Meeting Time – Plan to get together with both families to begin the planning process.

Determine what your total budget is for wedding and then make a list with your fiance on what is most important to your for the wedding.  Is it the reception, the dress the honeymoon, open bar, Etc..

Determine the style or theme of your wedding.  This is difficult form some and this is where hiring an event planner really can help.  They can turn your vision into a reality.

Make a “wish guest list” of everyone you would like to invite to your wedding, but divide into 3 categories (Family, Friends, Coworkers)  After you have determined what your budget will allow, it will be easier to go in and make cuts.

Set the date

Reserve the reception site

Reserve the ceremony site

Select who you want to be in your wedding party.  Your fiance should do the same. Once you have these people selected they can be very valuable in helping you plan your wedding.

Send an engagement announcement to you local newspaper

Start shopping for your gown, but make sure you have looked at different shops in your area so you know all your options on what is available.

Start looking for professionals (caterer, florist, DJ, photographer, videographer, rental companies) to get estimates and see if they are available for your event.

If you are getting married in a church, please make sure that you ask about any pre-marital classes you might have to take

Order your wedding dress. By giving yourself 9 months, there is plenty if time to get the dress in if it has to be shipped from another location.

Select the caterer you would like to use. In some cases the venue you select will have their own caterer that you have to utilize.  If this is the case, schedule a tasting to see what they do well and what you like.

Hire the following to lock them in for your date….

Photographer

Florist

Videographer

Ceremony musicians

Meet with the different Invitation Vendors to see what styles you like

Order bridesmaids’ dresses

Establish a gift registry.  This will give you plenty of time to add to it as you are planning this very important day.  Waiting to the last minute can cause you to not think of the items that you are really going to need versus the ones that you want.

Order your invitations

mail save-the-date cards if necessary

Call your local county clerk in the county you will be married  to determine requirements

Reserve a block of hotel rooms for out-of-town guests

Begin researching honeymoon destinations

Reserve wedding-day transportation for yourself and your wedding party

Schedule cake tasting with different bakers and begin to get estimates

Hire the rental company you have selected and make sure you check the term of the agreement.  In some cases you will not have to pay anything until the a few days before the event.

Reserver the following…

Honeymoon travel & accommodations

Hotel room for wedding night

Groomsmen’s TUX’s

order your wedding rings

apply for passports if necessary

book your salon professionals for the morning of your wedding

First dress fitting

Finalize the guest list & start addressing invitations

Select a baker and order your cake

Meet with the Groom’s parents to determine rehearsal dinner arrangements

Make sure you obtain the proper forms if you plan to change your name

Take a complete invitation to the post office to determine accurate postage and buy the proper amount of stamps.

Mail invitations

Second dress fitting

Purchase gifts for your bridal party

Meet with officiant to discuss vows and readings

Pick up your wedding rings

Final dress fitting

Get ceremony programs printed

Send a wedding announcement to you local newspaper

Schedule a consultation with your make-up artist

Meet with your salon to see what hair styles will look best for you

Arrange reception seating plan

Call any guests who did not reply to see if they are planning on attending.  If you have a seating chart this is the last thing you want to be surprised about on your wedding day.

Submit lists to photographer and videographer of things you definitely want covered

Confirm your honeymoon reservations

Apply for your marriage license at the county clerk’s office

Break in your shoes as you will not regret it.

Give your caterer the final count

Bachelor & Bachelorette Parties

Pick up your gown

Pack for honeymoon

Give copies of verses to people doing readings

Give schedule (including rehearsal, photo times) to all in wedding party

Confirm the following…

DJ (announcements, first song(s), set-up time)

Photographer has the time and address of first location

Florist delivery time and location(s), contact person

Cake delivery and set-up time

Limousine service

Place all final fees in individual envelopes, indicate recipient on outside

Treat yourself to a manicure or massage

Attend rehearsal and rehearsal dinner

Get a good night’s sleep

Eat a good breakfast

Give the rings to the best man

Give vendor fee envelopes to your father or groom to hand out

Enjoy!