Wedding Countdown
4 to 9 Months Ahead:
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Select rings and order engraving |
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Set wedding date and time |
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Consider hiring a wedding coordinator |
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Determine budget |
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Decide on formality, size and location of wedding |
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Make arrangements for wedding ceremony |
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Select and order wedding gown, veil, accessories and bridesmaids' dresses |
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Select and reserve location for reception |
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Select caterer; plan menu |
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Plan reception, including color scheme and music |
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Arrange for any necessary equipment and decorations |
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Arrange for photographer, videographer and flowers |
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Book musicians and/or entertainers |
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Register for gifts |
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Order invitations and thank-you cards |
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Select attendants for both bride and groom |
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Draw up guest list (include addresses) |
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Have mothers choose and coordinate their dresses |
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Have engagement pictures taken |
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Make final arrangements for ceremony; pay deposits and sign contracts |
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Consider any special services |
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Order cake and candies |
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Make appointment with doctor for complete physical |
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Enlist people to help at reception |
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Make arrangements for transportation |
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Plan how to handle traffic and parking at reception |
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Plan rehearsal and rehearsal dinner |
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Plan honeymoon; make travel arrangements (get passports, if necessary) |
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Address invitations and announcements |
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Plan accommodations for out-of-town guests |
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Arrange for time off from work |
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Begin apartment or house hunting |
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Make appointment with hair stylist (do not cut hair or make drastic changes at this point!) |
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Have formal wedding portrait taken |
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Arrange for tuxedos |
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Mail invitations |
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Buy gifts for attendants |
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Get marriage license from your county clerk (no more than 30 days in advance) |
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If you will be changing your name, prepare to do so on social security, driver's license, credit cards, bank accounts, etc. |
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Check newspapers for announcement deadline information |
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Double check all reservations and details with florist, caterer, photographer, videographer and musicians |
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Complete arrangements for rehearsal and rehearsal dinner |
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Reconfirm accommodations for out-of-town guests |
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Start writing thank-you notes as gifts arrive |
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Give photographer list of poses you want taken and guests you want included |
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Confirm plans with attendants, clergyman, caterer, florist, etc. |
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Get manicure, pedicure |
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Arrange for several cars to help transport clothing, gifts, guests, etc. |
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Pack for honeymoon |
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Arrange for utilities, etc. for new home |
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Groom's haircut |
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Have checks for necessary fees ready |
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Take along a quick-fix kit containing needle and thread, extra safety pins, aspirin, tape, Band-Aids, spare contact lenses and lens fluid, hand mirror, breath mints, comb, brush, hair spray, nail file and polish, instant nail glue, panty hose, tampons, tissues, hand towelettes, pressed powder, blush, lipstick and mascara |
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Don't forget to eat something in the morning |
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Fix hair or have appointment at least three hours before ceremony |
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If pictures will be taken before ceremony, have yourself and attendants ready two hours in advance |
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Have music start 30 minutes before ceremony |
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Make sure you bring rings and marriage license |
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Arrange for rental items to be returned |
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Start sending handwritten thank-you notes |
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Remember to thank parents and in-laws for their help with the wedding |
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Return duplicated gifts, etc. |
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Have wedding gown cleaned and preserved by a professional |
