Countdown
It hardly needs saying that the earlier you make arrangements, the better chance you have of being able to reserve the best reception places, photographers, florists, and so on. But you may still need to be flexible and have other dates and ideas ready in case venues or services are already booked.
Once you’re engaged:
❍ Set a date for the wedding. You may want to place an announcement in the newspaper.
❍ Set your budget and decide what your priorities are. Discuss who will organize and pay for what.
❍ Arrange ahead for the ceremony (church, or other location) and meet with the person officiating.
❍ Book your reception venue and caterer to discuss food and drink. Put everything in writing.
❍ Book the music for the ceremony and reception and think of song choices.
❍ Draw up a guest list in consultation with both sets of parents.
❍ Order wedding stationery. Prepare your wedding stationery or look into preprinted options.
❍ Book a photographer and videographer. Professionals will capture the magic of your day.
❍ Arrange your wedding transportation. You may need cars from the wedding to the reception and for going away.
❍ Order your cake. This is something you can enjoy with everyone.
❍ Choose bridesmaids, flower girl(s), best man, ushers and ring bearer.
❍ Start looking at wedding dresses, accessories and outfits for your attendants. It can take several months for a dress to be made to measure.
❍ Order your flowers. They enhance the romance of the day.
❍ Start to plan your honeymoon. Reserve as early as possible for travel in high season.
❍ Investigate local accommodations for guests who are traveling long distances. Reserve rooms and inform guests of this when you send out your invitations.
❍ Buy your wedding rings. Your jeweller will have some amazing styles to choose from or perhaps custom bands suit you better.
Three months before your day: ❍ Register for wedding gifts.
❍ Run through the style of the wedding service, and choose your music and text (for a church service discuss with the church clergy; for a civil wedding check with authorities).
❍ Arrange to rent formal wear for the male members of the wedding party.
❍ Make sure your honeymoon plans are finalized and that you’ve organized passports, inoculations, travel insurance and foreign currency.
❍ Send invitations out at least six weeks before (eight to 12 weeks is safer) and, as replies come in, make a list of who is coming. Remember, an invitation should be sent to the parents.
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