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When you first begin planning your wedding you may be overwhelmed by everything that needs to be done before your big day. While there is nothing that can completely eliminate the stress involved in wedding planning, there are things that you can do early to give yourself a much needed breather during the last few weeks before your special day. Many things can be done up to a year before your wedding and getting them done sooner gives you much more time to enjoy the days and weeks leading up to your dream wedding day.
The following is a checklist of things that you can do and the time span in which they can be done. Following this list will help you to keep everything organized and ensure that all your wedding planning is carried out in a timely manner. Twelve months before the actual wedding date you should: - Send out your engagement announcements.
- Have your engagement photos taken if you are planning to do so.
- Set the date and time for your wedding. If you are unsure of your actual wedding date you can always wait until six months before the wedding to set the date and time. However keep in mind that many places book dates well in advance so if you are having your wedding at a specific location then you should set the date as soon as possible after you become engaged.
- Set your budget. In order to keep costs down you should come up with a budget - plan all your upcoming wedding expenses and follow your budget completely.
- Decide on the number of guests that you will be inviting.
- If you are having your wedding catered then be sure to book the caterer as soon as possible. You should also book your photographer and videographer at this time.
- Plan your reception and the actual wedding ceremony music. This is an excellent time to begin searching for the band or DJ that you want. You will need to book these services well in advance.
- If you are having a wedding on location such as at the beach or somewhere that you and your guests will be staying overnight then be sure to begin looking for rooms and rates. Book these well in advance particularly if you are planning to be married in a very popular location.
Six months before the wedding date you should: - Choose your bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girl, ring bearer and anyone else who will be contributing to the wedding.
- This is also the time when you should choose the specific color theme that you want.
- Choose the colors and styles of your bridesmaids and flower girls dresses.
- Book your DJ or band if you haven’t already done so.
Six to Four months before the date you should: - Plan your rehearsal dinner and secure the arrangements.
- Order your wedding invitations and wedding favors.
- Choose the attire for your groomsmen and your groom.
- Plan your honeymoon! Make sure that all your travel arrangements for your honeymoon are secured by this time.
The two to three months before your big day should be spent: - Choosing the gifts for your attendants, parents and helpers.
- Choosing and purchasing your wedding rings.
- Ordering your wedding cake (if this is going to be a separate deal than the catering)
- Purchasing the cake knife, toasting flutes, guest book and other accessories that you will need.
- Completing your bridal registry.
- Ordering any liquor or wine/champagne that you plan to serve unless it is included in your catering service.
- Applying for your marriage license.
- Addressing all invitations and announcements. These should also be mailed approximately two months before your wedding date.
In the last month before your wedding you will be finalizing all your plans, reservations and having the final fittings for your wedding apparel. Spend the last week or so packing for your honeymoon, picking up your marriage license and putting announcements in your local newspapers. On the day or two before the wedding you should treat yourself to a manicure and pedicure. The day before your wedding should only be spent putting together your gown, veil, shoes and other things that you will need on your wedding day. Doing all these things beforehand will ensure that the only thing you have to do on your special day is get dressed (begin two hours before the ceremony is set to begin) and be happy!
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