Organizational checklist for a wedding
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Wedding planning is in the details. From selecting a wedding theme to planning the reception toasts, each detail plays a part in ensuring that the wedding day goes off without a hitch. With so many tasks to keep track of, organizational wedding checklists make the entire process less stressful. Creating an organizational system does not have to be cumbersome. Compile a notebook, folder or expandable file box to store your wedding planning materials all in one easy to access place.
One Year or More Before the Wedding
Some of the biggest decisions are made one year or more before the wedding. It is the choices that are made during this time that dictate future decisions when making wedding preparations.
Determine a date for the wedding. This should be the first step prior to making any additional decisions regarding the event. The time of season will dictate other choices such as colors and style of dress.
Choose the wedding style. From formal affairs to modern contemporary styles and informal gatherings to colorful celebrations, the theme of the wedding dictates nearly all of the other choices in regards to wedding stationary, wardrobe, venue and menu. Select the wedding colors when determining the wedding theme.
Also important during the preplanning stages of the wedding is the budget. Determine who will be contributing to the cost of the wedding. Traditionally, the parents of the bride pick up the majority of the wedding expenses.
Additionally during the beginning period of wedding planning, once the date has been set, book the wedding and reception sites, contact ceremony officiants for preplanning, create a preliminary guest list to determine how many will be attending the festivities and select the bridal party.
Nine to Eleven Months Before the Wedding
Nine to eleven months prior to the wedding, plan fine details. Go dress shopping to allow time for fittings and alterations. Start interviewing caterers and consider the reception menu while determining costs for the budget. Begin meeting with reception entertainment options such as DJ's and bands. Schedule an appointment with a florist to decide on the arrangements for the ceremony site and reception. Make appointments with area photographers and videographers to review their portfolios and inquire about pricing and availability options.
Six to Eight Months Before the Wedding
Six to eight months before the wedding, book the florist, photographer, videographer and entertainment vendors and pay deposits. Schedule a tasting with a local baker, decide on a wedding cake and make a deposit. If an announcement is going to be made in a local newspaper, take engagement photos. Purchase the wedding dress now to allow time for alterations before the ceremony. Research hairstyles and schedule a trial appointment with the hairdresser. Prepare for out of town guests by making arrangements with a local hotel to reserve a block of rooms. Plan the rehearsal dinner. Finalize the invitation wording and place your stationary order to ensure delivery in time for mailings.
Four to Five Months Before the Wedding
As the ceremony date looms closer, finalize decisions and details. Select formal ware for the groom and groomsmen. Contact and sign contracts with rental companies for chairs, tables and other items for the reception. Make arrangements with the establishment that is hosting the rehearsal dinner. Address and mail invitations to allow time for guests to plan and RSVP.
Three Months Before the Wedding
With a majority of the large decisions out of the way three months before the wedding, consider small details. Complete the necessary paperwork to obtain a marriage license. Select accessories such as shoes and jewelry. Finalize all decor for the ceremony and reception sites. Purchase bride and groom wedding bands. Select a play list for the ceremony and reception sites and provide them to the applicable people. Schedule dress fittings for alterations to the wedding dress. Make travel arrangements for the wedding party.
Two Months Before the Wedding
Two months before the wedding ceremony, write vows, publish the newspaper wedding announcement and schedule the final dress fitting. Write thank you notes for any gifts that were received prior to the wedding ceremony. Schedule an appointment with the hairdresser to finalize the wedding day hairstyle. Complete all necessary paperwork for name changing purposes. Obtain a marriage license.
One Month Before the Wedding
One month before the wedding ceremony, complete the wedding programs and mail rehearsal dinner invitations. Pick up the wedding bands from the jeweler and put them in a safe place. Purchase and wrap gifts for the wedding party. Make an appointment with the photographer to have bridal portraits taken and pick up the wedding dress.
The Week of the Wedding
The week of the wedding, count the RSVP's and provide the head count to the caterer. Finalize the reception seating plan and prepare escort cards. Contact the baker to provide them with a final head count. Confirm the date, location and time with all service professionals and verify all final payment amounts with the service vendors.
After the Wedding
Once the wedding ceremony is over, address final details. Freeze the top layer of the wedding cake to eat on the first wedding anniversary. Clean and preserve the bridal bouquet and wedding dress. Pay all vendor bills in full. Contact the photographer and videographer to find out when to expect the media from the wedding. Complete thank you notes for all wedding gifts received.
Tags: appointment with, Before Wedding, before wedding, wedding dress, allow timeSource: www.ehow.com
