Wedding Planning Advice and Tips from the Experts in share their knowledge

12 months prior -Decide on the style of your wedding and begin discussing budget with your fiancee and all parents. -Get with parents, friends, etc. to decide on approximate number of guests -Buy your wedding planner or good organizer -Research Ceremony and Reception Venues (and don’t forget about Rehearsal dinner locations) -Begin interviewing and making appointments with Wedding Coordinators, Photographers, Videographers, Caterers and band/DJ.

11 months prior -Select and book a wedding coordinator -Meet with Officiant or Clergy to discuss ceremony. -Select and reserve your ceremony location and schedule rehearsal time. -Choose reception location and make deposit -Begin and/or decide on decorations -Determine guest list -Book your photographer and/or videographer and make sure the church/venue allows photography and videography or if they have restrictions. -Book band/DJ -Book caterer -Choose ceremony musicians and musical selections -Start looking for a bridal gown -Interview florists -Mail save the date notices, especially for a destination wedding.

10 months prior -Choose your attendants, best man and ushers. Be sure to discuss duties with the maid of honor and bridesmaids. -Choose and order bridal gown; begin looking for bridal attendants’ gowns. -Order your wedding cake -Determine honeymoon budget

9 months prior -Decide on companies to have a bridal registry with and what gifts to ask for -Decide on food and liquor served at the reception -Select and order any accessories such as a headpiece, veil, gloves and shoes. -Order bridal attendants’ gowns and accessories -Confirm orders and delivery dates for wedding attire -Prepare a play list of reception music -Book florist and discuss wedding theme and style -Research airlines, hotels and rental cars for guests

8 months prior -Choose and order design, wording, font and paper stock for invitations, stationery, table cards and thank you notes. (Allow one invitation per married couple or family) -Research wedding ring styles

7 months prior -Book transportation to the ceremony venue and on to the reception for you, your parents and attendants, as well as a car to take you to your first-night hotel or airport -Schedule an engagement photo session with your photographer -Notify bridesmaids about dress fittings -Discuss attire with groomsmen and suggest formalwear stores -Select attire for flower girl and/or ring bearer -Determine order for ceremony events and choose wording for the program -Book hotel rooms for guests -Choose and order what guests will throw after the reception and upon your departure (rice, rose petals, bubbles, etc.)

6 months prior -Review and approve proofs of invitations and stationery -Finalize music selections for ceremony and reception -Choose and order the wedding rings -Begin discussing honeymoon destinations and consult with a travel agent

5 months prior -Finalize honeymoon destination -If you are changing your name, allow plenty of time to have your passport renewed. -Order groomsmen and ushers tuxedos

4 months prior -Have all rehearsal dinner plans in place -Write or choose wedding vows -Purchase or rent groom’s accessories such as cuff links, socks, shoes, etc. -Have your fiancee book your first night hotel -Make honeymoon reservations and deposits

3 months prior -Make an appointment with hairdresser/make up artist to discuss different styles and looks. -Update or add items to registry -Create hotel info cards and maps to include with invitations -Discuss bachelorette party plans with attendants -Check with flower preservationist about preserving wedding bouquet

2 months prior -Finish guest list -Shop for honeymoon attire -Go to final gown fitting (for you and attendants) and arrange for pick up or delivery -Have groom fitted for formalwear -Purchase gifts for wedding party members -Purchase ceremony accessories such as unity candle, candelabra, wine glasses, etc. -Finalize details with your florist, bakery and caterer -Get the marriage license -Make an appointment with a make up artist and hairdresser for you bridal portraits -Decide where bridesmaids and you will dress before ceremony. Do this for the groom and groomsmen as well

6 weeks prior -Send wedding invitations and rehearsal dinner invites -Write thank you notes as you receive gifts -Send local paper and wedding publications your announcement and photograph -Purchase groom’s gift -Shop for wedding favors -Order honeymoon currency or travelers checks

1-4 weeks prior -Start confirming details (such as arrival times) with ALL of your wedding day vendors -Arrange for transportation to and from the ariport, if applicable -Confirm honeymoon plans/itinerary and confirm hotel reservations -Prepare all necessary forms for name address changes on social security card, credit cards, bank accounts, post office, driver’s license, etc.

Your Wedding Day -Eat a good breakfast -Give yourself plenty of time to get ready -And as hard as it may be, relax! This is your special day and the day you’ve been waiting and planning so hard for!