The Perfect Wedding

Congratulations, you’ve found the perfect guy or girl and you’ve decided on the date.  Here’s a checklist to help you plan your perfect day.  Good luck and congratulations!

9 to 12 months prior to the wedding date:

• Formally announce your engagement to friends and family
• Choose your wedding date.  The further in the future often is better for planning purposes if your venue is a popular one
• Determine your wedding theme – big, small, boutique, party blast, informal, formal, outdoor, religious, family only, everyone’s invited, etc.
• Determine your budget.  Big wedding are costly, make sure your dream wedding fits within your budget
• Determine how the budget will be shared.  Compromise and the ability to agree on expenses and finances is critical to a happy marriage, this might possibly be the first real test
• Invest in a calendar (hard copy or online) specifically dedicated to planning your wedding.  Keep track of all to dos, appointments and events leading up to the big day
• Start creating your guest list.  Start making the hard choices – rarely does the budget include all the people you want to invite
• Secure a good wedding planner if you’re using one.  Make sure you are on the same page and make sure he/she knows who’s in charge!
• Determine who can come along.  Will children be allowed, significant others invited, sometimes even spouses of casual friends can be omitted
• Make reservation for location of the ceremony
• Select Officiant, Minister, Priest, Rabbi or person conducting the ceremony
• Book reception location.  Best done as far ahead of time as possible to ensure you secure the dates you want
• Select color scheme of wedding, including flowers, dresses, decorations, groom attire, etc.
• Select and order bridal gown
• Secure marriage license
• Plan honeymoon location and timing

6 to 9 months and counting…

• Select your caterer and book the dates
• Select your wedding photographer
• If using, select and book videographer
• Choose who will be in your wedding party
• Determine bridesmaids gowns
• Select groom and groomsmen attire
• Help mothers of the bride and groom choose attire if applicable
• Choose scripture, readings and music for wedding ceremony
• Choose musicians and music for reception
• Select florist
• Determine where you want to register for gifts and complete registries

4 to 6 months – There’s still time…

• Arrange for any rental items you may be needing
• Order wedding invitations
• Select date, time and location of rehearsal dinner
• Make reservations for honeymoon suite after wedding
• Shop for wedding gifts for bride, groom and others
• Bride shop for lingerie, shoes, garter, tiara, veil and other accessories
• Choose wedding bands
• Choose after ceremony outfit for leaving reception

2 to 4 Months – Plenty of time, but stay on track

• Take formal engagement pictures
• Choose and order wedding cake
• Make or buy wedding favors like those nasty covered almonds that taste like cardboard.
• Hire limo drivers/transportation for wedding day if appropriate
• Book wedding day hair and makeup at salon or for in home service
• Pick up marriage license
• Send out wedding invitations
• Start planning shower – mail invitations

6 to 8 Weeks – Getting down to the wire…….

• Keep track of RSVP’s – wedding guest count
• Track early wedding gifts
• Track shower gifts
• Start sending thank you’s for gifts received
• Purchase all wedding day accessories if haven’t done so, guest book, toasting glasses, wedding cake cutter, ring pillow, garter, etc.
• If mailing invitations to rehearsal dinner, send
• Plan and collect your something old, new, borrowed and blue

2 to 6 Weeks  - Crunch time….

• Finalize all reservations:
  • Wedding venue
  • Reception venue
  • Catering
  • Groom attire
  • Photography
  • Musicians
  • Rehearsal hall and dinner
  • Flowers
  • Make a check list itinerary for your wedding day
  • Determine head table seating
  • Double check RSVP guest list, contact those you haven’t heard from
  • Pick up wedding rings, and ensure proper fit
  • Determine reception seating plan
  • Print seating cards

1 Week to go…..

• Finalize guest list for catering and reception seating
• Pack for your honeymoon
• Final preparation of wedding dress and accessories; garter, veil, tiara, rings, change of close after reception, etc.
• Relax…

Day of Rehearsal Dinner – It’s almost here….

• Drop off all wedding day accessories and clothing at ceremony and reception venues
• Bring any gifts for rehearsal dinner
• Pack for honeymoon night
• Get a good nights sleep
• RELAX….

Your Wedding Day – Finally…..

• Wake up refreshed
• Check itinerary for any last minute items
• Make sure Maid of Honor and Best Man have rings
• If needed ensure you have your wedding license
• Move your engagement ring to your right hand
• Hair, make up and general primping
• Relax and enjoy one of the most wonderful days of your life, and soak in every moment