12 to 24 Months Before the Wedding
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Set the date and reserve the church.
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Decide on the size of the wedding and draw up a guest list.
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Set a firm budget and discuss the expenses with all concerned.
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Decide where you want to hold the reception and reserve it (You may need a deposit).
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Shop for the wedding gown, veil and headpiece. The attendants dresses coordinate with the wedding gown.
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Select a couple of possibilities for the bridesmaids dresses. Keep in mind they pay for their dress so be considerate of their finances but the final decision is yours.
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Select your wedding party.
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Interview photographers, musicians, disc jockey, florists and caterers. Decide who you want and reserve them so that you are not disappointed. You may need a deposit. You should sign a written contract. Keep all information for each in a folder for easy access.
6 to 12 Months Before the Wedding
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Select and order the invitations. Order 25 extra to allow for mistakes.
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Mothers should shop for their dresses. Your mother has the first choice of colour and style and the grooms mother chooses second.
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Decide on the men's attire.
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If your having a rehearsal dinner, reserve the location.
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Send for brochures for the honeymoon and discuss destinations.
4 Months Before the Wedding
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Address invitations and announcements. Invitations should be mailed 6 weeks before the wedding. Include maps, directions and any hotel information.
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Firm up the menu with the caterer and allow for any special food requirements. Be sure all the details are written in a contract along with any taxes, service charges or additional fees for waiters or bartenders. Don't assume anything.
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Arrange for the wedding cake and delivery.
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Plan a rehearsal dinner.
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Reserve a block of rooms at a nearby hotel for out of town guests and arrange accommodations for guests. When they arrive give them a number of a trusted friend, to call with questions as you will be too busy to handle the calls.
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Take the dress swatches to the florist to help with colors. Make sure everything is itemized in a contract.
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Hire a limousine
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Decide on the honeymoon.
2 Months Before the Wedding
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Mail the invitations.
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Confirm the dates and locations for rehearsals with all concerned.
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Plan a get-together for your attendants.
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Select gifts for the wedding party.
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Shop for going away and honeymoon clothes.
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If your having an announcement in the newspaper check for deadlines of submission.
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Make sure all the food for the disc jockey and the photographer is arranged.
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Purchase a wedding guest book, pen, cake knife, party favors for the guests and any decorations for the reception, church etc.
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If your having a ring bearer, buy fake rings to sew on the pillow and let the best man carry the real ones.
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Meet with the disc jockey and make your selection for the first dance etc. Make sure all the details are written in a contract.
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Meet with the organist or anyone who will be singing.
1 Month Before the Wedding
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Decide what pictures you want taken and meet with the photographer.
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Ask a friend or relative to help identify people you want in the pictures to the photographer.
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Make an appointment with your headpiece and veil with your hairdresser.
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Have the final fitting for your wedding gown and your bridesmaid gowns.
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Confirm the numbers with the caterer.
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Arrange for the flowers to be picked up or delivered.
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Arrange times etc. for transportation.
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Select gifts for each other.
2 Weeks Before the Wedding
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Arrange the marriage license
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Finish announcements for the newspaper.
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Make the necessary name changes at your bank, drivers license, insurance etc.
1 Week Before the Wedding
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Check your selections for the musicians and vocalists.
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Finalize the rehearsal dinner plans.
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Ask someone to transport the gifts from the reception to parents home or wherever the gifts will be displayed (all cards should be removed and gifts recorded).
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Invite friends and relatives to view the gifts.
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Make sure the attendants gifts are wrapped.
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Final check with florist, photographer, caterer, minister, disc jockey, limousine.
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Pack for your honeymoon.
1 Day Before the Wedding
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Pamper yourself, have a manicure, pedicure and even a massage to help you relax.
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Attend the rehearsal and review all the duties with your wedding party.
The Wedding Day
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Rest and thoroughly relax in a warm bath.
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Allow plenty of time to dress, about 2 hours before you have to be at the ceremony or ready for the photographer.
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Have a fabulous day and enjoy yourself.
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