Monday, December 29, 2008

Congratulations Are In Order

To A New Life Together,


I know there are some very happy couples going into the New Year, why because you received that beautiful diamond, sappire, ruby, topaz or whatever your favorite setting is for your engagement ring.

I know with all the celebrating and of lets not forget New Years' Eve you are anxious to start working on your plans for your Wedding Day. If you didn't get engaged on Christmas or New Years', don't worry we still have Valentine's Day ( I have a lot of suggestions for that day so don't even worry). lol....

Here are a few suggestions you would like to start with first:

The biggest part of starting the preparations for your wedding:::



REMEMBER THIS WILL BE A STRESSFUL EVENT: (If you know you do not like to be stressed, HIRE A WEDDING PLANNER) put that on the top of your list.....

MAKE A BUDGET: STICK TO THAT BUDGET:

Sit down with all parties that are contributing to help pay for your wedding.


8 TO 12 Months Before the Wedding:


Select a wedding date and time.
Decide the type of wedding you would like to have (size, formality, and setting).
Begin your guest list.
Consider possible color schemes.Explore pre-marital counseling.
Select your professional: photographer, caterer, consultant, music, etc.
Shop together for your wedding rings.
Decide upon your budget.
Determine who will pay what expenses.
Book your wedding location(s).
Choose your attendants.
Select dress and headpiece, and set a date for fittings and delivery.
Select your bridesmaids' dresses and accessories.
Give thought to your honeymoon location.


5 to 8 Months :


Check the requirements for marriage license.
Select and discuss your color schemes with the florist and/or balloonist of choice.
Again consider pre-marital counseling.
Reserve your wedding day rental equipment (tables, chairs, china, silverware, gazebo, etc.).
Decide upon a gift registry and select your gift choices.
Begin your record of gifts received.
Send thank you notes as soon as possible.
Order your invitations and related stationary needs.
Start shopping for the mens’ wedding attire.


3 to 5 Months:


Finalize your guest list.
Decide upon and order your favors.
Select your baker, then choose your cake, groom’s cake, and mints.
Help both mothers coordinate and find their wedding day clothing.
Review your written agreements forms with all of your professionals (photographer, caterer, D.J., site coordinator, transportation, etc.).


2 to 3 Months :


Have engagement portraits taken.
Place your engagement announcement in the newspaper.
Mail out invitations and announcements.
Decide on the mens’ wedding attire.
Arrange and plan your rehearsal dinner.
Purchase your wedding day accessories.
Arrange attendants' parties.
Book a beverage caterer for the reception and make selections.
Prepare accommodations for out-of-town attendants and guests.
Consider a hairdresser and/or makeup artist and book appointments.
Finalize all honeymoon plans.

2 to 4 Weeks:


Final wedding dress fitting.
Final fitting for your wedding attendants.
Obtain marriage license.
Have your attendants' parties.
Purchase your going-away outfit.
Draw a map to direct your guests to the site(s), if necessary.
Create a calendar of events for the wedding day.
Make sure your accessories are in order (rings, pillow, garter, etc.)


1 to 2 Weeks :



Finalize arrangements with the entertainer(s) and provide a list of music you would like played during special events such as first dance, garter removal and bouquet toss.
Pick up your wedding rings and make sure that the engravings are correct and they fit properly. Contact the guests who have not responded to your invitations. 1 to 7 Days
Make sure your marriage license is in order.
Prepare seating arrangements, if necessary.
Purchase travelers checks, confirm honeymoon reservations.
Pack your baggage for your honeymoon.
Have your wedding ceremony rehearsal.
Instruct your wedding party on what you would like them to do on the day of the wedding.
Have your rehearsal dinner.
Make sure all wedding attire fits properly.
Give the best man the amount the professionals are to be paid on the day of the wedding. Inform your caterer of the total guest count.
Confirm out-of-town guests have transportation and sleeping accommodations.
Check with your florist and/or balloonist to make sure they will arrive when scheduled.


Your Wedding Day:



Relax, enjoy yourself, and remain calm! Allow at least two hours for dressing.
Allow plenty of time to apply your makeup and style your hair.
If professionals are doing your hair and/or makeup, ask them in advance how much time they will need.If photographs are to be taken before the ceremony, allow at least one and one-half hours.
Remember to bring the rings and marriage license.
Seat guests as they arrive. The groom’s parents should be seated about 5 minutes before start time, the mother of the bride is normally seated last.
Take a deep breath, don't worry, and SMILE!

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