After the Engagement “To Do” list:

Part two: Getting Started with your To-Do list

(Be sure to read Part one: You’re engaged!)

Sherwood Country Club

Well, you’re engaged! Now, to help you get started the following is a sample list of things to do:

Create a wedding budget.

Reserve your location or locations, i.e., church and hotel ballroom.

Set the wedding date.

Create a guest list.

Send out Save the Date cards (optional).

Determine number in wedding party.

Schedule a minister or official to perform your ceremony.

Register for gifts at Bridal Registry’s.

Create a wedding website for wedding party, friends and family to check on details, i.e., where you are registered, dates and times for showers, parties, and the wedding (optional).

Photo Courtesy: michaeljonathanstudios.com

Hire a professional Wedding Planner (optional).

Determine the style, colors, look and feel you want for your event.

Order Invitations & Thank You Cards (amount ordered is based on guest list, 100 guests does not mean 100 invitations.  Order one per family, couple, or single guest.)

Select a caterer for the reception (if not attached to location).

Order your wedding cake.

Select linens and china. (If not part of location package)

Select Florist or Floral Designer and order flowers.

Purchase wedding gown (at least six months before wedding).

Select bridesmaid’s dresses, (ASAP after wedding gown is selected)

Order Tuxedo for Groom & Groomsmen, or purchase Suit or Tux for Groom.

Hire a wedding photographer.

Hire a wedding videographer.

Photo Courtesy: michaeljonathanstudios.com

Photo Courtesy: MichaelJonathanStudios.com

Schedule gown and formal wear fitting dates for bridal party.

Schedule date for bridal shower (hostess may want to inform guests as to where you are registered).

Hire musicians/singer(s) for your wedding ceremony (optional).

Hire a band or DJ for the reception (optional).

Order favors for wedding (optional).

Purchase a guest book for guests to sign when they arrive.

Purchase candles for the wedding ceremony (optional).

Purchase or make ring bearer’s pillow (optional).

Purchase and decorate flower girl basket (optional).

Purchase flower petals for flower girl (optional).

Purchase gifts for your wedding party.  Bride buys for bridesmaids.  Groom buys gifts for ushers and groomsmen.

Purchase or borrow bridal accessories, jewelry, and garter (something old, new and blue).

Purchase or borrow toasting glasses (optional).

Purchase or borrow cake knife and server (optional).

Schedule bachelor party (optional).

Schedule bachelorette party (optional).

Schedule wedding rehearsal & rehearsal dinner.

Hire limousine for church arrival and/or reception departure (optional).

Plan Honeymoon. (You gotta have a “getaway” after this amazing adventure of planning your wedding, right?)

Of course, depending on what you have planned to make your day special, there will be other things you will to add to this list, the key is to remain focused and organized.

Most important, make sure you schedule plenty of “no-wedding-plans-allowed,” time with your man.  Don’t let all of your wedding preparations consume you.  A wedding is one day, and it is special and will be spectacular.  Your mate is forever, and he needs to know that he is and will always be your priority as you start your life journey together.

Images by: Michael Jonathan Studios
Image Courtesy: Sherwood Country Club

Be sure to read Part one: You’re engaged!

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