Select a date & time for your wedding.

Draw up a preliminary budget.

Decide on size, style & color scheme of wedding.

Hire a consultant. (optional)

Reserve your ceremony & reception location.

Begin compiling names & addresses for guest list.

Select bridal attendants.

Have fiance select his attendants.

      Select & Book:

Caterer (if necessary)

Photographer

Videographer

Florist

DJ/Band

Transportation (i.e. limos)

Begin the gown & headpiece search. 

Submit  your engagement to ourvalley.com & local newspaper.

Select bridesmaid dresses.

Plan an Engagement Party (optional)

Finalize reception & ceremony plans. (Pay deposits, sign all contracts)

Book musicians for the ceremony. (violinist, organist, & horn) if applicable

Book soloist for ceremony.

Be sure all bridal attire is ordered.

Register for gifts at a bridal registry.

Have both mothers coordinate and select their dresses.

Order invitations and personal stationary. (thank you notes, etc...)

Select style & arrange for rental of men's formal wear.

Book a place to spend the wedding night. ( or Bed & Breakfast)

Shop for & select wedding rings.

Complete the necessary requirements for marriage license.

Start planning the honeymoon.

Begin shopping for a trousseau.

Decide on where you will live after the wedding.

Schedule a time to meet with officiate.

Address invitations & announcements.

Mail out invitations 4 to 6 weeks before wedding.

Finalize all  details with the caterer, photographer, videographer, florist, reception hall, etc...

Choose music for ceremony & reception.

Finalize details with officiate.

Make rehearsal arrangements. (including the dinner)

Arrange accommodations for out-of-town guests.

Make all hair, makeup, nail & massage appointments.

Have final dress fittings for you & your attendants.

Have formal bridal picture taken.

Purchase gifts for fiance & attendants.

Attend Bridal Shower.

Keep a meticulous record of all gifts received.

Write thank you notes immediately after shower.

Have bridesmaids' luncheon.

Be sure to have all the necessary props for the wedding day. (i.e. toasting glasses, garter, candles, etc...)

Select responsible person to handle guest book & determine its location.
 

Reconfirm accommodations for out-of-town guests.

Arrange seating plan & make place cards for reception.

Get necessary forms to change names on driver's license, Social Security card & bank accounts.

Pick up marriage license.

Contact guests who have not responded.

Turn final count over to caterer & review details.

Go over all final details with all professional services you have engaged.  Discuss any changes.

Give the photographer & videographer the lists of shots you would like.

Provide the musicians with the music for the ceremony & reception.

Practice applying makeup and have your hair done to make sure it turns out & the time it will take.

Continue writing thank you notes.

Be sure to have the wedding rings & they fit correctly.

Be sure to have all the wedding attire picked up & fits.

Pack your suitcase for the honeymoon.

Meet bridal party & participants for rehearsal to review their duties.

Attend rehearsal dinner party & relax!

Rise early.  Take a relaxing bath.

Have hair done 3 to 4 hours before the ceremony.

Allow enough time to apply makeup.

Begin to dress approx. 1 to 1 & 1/2  hours before the ceremony. Bride & attendants should be ready two hours before the ceremony, if  pictures are to be taken beforehand.

Music should start 30 minutes before ceremony- as guests begin to arrive.

The groom's parents should be seated five minutes before the ceremony, after all the guests are seated.  The bride's mother should be seated immediately before the processional, and the aisle runner rolled out.

Following the Wedding & Honeymoon...

Send announcement & wedding picture to ourvalley.com & local newspaper.

Write out & mail thank you notes.