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Here’s our guide to help you through the morass of details involved in planning a wedding. Because there is no such thing as a “typical” wedding, you may find that some of these reminders don’t apply or that a few of the particular details you have planned are not included. Don’t sweat it. Just tailor the checklist to your needs. Six to 18 months ahead - Your first responsibility as a newly engaged couple is to inform your families and close friends of the good news. Traditionally the bride’s parents are informed first (and the groom may or may not go through the formality of asking here father’s permission), then the groom’s parents an engagement party may be appropriate.
- If the families have not met before, a get-together should be arranged, traditionally by the groom’s family.
- Once the engagement is official, it’s time to decide tentatively, in consultation with both families, on the time and place of the wedding.
- Together, agree on a rough estimate of the number of guest you’d like to invite.
- Consult your officiant before choosing a firm date and time for the ceremony.
- Budget for the wedding, reception and honeymoon.
- Consider hiring a wedding organizer, who could help you plan and budget for the entire event or merely certain aspects of it.
- As soon as the wedding date is set, reserve a venue for the ceremony and reception. If an outdoor wedding is planned, the tent supplier should be booked at this time.
- If you want hire ceremony musicians other than those associated with your place of worship, contact your wedding organizer after first consulting with your officiant regarding rules governing outside musicians.
- Contact a caterer if your reception location does not offer a catering service. With your budget in mind, decide on the style of service and menu.
- Begin to shop for the bridal gown and headpiece, as well as the bridal attendants’ dresses. If the bride intends to have her wedding dress or the attendants’ dresses made to measure, a dress maker should be selected.
Four to six months ahead - Make a list of who you would like to speak at the reception and in what order, and ask them.
- Though formalwear rental outlets can often supply garments quickly, ideally the groom should make formalwear rental arrangement for himself and the ushers at this time. The best man should help to arrange a final fitting two or three days before the wedding to allow for last-minute alterations.
- Assess your stationary needs (Invitations, insert and thank-you notes)
- Consult a travel agent or visit travel agent website to make travel and hotel reservations for the honeymoon. If you are going abroad on your honeymoon, make sure you both have valid passports. Ask about any required visas or immunizations
- Compile a list of flower arrangements required for the wedding and consult a design, composition and color with your wedding organizer.
Three months ahead - Make plans to acquire your marriage license
- Reserve a number of hotel rooms for out town guest
- Shop for wedding rings, if you plan to have them custom made, you may need more time.
- In consultation with you wedding organizer, plan the detail of your ceremony and ask what the document required for your ceremony.
- Order a cake
- Plan the wedding party’s transportation to the ceremony and reception.
One to two months a head - Plan the ceremony rehearsal and rehearsal party, if applicable
- Select and purchase attendants’ gift and a wedding gift for your new spouse
- Confirm all wedding day beauty or grooming appointments well in advance
- Finalize arrangement with the wedding organizer
- Book your stylist and try out big day hairstyles
- Book a make up artist and go for a trial run.
One to two weeks ahead - Bride: Have final gown fitting. Bring your maid of honor along to learn how to bustle your dress. Have the dress pressed and bring it home.
- Call all bridesmaids. Make sure they have their gowns ready for the wedding.
- Create a wedding program to hand out to guest
- Be dressed and ready for the photographer or videographer.
On the day - Relax and enjoy your day, following the schedule that you’ve planned together. From here on, it’s all easy.
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