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Download your very own checklist above or read below!
Six to Twelve Months Ahead
 Inform
your families. Perhaps you'd like to throw an engagement party for family
and friends.
Work with
your families to draw up a wedding budget. To avoid confusion later, make
sure the responsibility of expenditures is mutually agreed upon ahead
of time. Traditionally the bride's family paid for the affair. However,
the bride and groom are now more likely to share the wedding expenses
with both families.
Write
an official engagement notice and send it to your local newspaper. Remember
to send a copy to newspapers in your parent's and grandparents' hometowns
if they desire.
**Plan Ahead: Now is the time to have your engagement photo taken. Have
several black and white photos developed for newspapers and order color
photos if you want to enclose them with your wedding invitations.
Decide
on the place and time for the wedding ceremony. If you would like a religious
ceremony performed in a church or synagogue but are not a member, you
might have to make several contacts before finding an opening. In addition,
many engaged couples are often asked to attend a premarital class. You
should check with your place of worship about this requirement.
As soon
as the date is set, reserve a place for the reception. If you are having
an outdoor ceremony, reserve chairs and tent.
Interview
and contract the photographer as soon as possible. You may also want to
contract a professional videographer.
Hire musicians
for the ceremony and reception.
Book a
caterer for reception if needed.
Choose
your wedding party.
**Plan Ahead. Bridal attendants and groomsmen traditionally purchase or
rent their own attire. Contact them in advance to make sure they will
have time to plan for the expense.
The Bride
should shop for her gown and headpiece, as well as for attendants' dresses.
If they will be custom-made, book a dressmaker. Don't forget to schedule
fittings and alterations.
Four to Six Months Ahead
The Groom
should choose and reserve formalwear for himself and his attendants.
**Plan Ahead: Bring groomsmen's measurements when reserving formalwear.
(Neck size, length of arm, waist, inseam and shoe size.)
The couple
should choose items for bridal registry.
Finalize
guest list, including proper names of all invited and their current addresses.
Finalize
a honeymoon budget and visit a travel agent to make the proper reservations.
If you are leaving the country, check on passport, insurance, and immunization
requirements.
Visit
your florist and choose floral arrangements for the ceremony, reception,
and wedding party.
Three Months Ahead
Work with
wedding officiator to plan ceremony.
Order
invitations, programs, and other stationary.
**Plan ahead: It will take about a month for printing and making corrections.
If you
did not do so prior to your engagement, shop for wedding rings. Custom-designed
jewelry takes longer. Check with your jeweler in advance.
Order
a wedding caked if not supplied by your caterer.
Plan transportation
to the ceremony and reception for the wedding party.
Reserve
accommodations for out-of-town guests. Confirm them as you receive responses.
**Plan Ahead: Contact nearby hotels early. Rooms are booked far in advance
for conventions and local events that may occur at the same time as your
wedding.
One to Two Months Ahead
Mail invitations
six to eight weeks in advance.
Purchase
marriage license. if required, schedule blood tests.
Schedule
the rehearsal. Make reservations for the rehearsal dinner and send invitations
to members of the wedding party.
Make wedding
day beaty appointments for the bride and attendants.
Finalize
set-up times for the photographer and videographer
Bride
should complete shopping ofr her honeymoon wardrobe.
Plan Bridal
Luncheon. Book caterer and order floral arrangements. Send invitations
to bridal attendants.
One to Two Weeks Ahead
Purchase
and wrap gifts for the attendants, groomsmen and new spouse.
List and
begin to pack clothing for honeymoon.
Finalize
reception guest list and inform caterer.
Confirm
pickup/delivery of bridal gown, headpiece, and formalwear.
The Day Before
Deliver
marriage license to wedding officiator
Attend
rehearsal and dinner.
The Big Day
Make sure
honeymoon luggage is transferred to wedding night transportation.
**Plan Ahead: Don’t forget car keys, airline tickets, and hotel
confirmations!
Congratulations
you are married!!!
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