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After you get engaged, get ready for some work. That's
when the planning for the wedding day (and related events)
begins in earnest. To help you through this process, a checklist
will be indispensable. The checklist will be perfect for
helping to ensure that the big event goes exactly as you
envision.
When you first get into the process, the most critical
details to get lined up are the wedding location, reception
location, finding a photographer, hiring a musician (or
a DJ), hiring a florist and a caterer. You'll want to schedule
these things about 10 to 12 months before the actual wedding
date. You'll also want to start working on your budget at
this time.
One of the most important aspects of your planning checklist
is the incorporation of a timeline. This timeline will run
from your engagement date to the actual wedding date. At
the top of your list should be those items that you need
to address within 10 or 12 months following the engagement.
After this, break the time frames down like this: 6 to 10
months prior, 4 to 6 months prior, 2 to 4 months prior,
6 to 8 weeks prior, 4 to 6 weeks prior, 2 weeks prior, a
week prior, the day prior, and the actual wedding day.
So what items do you want to include on your list? Some
items will automatically be on just about any bride's. Other
items, on the other hand, will be personal and unique to
each bride. The important thing is to make sure you include
all items that are important to you, the groom and to the
members of your respective families. This way, you'll miss
nothing and our wedding day is sure to be more memorable.
To help get you started, here are some things that wind
up on most people's planning lists:
1. Names of those in the wedding party
2. Guest List
3. Announcement of the Engagement
4. Wedding Dress
5. Groom's Tuxedo
6. Tuxedoes for Groomsmen
7. Dress for Maid of Honor
8. Dresses for Bridesmaids
9. Ring Bearer and Flower Girl
10. Wedding Favors
11. Wedding Rings
12. Out-of-Town Guest Accommodations
13. Invitations
14. Wedding Cake
15. Photographer
16. Bouquets, Centerpieces other Flower Arrangements
17. Will you want a horse-drawn carriage, limousine, etc.?
18. Musical selections for both ceremony and reception
19. Decorations
20. Reception Menu
21. Jewelry for Bridal Party
22. Bridal Registry
23. Plans for the Honeymoon
24. Hair, fingernail, makeup appointments for those in the
wedding party
Beneath most of these headings will be more in-depth details.
You can and should tailor it to take care of all of your
personal wishes for the big event. Once you've started compiling
it, remember not to lose it; keep it safe by keeping it
inside your wedding planning book. And above all else, remember,
this is a tool to make sure you don't forget anything, so
use it the way that seems easiest and most helpful to you.
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