Wedding Planning Guide!

This information is supplied by Elegala.com

n	Talk with your fiancé and all parents or family members you choose to involve regarding budget, style, size of event, location, time of year, and attendees.
n	Determine whether or not you would like to hire an event planner to assist in all the research and planning details. (your other option is a partial, or day-of coordinator-which can be hired at a later date)
n	Start thinking about the overall style and theme of your reception. Browse our Gallery for ideas.
n	Begin researching and visiting reception or Venue sites.
n	Set the date and locations: Reserve the ceremony site, Reception Cite, and accomodation for out-of-town Guests.
n	Book your hotel room for your wedding night and pre-wedding night.
n	Select your wedding party attendants.

11 Months before your Big Day

n	Start reseaching and booking your wedding vendors.
n	Reseach these major planning details :           Catering (if not provided by your reception venue)           Ceremony (if he/she is not already part of your ceremony cite)           Flowers           Music           Photography           Cakes (if not provided by your reception venue or caterer)           Dresses           Stationary and invitations           Transportation           Favors & Gifts
n	Interview and begin booking your vendors. Concentrate on booking major vendors such as the caterer, officiant, florist, musicians, photographer, and baker first.

·	12 Months before your Special Day
·	11 Months before your Special Day
·	10 Months before your Special Day
·	6  Months before your Special Day
·	5  Months before your Special Day
·	3  Months before your Special Day
·	2  Months before your Special Day
·	30  Days  before your Special Day
·	10  Days before your Special Day
·	3    Days before your Special Day
·	1   Day before the Wedding
·	Day of the Wedding (Finally)

n	Start shopping for your wedding gown, bridesmaid's dresses and accessories.
n	Research the honeymoon. (This is a great task for the groom!)
n	Create gift registries at your local department stores. Many registries are also available online for those guests purchasing gifts out of town.
n	Discuss plans for any bridal showers, engagement or bachelorette parties with your close friends and relatives.
n	Schedule the ceremony rehearsal, rehearsal dinner and departure brunch.
n	Begin gathering names and addresses and compile your guest list.
n	Shop for wedding invitations and stationery.

n	Order your wedding dress
n	Decide on your bridesmaids dresses and obtain ordering instructions and deadlines from the store or boutique.
n	Finalize your guest list and send "Save the Date" cards with hotel information to guests. (remember that everyone who receives a save-the-date will be invited to the wedding)
n	Call your facility coordinator or catering director to schedule the menu tasting.
n	If preferred, hire an event planner to assist with final details and "day of" procedures.

n	Reserve the honeymoon and book flights. (remember passports if needed)
n	Book all wedding day transportation.
n	Choose and book a hair and make-up artist for your wedding day.
n	Reserve the groom's and attendants' tuxedos at a local tuxedo shop.
n	Shop for favors, attendant gifts and items for welcome baskets.
n	Order invitations.
n	Schedule the bridesmaids' luncheon.
n	Order wedding rings.
n	If preferred, sign up for dance lessons.
n	Purchase any last accessories-stockings, lingerie, etc.
n	Make appointment for first dress fitting.
n	If preferred, hire a calligrapher and submit wording information so he/she can begin envelopes.

n	Finalize and confirm with your florist all flower arrangements, bouquets, and boutonnieres.
n	Finalize and confirm special song selections and play lists with ceremony and reception musicians.
n	Finalize and confirm requested shots and with your photographer.
n	Plan all ceremonial events with the clergy member, including any music, readings and vows.
n	Write your wedding vows and any speeches if you wish.
n	Shop for honeymoon outfits.
n	Mail invitations, being sure to use proper postage.
n	Call your wedding coordinator, catering director, and reception facility manager with an estimated guest count.
n	Print programs for the ceremony.
n	Mail rehearsal/rehearsal dinner invitations.

n	Pick up the wedding rings and double check the fit.
n	Try out hairstyle and make-up.
n	Log RSVP's as they come in for meal choices.
n	Contact the wedding coordinator about hotel room blocks, confirm reservations for appropriate guests.
n	Assemble visitor gift baskets to place in the hotel rooms of those traveling from out-of-town. Remember to include directions from the hotel to the ceremony and reception site.
n	Schedule final dress fitting. Make sure bridesmaids have done the same.
n	Get name change forms if you plan to change your name.

n	Most room blocks will no longer be held after this date. Be sure that all visitors have confirmed their room reservations.
n	Begin preparing place cards and table cards.
n	Apply for marriage license.
n	Confirm schedule, arrival times and any other arrangements with all vendors. It may be helpful to fax directions, contact numbers and the day's itinerary to all vendors.
n	Confirm honeymoon reservations: including flights, hotel accommodations, and any rental cars.
n	Contact wedding coordinator, catering manager, and facility manager with initial meal choices.

n	Make final facility rental payment.
n	Confirm tuxedo arrangements.
n	Begin packing for honeymoon.
n	Pick up your dress and break in your shoes.
n	Confirm rehearsal arrangements with bridal party.
n	Contact wedding coordinator, catering manager, and facility manager with final guest count estimate.
n	Schedule time to drop off favors, place cards, seating chart etc.

n	Make a check-list of final things to remember.
n	Drop off favors, place cards, seating chart etc.
n	Contact wedding coordinator, catering manager, and facility manager with final guest count, entrÈe choices, and clear any outstanding payments.

n	Complete packing for honeymoon, prepare to check into your hotel.
n	Take some time to relax at some point during the day, and think about something besides the wedding.
n	Drink plenty of fluids-especially in the summer-and avoid sodium.
n	Attend the rehearsal ceremony and rehearsal dinner.
n	Get to bed early and get some rest.

n	Eat a good breakfast with family and friends.
n	Enjoy any pre-wedding primping.
n	Put wedding announcements in the mail.
n	Relax and enjoy your day.