Youre Engaged!

You certainly want to enjoy this wonderful and magical time in your life but you know that planning your own wedding is going to be a big job! The following checklists might make it a little easier for you to keep it simple, keep it organized and keep you sane!

The 12-Month Countdown

6-12 Months Before Your Wedding

The wedding date has been set and now like any large project, its a good idea to step back and take a look at the big picture first, then break it down to the finer details later.

The Big Picture: Who, What, Where and How

Decide who will pay for what, where youll get married and how expenses will be shared

Talk to friends, family, bridal consultants or wedding coordinators to get the direction you need for starting an organization system

For most couples, the wedding day can be a blur, so decide early on the best way to capture your special days cherished memories - like with an Adesso Photo Guest Book.

The Details

Once you have your organization system in place, start going down your to-do detail list. Here are a few of the critical ones:

Call your church or synagogue for an appointment with the Officiate
Explore pre-marriage counseling
Decide on what size wedding you want
Consider and decide on wedding attendants
Start a guest list for the wedding
Begin determining ideas/themes/color schemes for your wedding and reception
Select a reception location and a caterer if need be
Consider reception entertainment
Select a florist
Together, shop for wedding rings
Select a wedding dress, headpiece and schedule fittings
Decide on the bridesmaids dresses

4 6 Months Prior To Wedding Date
As the wedding date gets closer, the to-do list will consist of finer and finer details. And because you put an organization system in place months ago, you wont miss a one!

Check details and requirements for marriage license
Coordinate theme and color schemes with florist and decorator
Decide on a gift registry and register your gift selections
Order your invitations and other wedding stationery
Shop for the grooms attire and select what the men in the wedding will wear
Select wedding ceremony readings
Select wedding ceremony music
Decide and order wedding favors
Select a bakery for the cake
Arrange and plan honeymoon
Review your agreements with all your vendors and service providers to insure you havent forgotten any details

2-Months and Counting

Mail out invitations
Arrange and plan your rehearsal dinner
Select and purchase your wedding day accessories
Arrange attendants parties
Coordinate and prepare accommodations for out-of-town guests
Select a hairdresser and makeup artist and schedule those appointments
Finalize those honeymoon plans

1-Month To Go!

Last wedding dress fitting
Final fitting for bridesmaids dresses
Final fitting for men attendants
Get marriage license
Have your wedding attendants parties
Shop and purchase your outfit to wear when you leave the reception
Organize the final check list of wedding day events
Confirm all the wedding day accessories are in order, i.e. rings, pillows, garter, etc.

2-Weeks Remaining!

Finalize entertainment arrangements
Go over and finalize music lists
Go over and finalize the special music events, i.e. first dance, dance with parents, etc.
Pick up wedding rings, make sure they fit and review any engravings

1-Week Before Your Big Day!

Review your marriage license to make sure its in order
Prepare seating arrangements for ceremony
Prepare payment envelopes for Officiate, entertainment and vendors and give to the person who will handle that
Confirm honeymoon reservations
Make necessary honeymoon preparations, i.e. bank, travelers checks, etc.
Prepare and pack for honeymoon
Confirm out-of-town guest accommodations and transportation
Check in with the florist to confirm arrival time set up
Have your wedding ceremony rehearsal letting everyone know what they will do on the wedding day
Have and ENJOY your rehearsal dinner!

Your Wedding Day!

Allow plenty of time for your scheduled hair and makeup appointments
Allow at least 2 hours for dressing
Bring the rings and marriage license
And MOST IMPORTANTLY, take a long deep breath and relax and enjoy your day!