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Month By Month Guide To Planning Your Wedding

Wedding Planning

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Countdown To Your Wedding

Your wedding - it's like putting together a Broadway show, isn't it? You've got the key actors - yourself and your fiance' of course. Then the supporting cast of maid or matron of honor, bridesmaids, best man, and groomsmen.

Then, the theatre is filled to capacity with your family and friends. There's the mother of the bride with flowing tears in the front row. The Groom's grandmother has the perfect seat on the aisle.

You're gracefully walking down the aisle with a serene smile on your face thinking, "Wow, it really did come together!"

Yes, it could be this smooth. The key is to not stress over the small things. Easier said than done? No, you can do it.

Let's break it down. #1 - You are engaged - congratulations!

This is what you should focus on for the next 3 months:

Announce your engagement - let the world start celebrating with you.
Schedule a time for you and your fiance' to sit down with both of your parents.
Have a date in mind? If not, pick it now.
Wedding budget. Are you paying for your own wedding or will you have help? Once you have this information, discuss your budget with everyone who will be contributing to your special day.
Do you plan to use a wedding planner? If so, meet with several to fnd the perfect planner you feel most comfortable with - you'll be spending quite a bit of time with this person so you wan to make sure you can ask ANYTHING that is important to you.
Choose the site for your ceremony. If you're getting married in your church, this task is easy. But if you're having an outdoor wedding, you may wish to visit several locations to find the spot that's perfect for you.
Start working on your guest list to get a rough idea of how many people will be attending your reception.
Do you plan to have your wedding reception indoors or outdoors? Start visiting reception sites and reserve your date.
And the best for last - start shopping for your wedding gown.

6 to 9 months before your wedding day:

Select your wedding party.
Do you plan to have your wedding catered? Meet with caterers and select the one best for your celebration. Having an outdoor wedding in the park? How about a barbecue? Beach themed wedding? Keep it light and simple poolside. Cute beach wedding favor ideas such as flip flop place card holders that doubles as a favor for guest to take home from a beach themed wedding.
Choose your bridal-gift registry.
Have you selected your wedding gown? Order it now.
Start shopping for your bridesmaid gowns. Also start thinking about bridesmaid gifts for your bridal party.
Will you have just a photographer or would you like a DVD of your ceremony and reception? Now is the time to choose your photographer and videographer.
Decide on your floral theme for the day and begin purchasing silk wedding flowers or hire a florist. Silk flowers are nice as you may decide to keep your bouquet with your dress and can use the wedding table centerpieces as gifts for someone at each table to take with them. This beautiful Calla Lily Pearl Bouquet is designed in silk flowers.
DJ? Band? Whichever you prefer at your reception - now is the time to decide and book for your date.
Where would you like to go for your honeymoon? Now is the time to discuss with your fiance what your thoughts are. Don't forget to start browsing for honeymoon lingerie for your trousseau.
If you're having an out of town or destination wedding, mail out save the date postcards or favors.

4 to 6 months before your wedding day:

Order your wedding invitations.
Will you need transportation to the ceremony and reception sites? Now is the time to hire wedding day transporation.
Something fun - shop for your wedding cake. This is a great thing to do with your maid/matron of honor!
Have you decided where to honeymoon? Book plane and hotel reservations now.
Will you have out of town guests? Ask one of your attendants to help you locate accommodations for the guests. Contacting the sales office of your favorite hotel could result in a discount if booking several rooms.
Finalize your guest list to get a firm headcount.
Contact your hairstylist and makeup pro to reserve a time a few hours before you need to be ready for the ceremony.
Decide where to hold your rehearsal dinner.

2 to 4 months before your wedding day:

Very important - reserve your room for the wedding night!
Place your order for the groom's and groomsmen's tuxedos.
Contact the county clerk's office and ask about marriage-license requirements.
Finalize your menu with the caterer that you selected.
Finalize your music with the band or DJ you selected.
Order the wedding cake you selected on your fun day with your maid/matron of honor.
Order your wedding favors for your reception guests.
Order your bridal party thank you gifts for your attendants. A gift of bridal jewelry to match the dresses you chose can be worn the day of the wedding and for other occasions.
Choose your wedding bands.

1 to 2 months before your wedding day:

Schedule an appointment with your hair stylist and bring your headpiece. This is the perfect time to decide how to wear your hair.
Mail out your wedding invitations.
Plan the seating arrangements for your reception.
Reconfirm the time and date with photographer, videographer, DJ,band, and every other professional that needs to be with you at a specific time and place.
Squeeze in that final dress fitting for your wedding gown.

The final week before your wedding day:

Call your caterer with the final count of guests expected at the wedding. If you will have children, discuss a child's plate that your little guests will love. Also, it's a great idea to keep these little guests occupied. A wedding day activity book is one great option.
Pack for your honeymoon!!! Include the sexy lingerie.
Go for your final beauty and spa treatments - manicure, pedicure, waxing, etc.

Now was that so bad?