| Before
the Wedding
ORGANIZING & DEADLINES
One of the most important factors in assuring that your
wedding will go off without a hitch is organization! You
must be extremely organized and you must respect deadlines.
If you’re the kind of person who waits till the last minute
to get things done or who is haphazard about arrangements
and records, you really need a consultant.
PLANNING IS EVERYTHING
Planning a wedding can be a pleasure if you budget your
time wisely.
12 - 24 Months Ahead
What kind of wedding do you want? Wedding rituals
set the tone of your engagement and offer you a context
within which you and your fiancé can start to plan your
new lives together.
- If you are thinking about choosing a religious ceremony,
set up a meeting with the officiant of your choice to discuss
the requirements of a religious ceremony in your faith.
If you and your fiancé stem from different religious backgrounds
or have been inactive, your officiant can help you make
important choices about your ceremony.
- A civil ceremony differs in that a county clerk, judge,
magistrate or justice of the peace performs the ceremony.
A civil ceremony doesn't have to take place in a dark room
at your local City Hall; you can choose from a wide variety
of ceremony locations, such as a beautiful park or garden,
a hotel ballroom, or the resort where you'll spend your
honeymoon.
Where will your wedding take place? You may not
need to act so far in advance, but knowing where you will
be married should be taken care of as soon as possible.
This decision will guarantee you get the place you want,
and allow you to book a photographer, band or DJ and caterer.
6 - 12 Months Ahead
You're really getting married! As the reality
hits, so does the stress. Don't let the little details become
a source of disagreement between you and your mothers and
fathers. Take things in stride and begin to plan ahead even
more determinedly.
- Start shopping for your wedding dress. By now you'll
know if your wedding will be formal, semiformal or informal.
But you may not know what color of white you want (there
are so many shades!) and the length of your veil (if any).
- Once your dress style is established, you'll be able
to talk to your mothers, bridesmaids and attendants about
what you want from them. Are your dresses being made to
order? Leave plenty of time. If your wedding party is scattered
all over America, you'll need time to mail the dresses for
fittings.
- Select your invitations. Have the envelopes sent to
you early so you can begin addressing them. Use your spare
time now before the big crush that's coming.
4 Months Ahead
- Address your invitations. You need to send invitations
- these days -
a minimum of two months before the date.
- Book a site for your rehearsal dinner. Start to compile
your guest list.
- Make your pre-wedding beauty appointments -- hair, nails,
makeup, and don't forget that massage!
- Plan your honeymoon.
1 - 2 Months Ahead
You've got your honeymoon plans and the showers in your
honor are wonderful but you're frantic with details of your
new life.
- Talk to an adviser, your officiant, confidante or close
friend.
- You and your fiancé need think about your life ahead.
Sure you've picked out a silver pattern, but how would you
raise your children? Your style of working under stress
will say a lot about the two of you. Take this period to
heart, and learn to resolve differences.
1 Week Ahead
- Plan the rehearsal dinner and call guests who have not
RSVP'd.
- Talk to the caterer about the menu and give them a head
count.
- Organize your bags for the honeymoon.
The Day Before Your Wedding
- Pamper yourself with beauty treatments.
- Have a talk with your best friend.
Your Wedding Day
Most traditions separate the bride and groom before the
wedding, and for good reason. Both of you need time to steady
yourselves.
- Invite your best friend or relative to help you dress.
Few pleasures in life are greater than assisting a bride
and groom.
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