The happiest time in your life can quickly become a whirlwind of tasks that can overwhelm the most organized bride. Here is a helpful checklist to keep the stress down and the wedding on track.
—By Sarah Martin
The happiest time in your life can quickly become a whirlwind of tasks that can overwhelm the most organized bride. Here is a helpful checklist to keep the stress down and the wedding on track.
Right Away
>Start Spreading the News — place an engagement announcement in your local paper along with a great picture.
>Set a Budget — the most important step! Once you have a number, you can make appropriate decisions on the location, number of guests, etc.
>Pick a Date — think of the overall vision and feel of your wedding. Is it formal or more casual? Use the season and time of day you want to help pick the perfect location.
>Register for Gifts — it’s never too early. Once your family and friends get the happy news they will begin sending presents. Also, write thank-you notes as you receive the gifts.
>Insure your Ring — you don’t want to have it slide down the sink without a backup plan.>Hire a Wedding Planner — begin the interview process early. Remember, many reception venues offer a free planner.
>Develop the Guest List — the tricky task of whom to invite — within the budget. Break it up into four lists: the bride’s, the groom’s, the bride’s parents, and the groom’s parents. When making your list, separate it into two parts, the VIP you must invite and the maybes. If everyones’ VIPs fit, then you can move on down the list.
>Reserve Wedding and Reception Sites — now that you know your budget and approximately the number of guests you are armed with all the information you need to pick your dream location.
>Pick Bridal Party — think carefully on how large you want the party to be. Start with siblings and close friends. You want people you will still be talking to in 30 years to share this special moment with you.
>Choose the Wedding Dress — you’ve been looking through wedding magazines since you got engaged. Now it’s time to find the dress. Dresses usually take six months to order so start shopping early.
>Select Band or DJ
>Hire a Photographer
>Send Save the Date Cards
In the Next 3-5 Months
>Pick Bridesmaid Dresses
>Select a Florist
>Order Invitations, Thank-you Notes, Place Cards
>Book Honeymoon
>Select Ceremony Music
>Choose Wedding Rings
>Discuss Hairstyle and Make-up
>Check with Local Hotels for Out-of-Town GuestsTwo Months in Advance
>Mail Invitations
>Order Wedding Cake
>Finalize Ceremony Specifics
>Make Rehearsal Arrangements
>Plan Rehearsal Dinner
>Consider Welcome Baskets
>Make Wedding Night Reservations
One Month Before
>Get Marriage License>Finalize Seating Arrangement
>Make Wedding Gown Fittings
>Confirm Wedding Day Transportation
>Buy Bridal Party Thank-You Gifts
>Make Appointment for Final Hair and Make-up Test
>Finalize Flowers for the Church, Attendants, and Reception
On the Day
>Make sure you have the rings!
