’s a good idea to step back and take a look at the big picture first, then break it down to the finer details later.
The Big Picture: Who, What, Where and How
⢠Decide who will pay for what, where you’ll get married and how expenses will be shared
⢠Talk to friends, family, bridal consultants or wedding coordinators to get the direction you need for starting an organization system
⢠For most couples, the wedding day can be a blur, so decide early on the best way to capture your special day’s cherished memories – like with an Adesso Photo Guest Book.
The Details
Once you have your organization system in place, start going down your to-do detail list. Here are a few of the critical ones:
⢠Call your church or synagogue for an appointment with the Officiate
⢠Explore pre-marriage counseling
⢠Decide on what size wedding you want
⢠Consider and decide on wedding attendants
⢠Start a guest list for the wedding
⢠Begin determining ideas/themes/color schemes for your wedding and reception
⢠Select a reception location and a caterer if need be
⢠Consider reception entertainment
⢠Select a florist
⢠Together, shop for wedding rings
⢠Select a wedding dress, headpiece and schedule fittings
⢠Decide on the bridesmaids’ dresses
4 – 6 Months Prior To Wedding Date…
As the wedding date gets closer, the to-do list will consist of finer and finer details. And because you put an organization system in place months ago, you won’t miss a one!
⢠Check details and requirements for marriage license
⢠Coordinate theme and color schemes with florist and decorator
⢠Decide on a gift registry and register your gift selections
⢠Order your invitations and other wedding stationery
⢠Shop for the groom’s attire and select what the men in the wedding will wear
⢠Select wedding ceremony readings
⢠Select wedding ceremony music
⢠Decide and order wedding favors
⢠Select a bakery for the cake
⢠Arrange and plan honeymoon
⢠Review your agreements with all your vendors and service providers to insure you haven’t forgotten any details
2-Months… and Counting
⢠Mail out invitations
⢠Arrange and plan your rehearsal dinner
⢠Select and purchase your wedding day accessories
⢠Arrange attendant’s parties
⢠Coordinate and prepare accommodations for out-of-town guests
⢠Select a hairdresser and makeup artist and schedule those appointments
⢠Finalize those honeymoon plans
1-Month To Go!
⢠Last wedding dress fitting
⢠Final fitting for bridesmaids’ dresses
⢠Final fitting for men attendants
⢠Get marriage license
⢠Have your wedding attendant’s parties
⢠Shop and purchase your outfit to wear when you leave the reception
⢠Organize the final check list of wedding day events
⢠Confirm all the wedding day “accessories” are in order, i.e. rings, pillows, garter, etc.
2-Weeks Remaining!
⢠Finalize entertainment arrangements
⢠Go over and finalize music lists
⢠Go over and finalize the special music events, i.e. first dance, dance with parents, etc.
⢠Pick up wedding rings, make sure they fit and review any engravings
1-Week Before Your Big Day!
⢠Review your marriage license to make sure it’s in order
⢠Prepare seating arrangements for ceremony
⢠Prepare payment envelopes for Officiate, entertainment and vendors and give to the person who will handle that
⢠Confirm honeymoon reservations
⢠Make necessary honeymoon preparations, i.e. bank, traveler’s checks, etc.
⢠Prepare and pack for honeymoon
⢠Confirm out-of-town guest accommodations and transportation
⢠Check in with the florist to confirm arrival time set up
⢠Have your wedding ceremony rehearsal letting everyone know what they will do on the wedding day
⢠Have and ENJOY your rehearsal dinner!
Your Wedding Day!
⢠Allow plenty of time for your scheduled hair and makeup appointments
⢠Allow at least 2 hours for dressing
⢠Bring the rings and marriage license
⢠And MOST IMPORTANTLY, take a long deep breath and relax and enjoy your day!
Lesley Mattos
http://www.articlesbase.com/marriage-articles/wedding-planning-101-keep-it-simple-with-a-wedding-timeline-for-brides-and-grooms-29181.html