Planning the Wedding

Posted by Nick Niesen on October 27th, 2010

Depending on how much time you have between the engagement, and the date you want to get married, this scheduling guide may need to be adapted to fit your timetable. As soon as you are engaged, or at least 6 months before your wedding there are things that need to be done. The more time you have to plan, the more likely will be your chances of getting the venues and vendors you want.

At six months to one year prior to the wedding: have engagement announcements put in the paper in each of your hometowns and in the local paper where you live. Notify family and friends in person, by phone, letter or email. Decide on a budget and who will pay for what. Visit with the clergyman or official who will perform the ceremony, book the Church or other ceremony site.

Book the site for the reception. Next set the date, time and place of all events connected to the wedding. Decide on Maid of Honor, Best Man and other attendants Find and book a caterer, Pick a color scheme and begin the search for the perfect wedding and bridesmaid dresses. Get quotes from photographers, musicians, florists, and limousine services. Don?t forget to help your mom and his find outfits.

Between 3 and 6 months before the wedding order flowers, invitations, thank you cards and any other stationary. Book limousines, musicians and photographers. Order the cake.
Make reservations for the honeymoon trip get passports, shots, and clearances. See your doctors and dentists.

Between 2 and 3 month Choose going away outfit, and finish selecting the clothes you will bring on the honeymoon, don?t forget toiletries and feminine products, and basis over the counter medicine such as aspirin and sinus medications. Make hair and make-up appointments. Register at a couple of gift registries. Mail the invitations, choose a menu and give the caterer a tentative head count. Buy Wedding Insurance
1 and ½ months to 2 months, decide on music and specials songs like father daughter dance, and first dance songs and decide on readings for the ceremony.

4-5 weeks- fitting for bride and attendants and confirm musicians, photographer, flowers and limos. Draw up a seating chart. Give caterers an up dated count, and if need be order flatware, dishes, cups napkins etc Confirm make-up and hairdresser appointments.
2-3 weeks- Don?t forget the marriage license, give everyone there schedule and list of duties.

1 day ? 1 week confirm numbers with the caterer, have rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. Pick-up programs for ceremony, finish packing for the honeymoon, give gifts to attendants, finalize the time for limousine to pick up the bride. At the rehearsal dinner give the best man the envelopes for all fees due at the wedding. GET SOME SLEEP!

The Big Day- get up early. Go get your hair and make up done. Get dressed with help from your mother and Maid of Honor, get to the ceremony just a little bi tlate.
This is by no means a definitive checklist, it is just meant to get you started. You may want to hire a Wedding Consultant to help you out.