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You are Engaged... Congratulations!
Start your Timeline... Now it's time to start organizing your Wedding Celebration... while having fun!
Please feel free to print out this simple timeline - put it in your Wedding Planner as a quick refence OR use it alone
If your wedding date is a year from now OR a month from now ... it works!
We have been using it with our brides for over 15 years because it is simple to use:
- Check the items in the 12 steps below that pertain to your wedding celebration
- Cross out the things you do not want or need to do.
- Prioritize as is necessary for "your" wedding day - the breakdown is suggestive ONLY
Highlight the items as you complete them - you will feel 'really great' seeing the list evolve into the picture you both envision!
All that's good
The staff at steps-to-memories.com
A Wedding Timeline
First Step:
_____ Set a tentative budget to include the features you wish on your wedding day
_____ Decide on how expenses will be shared among the ____Bride ____Groom ____Parents
_____ Choose and reserve your ceremony location____Sign the contract
_____ Start looking for your rings!
_____ Decide on your color scheme
_____ Have fun looking for your dress and accessories
Second Step:
_____ Decide on Your Budget
_____ Choose and meet with a Wedding Coordinator ____ Be sure you can call any time between now and your wedding day - they will save you Money, Time, Stress, but use only where you want to - you are 'The Boss'
_____ Consult with and choose a Caterer_____Reserve date and sign detailed contract
_____ Consult with and choose a Photographer ____Reserve date and sign detailed contract
_____ Get a black and white photo for your engagement announcement - if putting newspapers / put cost in budget - newspapers are charging this service at premium prices
_____ Consult with and choose a Videographer_____Reserve date and sign detailed contract
_____ Consult with and choose a Florist and/or a Balloonist____Reserve date and sign detailed contract
_____ Consult with and choose a Limousine/other transportation_____Reserve date and sign detailed contract
_____ Consult with and choose DJ / Musicians / Band____Reserve date and sign detailed contract
_____ Sample wedding cake and choose Baker_____Reserve date and sign detailed contract
_____ Start planning your Honeymoon
_____ Start your Guest List
_____ Rest!!
Third Step:
_____ Choose flowergirl and ringbearer if planning on them being in your ceremony
_____ Choose and reserve Wedding Night Accomodations____ sign contract
_____ Arrange for Accomodation for out-of-town guests_____Reserve a block of rooms in both your names
_____ Register your gift selections at department, linen,hardware stores, etc. that have Bridal Registries
_____ Set up a system to record gifts as they are received_____send Thank Yous out immediately
_____ Decide on any rental equipment needed_____Reserve and sign detailed contract
_____ Check on Honeymoon possibilities
_____ Decide on Groom's attire_____ Reserve asap
_____ Decide on Bridal party attire_____Bridesmaids' dresses_____Tuxedos_____ their accessories
_____ Check into bartending and alcohol rules, if needed_____Resreve Independent service if needed
_____ Choose wedding accessories___Unity Candle___Guest Book___Favors, etc. Watch for monthly sales!
_____ Shop for furnishings for your home
_____ Continue working on your guest list
_____ Rest!
Fourth Step:
_____ Choose your rings!
_____ Finalize your guest list____Send a "Save-the-Date" postcard
_____ Choose and order invitations and announcements
_____ Draw any maps needed for wedding, receptions or hotel locations
_____ Decide on ceremony with Officiant or write your own
_____ Choose any music to be recorded
_____ Consult with musicians and decide on music for ceremony_____Have list in contract
_____ Decide on music for reception_____Have list
_____ Start addressing invitations and announcements
_____ Order or start making your gown and accessories
Fifth Step:
_____ Arrange rehearsal details
_____ Plan rehearsal party____Decide who pays for it
_____ Decide on transportation for bridal party
_____ Schedule fittings for bridal party and yourself - if needed
_____ Check with mothers to see how the search for their attire is coming along
_____ Plan outings and gatherings for out-of-town guests
_____ Scehdule a physical for both of you
_____ Mail wedding invitations as soon as completed_____The more time people have notice of your wedding, the easier it will be for them to fit 'your day' into their busy schedules
____ Rest!!!! Make a date with each other and disappear for the day or weekend
Sixth Step:
_____ Finalize reception decorations:flowers, balloons, favors, centerpieces,etc.
_____ Plan "Couple Party" or Bachelor / Bachelorette parties
_____ Send thank you notes as gifts come in
_____ If necessary, arrange valet parking
_____ Choose bridal party thank you gifts
_____ Decide when to send wedding photo to newspaper
_____ Confirm with all professionals' the arrangements you have made with each
Seventh Step:
_____ Schedule final fittings for everyone
_____ Purchase shoes for bridal party and have them dyed or dye yourself - it's easy!
_____ Continue to send thank you notes for gifts as they are received
_____ Finalize rehearsal dinner times
_____ Check with the Wedding Coordinator to finalize wedding day schedule and plans
_____ Have Florist visit ceremony and reception sites
_____ Choose Hairstylist and try different styles___Choose what you are comfortable with and then try your headpiece / veil with it
_____ File for marriage license_____ Check on state deadlines for rules____ Some states require 24 hours, others 30 days
_____ Finalize your Honeymoon arrangements
_____ Plan your Honymoon wardrobe
_____ Have fun!!
Eighth Step:
_____ Get plenty of rest!
_____ Contact guests who have not RSVP'd for final catering count
_____ Pick up rings, trying on for proper sizing
_____ Give final list of photo shots to Photographer
_____ Finalize music selections with the DJ / Band / Musicians
_____ Give final count to Caterer and go over menu
_____ Confirm Honemoon reservations
_____ Write checks to pay professionals_____ DO NOT leave this task until your Wedding Day!
_____ Get more rest!
_____ Go to wedding rehearsal____ Have fun and enjoy!
_____ Set up with someone_____ to be responsible for returning tuxedos immediately after the reception within 24 - 48 hours, depending on your wedding date - DO NOT be late - some rental shops charge late fees!
_____ Arrange for someone to send your bouquet to a Floral Specialist for preservation immediately after the reception ____or have them put it in a plastic bag in the refrigerator until you return to do it yourself
_____ Concentrate on taking care of yourself____ Take time to rest!
Ninth Step:
____ Relax___ It's your wedding day! Enjoy!!
Tenth Step:
_____ Send flowers, gifts, or a thank you note to your parents.
_____ Send your announcement and picture to newspapers
_____ Finish your thank you notes within a month
_____ Have your gown professionally cleaned- _____ Preserve your gown so you can pull it out to enjoy those beautiful memories!
Eleventh Step:
_____ As soon as you are back from your Honemoon, it's time for the legalschmegel stuff...
within one month of your wedding date...
Change your name and address on the following items - if necessary
_____ Automobile registration and insurance
_____ Bank accounts
_____ Club memberships
_____ Credit cards
_____ Credit ratings
_____ Doctor and Dentist office records
_____ Driver's license
_____ Employment records and policies
_____ Life insurance policies
_____ Home owners or renters insurance policies
_____ Mortgage company or landlord
_____ Passport
_____ Post Office
_____ Social Security
_____ Utility companies
_____ Voter registration
Twelfth Step - A Wedding is a Day...
A Marriage is a Lifetime!
Father Jack Knight
Notes:
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