Introduction Index PLAN AHEAD CHECKLISTy

Plan Ahead

ENGAGEMENT  Announce engagement.  Engagement photo. This can be used with engagement or wedding announcement for your local newspaper.  Set the date and choose a location for the wedding.  Create a budget.  Choose attendants.  Start shopping for your gown and bridesmaids' dresses.  If you wish to, hire a wedding coordinator.

6 TO 9 MONTHS  Start compiling a list of guests. Ask your mother and the groom's mother to do the same.  Book the photographer, band/D.J., caterers, florist, videographer, caterer, etc.  Begin a list of favorite music and requested songs to give to the band or D.J.  Choose an officient.  Go with the groom to a formalwear store or tailor. After the groom's attire has been chosen, the ushers and groomsmen should go in and get fitted as soon as possible.

4 TO 6 MONTHS  Order invitations, napkins, programs and anything else that requires a certain amount of time for printing.  Choose your wedding bands.  The mother of the bride should shop for her dress. When she has chosen what to wear the groom's mother should do the same.  Discuss whether you should reserve hotel rooms for out-of-town guests with your parents.  Set a time for the wedding rehearsal.  Plan rehearsal dinner.  Plan honeymoon. If traveling meet with a travel agent.  Book accomodations for wedding-night.

2 TO 4 MONTHS  Finish up with alterations and try it on with all of the accessories to make sure everything looks good.  Book a final fitting and start breaking in your shoes.  Final alterations on bridesmaids' dresses.  Confirm contracts with florist, photographer, D.J., caterer, videographer, etc. Make sure all is in order.  Set up appointments for hair, manicure, make-up. It might be a good idea to set up a pre-wedding appointment to make sure you are satisfied with the style and it works with the dress.  Shop for bridesmaids' gift and groomsmen's gifts.  Register for wedding gifts.  Start addressing invitations. Ensure proper postage by bringing one to the post office and have it weighed.  Take a day off from all the wedding planning to pamper yourself. This is a day just for you to relax, have a massage, take a day off of work.

6 TO 8 MONTHS  Mail invitations.  Go over rehearsal dinner details and finalize them.  Confirm reservations at hotels for out-of-town guests and also your reservations for your wedding-night.  Confirm travel plans for your honeymoon.  Ask the Maid of Honor and your attendants for help with small tasks.  Pick up wedding rings.  Have your gown pressed and make arrangements for pick-up date and time.  Marriage license.

3 TO 6 MONTHS  Plan seating arrangements.  Start packing for the honeymoon.  Meet with the D.J./Band and go over any special music requests.  Meet with the coordinator at the reception site to go over all details, such as the time when the cake and flowers can be delivered and where on the day of the wedding.  Set up time for pictures with the photographer. Make sure all parties who need to be there know this information ahead of time...don't forget to tell grandma and grandpa, brothers and sisters in case you are having family pictures at this time.  Check over all contracts thoroughly. When they need to be paid and if all requirements are met.  Take some time for the two of you...it's good to get away from all the stress of planning for awhile.

2 WEEKS  Call the newspaper for information on placing a wedding announcement in the paper.  Take care of life insurance beneficiary, health insurance plans that best suit both of you. If you are changing your name contact the DMV, bank, credit cards and Social Security.  If possible start writing checks for those needing to be paid. The officient, photographer, videographer, D.J./Band, etc.  Assign some friends or family to be responsible for getting gifts to reception and transporting them at the end of the evening.

1 WEEK  Contact the caterer with the final guest count.  Take care of any last minute details with florist, musicians, etc.  Write a note to your parents and his parents for their love and support.  Put together a bag of everything you will need for the wedding day. Things to include...jewelry, extra pair of pantyhose, aspirin, bobby pins, safety pins, mints, undergarments. And don't forget something old, new, borrowed and blue!

3 DAYS  Talk to the head usher about special seating arrangements or guests with special needs.  Don't forget the marriage license. You may want to give it to the Maid of Honor or Best Man to bring to the ceremony.  Notify attendants and parents on when they should arrive at the rehearsal. Give bridesmaids and groomsmen their gifts at the rehearsal dinner.  Get plenty of rest and eat right and drink your water.

THE WEDDING DAY  Eat a sensible breakfast.  Give the Maid of Honor the groom's ring.  Drink plenty of water.  Get your hair and make-up done.  Don't forget your "everything you need" bag.  Get to the church on time.  Relax and enjoy your day!

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