Six Months or More
Ahead
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Arrange for families and friends
to meet at luncheons, small dinners or parties. Games are ideal for icebreakers
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Announce engagement in local
newspapers.
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Have a formal wedding engagement
portrait taken. From a traditional head shot to a black and white candid
shot, a portrait should capture your personality.
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Select a date - consider back-up
dates in case the site caterer or officiant is already booked.
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Schedule time off from work
for wedding, honeymoon, and planning days.
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Set a budget and establish
priorities. Be sure to get written estimates when dealing with your wedding
expenses.
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Buy a wedding planner/organizer
or computer program.
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Reserve ceremony and reception
sites. Alternative sites include a friend's home, a rose garden, library,
or museum.
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Decide who will be your attendants
and ask them. Keep in mind that the number of attendants can vary depending
on the size and style of the wedding.
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Compile a guest list with
complete names and addresses. You may need time to research some addresses
if people have moved recently.
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Order dress and accessories,
including veil or headpiece. Consider wedding dresses of pale pink, peach,
ivory, tape, or light yellow for a twist on the traditional dress.
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Four to Six Months
Ahead
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Choose a caterer or plan menu
with reception planner. You may want to incorporate your favorite family
recipes.
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Send out "save-the-date" cards
to out-of-town guests.
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Secure rental agreements,
such as tables, chairs, or tents.
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Book photographer and/or videographer.
Prepare a list of photos you want captured during the day. Consider black
and white photos, candid shots, and full-family portraits.
-
Purchase wedding rings.
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Select bridesmaid dresses
and assist mothers with their dress and shoe purchases.
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Arrange flower contract with
florist.
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Purchase candles or photo
frames for table centerpieces.
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Register for shower and wedding
gifts. Choose a store that is convenient to most wedding guests.
-
Book band or DJ for reception.
Choose meaningful songs for guests of all ages - including your "first
dance."
-
Order wedding cake.
-
Order wedding invitations
-
Select wedding favors for
guests.
-
Book hotel room for your wedding
night.
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Choose gifts for bridal party.
-
Arrange honeymoon plans.
-
Reserve accommodations for
an out-of-town guest.
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Two to Four Months
Ahead
-
Discuss last minute details
with caterer.
-
Complete proper documents
for name change if you are taking his name.
-
Discuss service details with
officiant.
-
Have final dress fitting.
Allow for plenty for time as this process may require several visits. Be
sure to bring the actual shoes and lingerie you will be wearing on the
wedding day.
-
Tuxedo fittings and rentals
for the groom, fathers, and groomsmen.
-
Schedule rehearsal time and
rehearsal dinner.
-
Purchase supplies and begin
party favor preparations.
-
Choose readings and songs
for your ceremony. Select the people you would like to read and provide
them with copies.
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One to Two Months
Ahead
-
Create ceremony program booklets.
This is a perfect opportunity to incorporate handmade papers, ribbons,
and rubber stamps.
-
Address and mail invitations.
Choose handwritten addresses for a casual feel. Calligraphy for a formal
flair, and laser printed for a contemporary twist.
-
Practice hair style and makeup.
If you have another event to attend that same day, you'll look great.
-
Be sure to write thank-you
notes as you receive gifts.
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One to Two Weeks Ahead
-
Obtain marriage license.
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Pick up wedding dress.
-
Determine final guest count.
-
Break in your wedding shoes
at home while wearing socks.
-
Arrange seating plan and address
place cards.
-
Pack for the honeymoon - don't
forget sunscreen
-
Confirm floral and honeymoon
arrangements.
-
Have a facial or other body
care treatment.
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One Day Ahead
-
Confirm transportation for
bridal party.
-
Give each member of your bridal
party a gift with a personal thank-you note.
-
Be sure to thank your parents
and other loved ones who have helped you prepare for your special day.
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Rehearsal ceremony with rehearsal
dinner to follow.
-
Be sure to get a good night's
sleep. Tomorrow will be a long day.
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Your Wedding Day
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Relax and enjoy the rest of
your life together.
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