Wedding Checklist: The ultimate 'Things to Do' list for the ultimate 'Bride to Be'

Wedding Checklist: The ultimate 'Things to Do' list for the ultimate 'Bride to Be'
SPECIAL TO THE PACKET

One common denominator among successful, carefree weddings is planning ahead. Preparing for the big moment well in advance will leave the bridge and groom stress-free and happy on the big day.

If you're planning an out-of-town wedding, you should begin making preparations a year in advance. For a more informal, local celebration, six months should be plenty.

It's hard to remember all the details a wedding entails, so we've put together a handy wedding checklist to help you keep track of all the things that shouldn't be overlooked.

9 - 12 Months Before the Wedding

Establish a wedding budget.

Select the time of year and city in which you'd like to get married.

Decide on the style, size and type of wedding: Formal, Informal, Traditional, Unconventional.

Select and reserve the church, temple or other wedding ceremony site.

Choose a wedding theme, motif, colors, etc.

Research and reserve the following:

Reception Facility:

Caterer (if necessary):

Photographer:

Videographer:

Ceremony Musicians:

Reception Entertainment:

Florist:

6 - 9 Months Before the Wedding

Choose the members of the bridal party: Maid of Honor, Bridesmaids, Best Man, Groomsmen, Flower Girl and Ring Bearer.

Decide upon the number of invitees and finalize the guest list.

Select the accommodations for out-of-town guests.

Select a wedding gown and veil.

Select the dresses for the wedding party.

Schedule a photo session for the engagement announcement photo.

Meet with reception location to discuss arrangements.

Meet with caterer to select menu.

Meet with florist to select floral arrangements.

Reserve transportation (limousine, antique cars, etc.).

3 - 6 Months Before the Wedding

Complete the bridal registry.

Order wedding invitations and thank you notes.

Order the wedding cake.

Order wedding bands.

Finalize honeymoon reservations with travel agent.

Plan a rehearsal dinner and make reservations.

Select and reserve the men's formal wear.

Mail photo and engagement information to the appropriate newspapers.

Plan ceremony with officiant.

2 Months Before the Wedding

Arrange for the first fitting of your wedding gown.

Determine and order the party favors for the reception.

Select gifts for attendants/parents/anyone who has made a major contribution to your big day.

Mail wedding invitations.

Create a song list or select the music genre for the band or DJ.

1 Month Before the Wedding

Confirm the rehearsal date with the wedding ceremony site and inform the wedding party.

Arrange for final fitting of your wedding gown.

Remind bridesmaids of final gown fittings.

Confirm honeymoon reservations.

Purchase any needed party/decoration supplies.

Arrange for hair/makeup specialist to come the morning of the wedding.

Write and mail thank you notes for Bridal Shower gifts.

Pick up honeymoon tickets or have them mailed.

Apply for a marriage license.

1 - 2 weeks Before the Wedding

Arrange for the delivery of flowers, favors to ceremony and reception sites.

Give all vendors final guest count.

Plan seating and prepare place cards for the reception.

Pick up formal wear for groomsmen.

Confirm all services.

Delegate the logistics of all aspects of the day to reliable people.

Make arrangements for mail and home care while on honeymoon.

Pack for honeymoon.

The Wedding Day

Make time to grab a bit to eat; you'll need the energy.

Let unavoidable last-minute changes be handled by someone else and don't fret.

Stop and absorb what's going on around you.

Drink, taste, dance, look into his eyes.

Hug your family.

Thank everyone who helped pull it off.

Include your new in-laws in your happiness.