Congratulations! The day you’ve dreamed of all your life is fi nally becoming a reality. You can create a wedding that’s elaborate or simple, but either way good planning is imperative.
This experience will give both of you a good idea of how you handle important deadlines. You’ll learn how well you work together on a big project, and sharing the planning for something this important is actually indicative of your future happiness. There will be give and take, which is as much a foundation as love for a successful marriage. And you’ll learn how well you communicate with each other, another key element for happiness. Contrary to what many women think, men don’t read minds. Tell him what you want. And ask him what HE wants. Even though you have your heart set on certain details, let your groom be involved with the choices, too. If you fear turning into Bridezilla, hire a wedding planner to take some of the stress off both of you.
Don’t let the planning process get in the way of your relationship with your fi ancé. Take time away from planning for just the two of you, to have fun, play and cherish your romance and engagement. Use our suggested timetable to plan your dream wedding one step at a time, so you can relax and enjoy the whole experience.
9-12 months before your wedding
• Choose your wedding date. If you plan to be married in a church, temple or in a religious service at home, clear the date and time with your clergy.
• Announce your engagement in local newspapers.
• Set your budget. Take time for a heartto- heart talk with your fi ancé (and your parents if they’re paying) about the budget and style of your wedding, reception and wedding- related parties, and who pays for what.
• Enlist help. Consider hiring a bridal consultant. If your budget won’t stretch that far, consult for an hour with a planner for advice and guidance. Then ask relatives and close friends to assist you in specifi c tasks - selecting a dress, interviewing caterers, locating a reception site - especially in areas where you feel you need support.
• Compose your guest list. Plan to send Save the Date cards or emails to let out-of-town guests know your wedding is in the works so they can make travel plans.
• Reserve your reception site.
• Choose your wedding attendants.
• Select your wedding gown, shoes and accessories.
• Decide on bridesmaids’ dresses and choose your color scheme.
• Determine the theme or mood you’d like to establish with the food, table settings, fl owers and entertainment at your reception.
• Interview caterers, musicians, fl orists, photographers, videographers and bakers. Get written estimates of their costs. Keep track of your discussions and their bids in a notebook or with wedding-planning software.
• Book your photographer and/or videographer.
• Choose your musician(s).
6 months before your wedding
• Choose your caterer. Remember to get a written contract.
• Select your baker and order the cake.
• Send Save the Date Cards.
• Choose your fl orist.
• Shop for wedding rings with your fi ancé.
• Decide on your honeymoon destination. Work with a travel agent to book your travel and accommodations.
• Select your wedding invitations.
• Arrange hotel accommodations for members of the wedding party who live out of town. Reserve a block of rooms for other out-oftown guests, and let them know the rooms are avail able. Remember to ask for any group discounts or special packages.
4 months before your wedding
• Register for gifts at bridal-gift registries.
• Help both mothers to coordinate and shop for their wedding-day attire.
• Select music for your ceremony and reception.
• Choose readings for your wedding and write your wedding vows.
• Plan a rehearsal dinner for members of your wedding party, your family and out-of-town guests. Reserve the location.
• Reserve your wedding-day transportation and any other wedding-day rental needs.
• Make appointments for gown fi ttings.
• Check the requirements for a marriage license.
• Make sure contracts and arrangements are complete with all of your service providers.
• Make appointments for a hairdresser and makeup artist for THE day.
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