Six To Twelve Months Before Your Wedding

• Announce engagement. Use formal printed announcements and/or the newspaper.
• Select a wedding date and time.
• Choose size and style of wedding-formal, informal, special theme.
• Set a preliminary budget.
• Schedule a meeting with both sets of parents to openly discuss wedding expectations, costs, and responsibilities.
• Hire wedding consultant if you plan to use one.
• Buy a wedding planner or a notebook to remain organized and record decisions.
• Invite attendants to be in your wedding.
• Reserve the ceremony location.
• Choose the officiant for the ceremony.
• Reserve the reception site. Find out what services are included or available.
• Interview caterers, florists, photographers, videographers, musicians, etc. Be sure to taste food options, see the work of florists, photographers and videographers.
• Listen to or watch tapes of musicians. Ask for references and discuss deposit requirements and the cancellation policy. Hire as soon as possible.
• Create a preliminary guest list, including addresses. Ask all parents to do the same. Include the relationship (friend, uncle), this helps if the list needs to be shortened.
• Write out directions and or a map to be included on a separate card with invitation.
• Shop for a wedding gown and accessories. Order your dress at least 6-8 months in advance.
• Choose and order attire and accessories for bridesmaids. Keep in mind the time of year and style of wedding.
• Start planning the honeymoon. If you are leaving the country, make sure your passport is up to date and verify any visa requirements.
• Develop a system for recording gifts as they arrive and for recording when you wrote the thank-you note.