| Learn
the facts about diamonds, and find the engagement
ring. |
| Propose. |
| Set an
initial budget. |
| Select
a wedding date and time. |
| Announce
your engagement in the newspaper. |
Determine
the type of wedding you want (day/night, indoor/outdoor,
formal/casual). |
| Research
availability of reception locations. |
Select
and book your reception location, or get a
tent if that is what
you decided upon. |
| Find a
caterer if not already provided by the reception
facility. |
Research
availability of ceremony locations, if not
included with your
reception site. |
| Select
and book your ceremony location. |
Determine
who will officiate at the ceremony, if not
provided with the
ceremony location. |
| Determine
how many guests you wish to invite. |
| Set aside
blocks of hotel/motel rooms for out-of-town
guests. |
Get a
band or DJ, get one early because they can
get booked
quickly. You can listen to wedding bands in
our song directory. |
| Decide
if you want a bridal party, and if so, then
how large. |
| Start
to research your bridal gowns. |
| Start
to research the grooms formal wear/tuxedo. |
| Start
to research bridesmaids' dresses. |
| Start
to research formal wear for the groomsmen. |
| Compare
and find a photographer. |
| Compare
and find a videographer. |
| Find local
florists and set appointments to look at their
work. |
| Be sure
that you get contracts from all the professionals
you choose. |
| Create
a bridal registry, and/or an engagement registry. |
| Visit
bridal shows. Check the schedule of upcoming
bridal
shows in your areas. |
| Marital Counseling |
| Start
compiling the guest list (inform your families
to do the same). |
| Select
the attendants for your wedding party. |
| Purchase
the bride's gown. |
| Purchase
the groom's tuxedo. |
| Purchase
bridesmaids' dresses. |
Arrange
for your groomsmen to be measured and reserve
the
tuxedos. TIP: If your groomsmen do not live
close to the formal wear
shop you choose, tell them to go to a local
shop - most shops will
measure them as a courtesy. |
| Shop for
the wedding dress, headpiece, veil, and other
accessories. |
| Start
planning for honeymoon,
research you destinations. Will it be a Caribbean
Island, the South Pacific, Hawaii, a cruise,
or a trip through Europe. Whatever, you decide
research thoroughly. |
| Choose and reserve your florist. |
Order
the wedding cake, if not provided by the caterer
or reception
hall. |
The parents
of the groom should begin to arrange the Rehearsal
Dinner, and reserve a restaurant or make other
arrangements. |
Arrange
for transportation for the wedding. Limousines,
Horse &
Carriage, vans, etc. |
| Make appointments
for a physical exam with your doctor/dentist. |
| Check
requirements for blood test and marriage license
in your state. |
| Shop for
wedding rings. |
| Select
and order the invitations and stationery. |
| Make sure
all the men's attire has been ordered. |
| Decide
where to live after the wedding. |
| Complete
the guest lists. |
| Begin
shopping for trousseau. |
| Send your
engagement announcement to the newspaper. |
| Inform
mothers to select their dresses. |
| Select
and order the men's attire. |
| Finalize
honeymoon details and make the necessary reservations.
|
| Confirm
the menu and catering details with the caterer. |
| Prepare
all maps and directions for the ceremony and
reception. |
| Select
your wedding rings. |
| Buy a
wedding guest book. |
| Set the
dates and times with the officiant for the
rehearsal. |
| Plan the
bridesmaids' luncheon and any other parties. |
Determine
your resources for designing and printing
the program for
the ceremony. |
Finalize
the florist details, photographer, videographer,
musicians,
etc. |
| Arrange
the necessary accommodations for out-of-town
guests. |
| Plan a
rehearsal dinner, time and place. |
| Confirm
the wedding cake details with the baker. |
| Mail invitations and
announcements. |
Prepare a portrait
for the newspaper. Check your local newspaper
for
details and timing. |
| Set appointment with
photographer for your formal bridal portrait. |
| Select gifts for all
your attendants. |
| Set appointments with
any hairdressers and/or makeup artists. |
| Hire the limousine
or other forms of transportation for the wedding.
|
Decide
what your menu is going to be for the reception.
Estimate the
expected number of guests. |
| Buy a
gift for the groom. |
Schedule
a final fitting for your gown so it can be
ready for your
formal bridal portrait. |
| Purchase
a going away outfit. |
| Pick up
your wedding rings. |
Purchase
(borrow) all wedding accessories such as the
ring pillow,
goblets, garter belt, candles, etc. |
| Confirm
florist details and delivery times. |
Plan the
seating for the reception as well as other
details for the
ceremony and reception. |
| Start
writing placement cards. |
| Make sure
all bridesmaids' attire has been fitted. |
| Buy a
gift for the bride. |
Choose
the music for your ceremony, first dance,
parent dances, and
party and give information to band, dj, or
other musicians. |
Make arrangements
to have your wedding gifts moved to your new
home. |
Handle business and
legal details such as name changes, address
changes, etc. |
| Prepare the wedding
announcement for the newspaper. |
| Reconfirm your guests'
accommodations. |
Make sure all clothing
and accessories for you and the bridal party
are ready. |
| Get your marriage
license and any blood tests which are needed. |
| Review any seating
details with the ushers. |
| Make sure all wedding
attire fits. |
| Finalize the seating
arrangements. |
Reconfirm your honeymoon
reservations. Ensure you have any
necessary plane tickets. |
| Start packing for
your honeymoon. |
| Call any guests who
have not responded yet. |
| Finish all the place
cards for the reception. |
| Review all the final
details with your photographer, videographer,
etc. |
| Give a final head
count to the caterer. |
| Confirm the availability
of the musicians and vocalists. |
| Delegate responsibilities
to reliable individuals on your wedding day. |
| Wrap and present the
wedding party gifts. |
| Finalize your rehearsal
dinner arrangements or other plans. |
| Get a manicure or
massage to relax yourself. |
| Stay with your family
the night before and sleep early. |
| Review and rehearse
all the details of your participants. |
Make sure the best
man and maid of honor sign the wedding
certificate. |
| Allow yourself plenty
of time to get dressed. |
| Be sure to eat properly. |
| Rest and relax with
a good bath. |
| Prepare for your hairdresser
and makeup appointments. |
| Enjoy your wonderful
wedding and cherish each and every moment! |
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