Congratulations on your engagement! Here is a checklist of items to take care of six months to a year before your wedding day!
* First and foremost, choose your wedding date, or at least the month you would like to get married in. You will want to be a little flexible on the date within a week or two to account for the availability of key elements like the venue, florist, caterer and photographer. If your fiancé or your families like in another city or state, you will also need to choose the location of your wedding at this time.
* If you will be getting married in a church, call them to check for their availability during the month you have chosen. Some churches require new couples to take marriage classes in order to officially get married through the church, so be sure to inquire about this, as well. Research different venues like halls, hotels and bed and breakfast establishments and get information on their wedding packages. Visit your favorite venue sites and choose one that is within your budget at least a year before the wedding to be sure you secure a date.
* Decide on your wedding party, including groomsmen, bridesmaids, maid/matron of honor, best man, flower girl, flower boy and ushers. Call your chosen wedding party to ask if they will do you the honor of standing in your wedding.
* If you and your fiancé want to get help from a wedding coordinator, search for one during this time. He/she will help you research and secure your florist, bakery (for wedding cake), caterer, venue (if you have not yet secured one), photographer and DJ.
* Research and select a caterer for your wedding, if the reception site does not have on-site catering available. Be sure to take advantage of any tasting parties that the caterers offer, so you have an idea of the different foods that will be served at your own wedding.
* Based on the price of the venue and the per head charge that your caterer is offering you, you can determine your guest list. If the charges are a little more than you had anticipated, you may have to limit your guest list. Sit down with your fiancé and make a rough draft of your desired guest list. By the time you hit the six-month mark before the wedding, you should have your final guest list done.
* Research and book your florist, DJ and photographer.
* Start looking for your gown and the bridesmaid dresses. By the time you have hit the eight-month mark before the wedding, decide on the dresses, so there is adequate time for fittings and alterations.
* At the six-month mark, choose the places you will create your wedding registry at and pick the items for your registry.
* Start dreaming about the place you want to have your honeymoon and researching honeymoon packages. Be sure to book your flight and hotels by the six-month mark, as well as apply for passports (if you will be traveling out of the country).
* Begin researching and ordering your wedding invitations. Do not forget to order extras in case you mess up writing out the addresses.
