Wedding Planning 101: Keep It Simple With A Wedding Timeline For Brides and Grooms

You’re Engaged!n nYou certainly want to enjoy this wonderful and magical time in your life but you know that planning your own wedding is going to be a big job! The following checklists might make it a little easier for you to keep it simple, keep it organized and keep you sane!n nThe 12-Month Countdownn n6-12 Months Before Your Wedding…n nThe wedding date has been set and now like any large project, it’s a good idea to step back and take a look at the big picture first, then break it down to the finer details later. n nThe Big Picture: Who, What, Where and Hown n• Decide who will pay for what, where you’ll get married and how expenses will be sharedn n• Talk to friends, family, bridal consultants or wedding coordinators to get the direction you need for starting an organization system n n• For most couples, the wedding day can be a blur, so decide early on the best way to capture your special day’s cherished memories - like with an Adesso Photo Guest Book.n nThe Detailsn nOnce you have your organization system in place, start going down your to-do detail list. Here are a few of the critical ones:n n• Call your church or synagogue for an appointment with the Officiaten• Explore pre-marriage counselingn• Decide on what size wedding you wantn• Consider and decide on wedding attendantsn• Start a guest list for the weddingn• Begin determining ideas/themes/color schemes for your wedding and receptionn• Select a reception location and a caterer if need ben• Consider reception entertainmentn• Select a floristn• Together, shop for wedding ringsn• Select a wedding dress, headpiece and schedule fittingsn• Decide on the bridesmaids’ dressesn n4 – 6 Months Prior To Wedding Date…nAs the wedding date gets closer, the to-do list will consist of finer and finer details. And because you put an organization system in place months ago, you won’t miss a one!n n• Check details and requirements for marriage licensen• Coordinate theme and color schemes with florist and decoratorn• Decide on a gift registry and register your gift selectionsn• Order your invitations and other wedding stationeryn• Shop for the groom’s attire and select what the men in the wedding will wearn• Select wedding ceremony readingsn• Select wedding ceremony musicn• Decide and order wedding favorsn• Select a bakery for the caken• Arrange and plan honeymoonn• Review your agreements with all your vendors and service providers to insure you haven’t forgotten any detailsn n2-Months… and Counting n n• Mail out invitationsn• Arrange and plan your rehearsal dinnern• Select and purchase your wedding day accessoriesn• Arrange attendant’s partiesn• Coordinate and prepare accommodations for out-of-town guestsn• Select a hairdresser and makeup artist and schedule those appointmentsn• Finalize those honeymoon plansn n1-Month To Go!n n• Last wedding dress fittingn• Final fitting for bridesmaids’ dressesn• Final fitting for men attendantsn• Get marriage licensen• Have your wedding attendant’s partiesn• Shop and purchase your outfit to wear when you leave the receptionn• Organize the final check list of wedding day eventsn• Confirm all the wedding day “accessories” are in order, i.e. rings, pillows, garter, etc.n n2-Weeks Remaining!n n• Finalize entertainment arrangementsn• Go over and finalize music listsn• Go over and finalize the special music events, i.e. first dance, dance with parents, etc.n• Pick up wedding rings, make sure they fit and review any engravingsn n1-Week Before Your Big Day!n n• Review your marriage license to make sure it’s in ordern• Prepare seating arrangements for ceremonyn• Prepare payment envelopes for Officiate, entertainment and vendors and give to the person who will handle thatn• Confirm honeymoon reservationsn• Make necessary honeymoon preparations, i.e. bank, traveler’s checks, etc.n• Prepare and pack for honeymoonn• Confirm out-of-town guest accommodations and transportationn• Check in with the florist to confirm arrival time set upn• Have your wedding ceremony rehearsal letting everyone know what they will do on the wedding dayn• Have and ENJOY your rehearsal dinner!n nYour Wedding Day!n n• Allow plenty of time for your scheduled hair and makeup appointmentsn• Allow at least 2 hours for dressingn• Bring the rings and marriage licensen• And MOST IMPORTANTLY, take a long deep breath and relax and enjoy your day!n