Merry Brides: Jan 18, 2007

Congratulations on your engagement. Now it's time to go to work and plan the wedding of your dreams. With a little preparation (and a sense of Humor!) there is no need to act like a bridezilla.
Here is a checklist to help you keep your sanity.

9-12 Months before the wedding

Announce your engagement.

Plan what type of wedding you want- formal, informal, day or evening, number of guests

Choose a wedding date.

Determine your budget- Discuss who is responsible for what expenses before making any plans.

You should include your parents and future in-laws in this discussion. Remember to treat them with respect. Any money they provide is a gift!

Make guest list - Don't forget to include your parents and future in-laws in this discussion.

Speak to officiant- Priest, Minister, Rabbi, Justice of the Peace etc.

Reserve your ceremony and Reception Sites.

6-9 Months Before Wedding

Select your Bridal Gown

Choose your attendants- Maid/Matron of Honor, Best Man, Bridesmaids, Ushers, Flowergirls, and Ring Bearer

Choose a Photographer

Select bridesmaids dresses & accessories (Remember to be Kind and listen to their suggestions and concerns).

Select a caterer (if needed)

Hire a band or DJ

Book your florist

4-5 Months Before Wedding

Schedule fittings for yourself and attendants (don't forget your flower-girl)

Reserve any rental items needed for ceremony and reception

Finalize guest list

Order Stationery - wedding invitations, thank you notes, and wedding programs

Address invitations or hire a professional calligrapher

Plan rehearsal dinner - set date, time and location. (This dinner is usually given by the grooms' parents.)

Arrange for accommodations for out-of-town guests.

Start planning honeymoon (Groom usually makes these arrangements after you BOTH decide where to go.) Don't forget to get any passports or travel documents you may need.

Register for gifts.

Purchase shoes and accessories (Remember to break your shoes in before the wedding)

2-3 Months Before Wedding

Order wedding cake

Order Party Favors

Order all necessary decorations

Book all transportation for wedding day (if necessary)

Buy wedding rings

Visit lawyer to write any necessary wills or prenuptial agreements

5-8 Weeks Before Wedding

Purchase gifts for wedding attendants

Mail invitations (A map to assist your guests in finding the ceremony and reception sites is a nice idea).

Visit hairstylist to determine what style you want for your hair. (Hint: Never change haircolor or change your style right before your wedding. Any changes should be made at least 3-4 weeks in advance).

Have a formal wedding portrait taken

Send wedding announcements to newspapers (if necessary)

Change name and address on driver's license, social security cards, insurance policies, and bank accounts

Reserve wedding attire for groom, ushers, ring bearer (Usually done by the groom).

Mail invitations to rehearsal dinner (if necessary)

Obtain marriage license

Get blood tests if necessary in your state

Plan a bridesmaid luncheon

2-4 Weeks Before Wedding

Confirm ceremony details with officiant

Arrange final fittings for your gown and bridesmaids dresses

Make final floral selections

Finalize rehearsal dinner plans

Confirm details with all service providers - It is a good idea to give them a written list of your wedding day timeline.

Contact guests who have not yet responded to your invitation

Pick up wedding rings

Meet with your photographer to discuss special photos you want taken.

Meet with your DJ or band to confirm the music you want played

Remind all attendants (male & female) when to pick up their wedding attire.

Purchase any special accessories or make-up you want your attendants to wear.

Determine ceremony seating for any special guests (give the list to the ushers).

Plan reception seating-write names on place cards.

Hold On....Your Almost Done! Last Week

Pick up wedding attire

Figure final guest count and notify cater

Arrange for "get-a-way" car from the reception

Review the schedule of events and last minute arrangements with all service providers.

Confirm honeymoon reservations
Pack for your honeymoon

Take a Breath.....It's Finally Here....Your Wedding Day!!!!

Give rings to the best man and maid of honor (If no ring Bearer)

Give the best man money to pay the officiant after the ceremony

Relax and have fun!!! All your hard work and planning has paid off.

****RECOMMENDED SITES****

Wedding Dress Discount - The lowest prices on name brand wedding dresses guaranteed. Free vacation for two included with every purchase.

MyWeddingFavors.com - Great Source for all your Party Favor Needs!

Create the custom wedding invitations of your dreams. Personalize your invitation online, view the preview, and order it on the spot!