Bridal Gathering

Pick a wedding date and time.

 

* Decide what kind of wedding you would like to have (how big, how formal and where).

* Start drawing up your list of guests.

* Consider possible color schemes.

* Start health and fitness plan.

* Select your professional: photographer, videographer, caterer, consultant, music, etc.

* Shop together for your wedding rings.

* Decide upon your budget.

* Determine who will pay what expenses.

* Book your wedding location(s).

* Choose your attendants.

* Determine the sizes of your attendants.

* Select dress and headpiece, and set a date for fittings and delivery.

* Select your bridesmaids' dresses and accessories.

* Think about possible sites for your honeymoon.

5 to 8 Months

 

* Check on the requirements for marriage license.

* Select and discuss your color schemes with the florist and/or balloonist of choice.

* Reserve your wedding day rental equipment (tables, chairs, china, silverware, gazebo, etc.).

* Order your invitations and related stationery needs.

* Start shopping for the men's wedding attire.

3 to 5 Months

* Finalize your guest list.

* Decide upon and order or start designing and making your favors.

* Select your baker, then choose your wedding cake.

* Help both mothers coordinate and find their wedding day clothing.

* Review your written agreements forms with all of your professionals (photographer, caterer, D.J., site coordinator, transportation, etc.).

2 to 3 Months

 

* Mail out invitations and announcements.

* Decide on the men's wedding attire.

* Arrange and plan your rehearsal dinner.

* Purchase your wedding day accessories.

* Arrange attendants' parties.

* Book a beverage caterer for the reception and make selections.

* Prepare accommodations for out-of-town attendants and guests.

* Consider a hairdresser and/or makeup artist and book appointments

* Finalize all honeymoon plans.

2 to 4 Weeks

 

* Final wedding dress fitting.

* Final fitting for your wedding attendants.

* Obtain marriage license.

* Purchase your going-away outfit.

* Draw a map to direct your guests to the site(s), if necessary.

* Create a calendar of events for the wedding day.

* Make sure your accessories are in order (rings, pillow, garter, etc.)

Finalize arrangements with the entertainer(s) and provide a list of music you would like played during special events such as first dance, garter removal and bouquet toss.

 

* Pick up your wedding rings and make sure that the engravings are correct and they fit properly.

* Contact the guests who have not responded to your invitations.

1 to 7 Days

 

* Make sure your marriage license is in order.

* Prepare seating arrangements, if necessary.

* Purchase travelers checks, confirm honeymoon reservations.

* Pack your baggage for your honeymoon.

* Have your wedding ceremony rehearsal.

* Instruct your wedding party on what you would like them to do on the day of the wedding.

* Have your rehearsal dinner.

* Make sure all wedding attire fits properly.

* Give the best man the amount the professionals are to be paid on the day of the wedding.

* Inform your caterer of the total guest count.

* Confirm out-of-town guests have transportation and sleeping accommodations.

* Check with your florist and/or balloonist to make sure they will arrive when scheduled.

Your Wedding Day

 

* Relax, enjoy yourself, and remain calm! Allow at least two hours for dressing.

* Allow plenty of time to apply your makeup and style your hair.

* If professionals are doing your hair and/or makeup, ask them in advance how much time they will need.

* If photographs are to be taken before the ceremony, allow at least one and one-half hours.

* Remember to bring the rings and marriage license.

* Seat guests as they arrive. The groom's parents should be seated about 5 minutes before start time.

* The mother of the bride is normally seated last.