Discuss your wedding budget - "who pays for what?"
Choose a color scheme and theme for your wedding.
Explore possible locations for ceremony and reception site. Be sure to put a security deposit on your desired selection.
Choose your bridesmaids, groomsment, ushers and honor attendants and request their participation in your ceremony.
Select a bridal gown and veil to reflect your personality and style. When you find the gown of your dreams, order it immediately. It may take three to four months for a special order gown to arrive from the factory. Allow additional time for alterations and final fittings.
Select your bridesmaid gowns and accessories. Place gown orders, for each maid, at the same time, to assure an identical dye lot.
Interview caterers, if not already included in your favored reception site. Once you have made your final choice, be sure to secure the date with a signed contract and a security deposit.
Compile your guest list. Remember, you need your list, his, your family's and his family's.
Begin interviewing wedding photographers, videographers and musicians.
Engagement parties are appropriate during this time also.
Send your engagement announcement to the local newspaper and upload to WNOK's website.
Four to Six Months Before the Wedding
Select a location for your rehearsal dinner and make necessary reservations.
Obtain the completed guest lists and compile your final master list to determine the number of invitations and announcements to be ordered.
Select your wedding cake.
Order wedding invitations, announcements, thank you cards and personal stationary.
Reserve your florist, plan your floral display and order all wedding flowers.
Choose your wedding music, secure musicians and soloists.
Consult with your travel agent and discuss honeymoon destinations. Make arrangements early for lowest airfares.
Three to Four Months Before the Wedding
Select Mothers gowns and accessories. Order immediately if not in stock.
Select tuxedos' for your groom, his attendants and fathers of the couple. Measurements should be submitted to the tux shop within the next month.
Arrange accommodations for out-of-town guests.
Arrange transportation or limousine service for the wedding party to the ceremony and reception.
Discuss final menu options and costs with your caterer. Confirm arrival and departure times.
Order wedding favors and imprinted items such as napkins, matches and engraved attendant gifts.
Arrange for rental of items needed for your ceremony and reception. Items such as, candelabras, arches, alter baskets, kneeling bench, flowing punch fountains, china, crystal, flatware and silver serving accesories, if desired.
Begin counseling sessions with the wedding officiant when required.
Six to Eight Weeks Before the Wedding
Begin addressing invitations and announcements.
Draw a map to the ceremony and reception for inclusion in your invitation.
Finalize your "Order of Service" for the ceremony and order wedding program.
Arrange for physical examinations and blood tests if required to obtain a marriage license in your state.
Schedule appointment with hairdresser for bride, attendants and mothers.
Confirm the formal wear shop has received measurements of your male attendants. Follow up immediately with anyone not yet fitted.
Schedule alterations and final fittings for your wedding gown.
Schedule fittings for bridesmaids and flower girls.
Finalize honeymoon plans and confirm reservations.
Order Wedding Bands.
Make arrangements for your "Bridesmaid Luncheon" and other "Pre-Wedding Parties and Events."
Four to Six Weeks Before the Wedding
Discuss and finalize details with your:
Pastor/Officiant
Soloist
Caterer
Floriest
Baker/Cake Decorator
Bridal Shop
Tux Shop
Limo Service
Photographer/Videographer
Travel Agent
Musicians/DJ
Rehearsal Dinner Site
Send Wedding Invitations four to six weeks prior to your wedding date to local guests. Guests needing to make travel arrangements should receive their invitation six to eight weeks in advance.
Attend parties given in your honor.
Two to Four Weeks Before the Wedding
Apply for your marriage license. Be sure to call ahead for a list of required documents.
Confirm rehearsal plans with your officiant and wedding coordinator.
Send Thank You Cards as gifts begin to arrive.
Arrange to move belongings to your new home.
Arrange for name change:
Bank Accounts
Drivers License
Vehicle Registration
Passport
Post Office
Social Security Card
Credit Cards
Votor Registration
Insurance Policies
Subscriptions
Dr./Dental Records
Employement Records
One to Two Weeks Before the Wedding
Host "Bridesmaid Luncheon." Give attendants' gifts at this time.
Confirm rehearsal plans with attendants and request their timely arrival.
Confirm reservations for "Rehearsal Dinner."
Confirm final guest count to caterer.
Delegate last minute errands and details.
Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties should be at least one week prior to the wedding.
Begin packing for your honeymoon.
The Day Before the Wedding
Decorate for ceremony and reception, if possible, early in the day. Confirm delivery times with your party rental shop.
Keep your appointment for manicure and pedicure.
Arrive thirty minutes early for rehearsal to greet your attendants.
Attend the Rehearsal Dinner.
Present attendants with your gift of appreciation during the rehearsal dinner, if not given previously at the Bridesmaid Luncheon or Bachelor Party.
Give Best Man the officiant's fee in a sealed "Thank You Card" for delivery after the ceremony.
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