12 Month Wedding Timeline

12 Month Planner

Plan a Wedding
Planning the Honeymoon
12 Month Planning
Setting your Budget
Shopping 101
12 Month Shopping
Future Bride Needs Limits
12 Months Documentation
Wedding Arrangements
11 Months Planning
Wedding Planning Software
11 Months Documentation
Wedding Planning Tips
11 Months Shopping
Guide to a Growing Trend
10 Months Documentation
The Growing Trend of Planning a Wedding Online
10 Months Shopping
9 Months Planning
Organization Tips
9 Months Shopping
Bridezilla
Wedding Planning and the Perfect Wedding
8 Months Documentation
Stay Organized
8 Months Planning
Recordkeeping
8 Month Shopping
Stop Worrying
Meditate
7 Months Planning
Delegate Responsibility
7 Months Documentation
Planning from Afar
Long Distance Wedding Tips
7 Months Shopping
Surrogate Bad Cop
Additional Information available with the membership purchase.
6 Months Planning
6 Months Documentation
Work Efficiently
6 Months Shopping
Make a To Do List
Honoring the Deceased
5 Months Planning
Planning Organizers
5 Months Documentation
Negotiate more Vacation Time
5 Months Shopping
Requesting a Reference
4 Months Documentation
Breaking the Procrastination Tip
4 Months Planning
Create an Effective Wedding Planning Checklist
4 Months Shopping
Planning your Wedding Should be Enjoyable
3 Months Documentation
Moving Timeline
3 Months Shopping
2 Months Documentation
2 Months Planning
2 Months Shopping
7 Weeks Documentation
7 Weeks Planning
Moving Timeline
7 Weeks Shopping
1-Month Documentation
1 Month Planning
Moving Timeline
1 Month Shopping
3 Weeks Planning
3 Weeks Documentation
3 Weeks Shopping
1 Week Planning
Moving Timeline
2 Days
Day Before
Shopping Online

Getting Help from Friends (attendant duties)
What to Bring
Ceremony
Reception
Last Minute Details
Wedding Vendor Attendant
Audio Visual Attendant
Photographer Attendant
Videographer Attendant
Music Attendant
Clerical Attendant
Party Planning Attendant
Guest Attendant
Guest Book Attendant
Moving Attendant
Bridal Party Attendant
Gift Attendant
Communications Attendant
Ceremony Attendant
Coat Check Attendant
Readers-Singers
Movers-Setup Attendants
Cake Attendants
Bartender Attendant
Dressing Room Attendant
Prerecorded Music Attendant
Decoration Attendant
Emcee Attendant
Restroom Attendant
Flower Attendant
Seating Attendant
Childcare Attendant
Personal Driver Attendant

Plan a Wedding
Now that you’ve recovered from the delightful shock of your engagement, take a deep breath, grab a notebook and your address book, and then let the countdown to the Big Day begin!

Tips
Ask your parents early on in the planning stage for their input.

Be kind to yourself and your betrothed-this can be an extremely stressful time.

Steps
Envision your wedding from beginning to end. Where and when have you dreamed the wedding would take place? How formal would you like the event to be? What will the wedding party wear? What kind of food would you like to serve?

Pick a date.

Set a budget-one that is functional and provides for some flexibility. Here is where you must combine fantasy with practicality.

Ask friends and family to recommend a reputable jeweler. Order your engagement and/or wedding rings.

Book the wedding and reception sites.

Meet with the officiate of your wedding. Now is the time to be clear about rules and restrictions regarding the ceremony and ceremony site.

Select your wedding attendants-your wedding party can be as big or small as you like.

Choose a dress and wedding attire for the rest of the wedding party.

Make a guest list. You may have to compromise on the number of guests if your budget is limited.

Plan your pre-wedding parties, ceremony, reception and honeymoon-consider menus, decorations, favors, and music.
Interview and hire vendors: wedding coordinator, photographer, video professional, caterer, florist and entertainment.

Check state requirements for obtaining a marriage license, and find out how long the license will remain valid.

Take care of the rest of the paperwork, from ordering invitations to signing up with gift registries.

Planning the Honeymoon
Many couples consider making honeymoon plans a top priority decision, particularly if they plan to marry and vacation during a peak season or travel to a popular honeymoon or travel site. In many instances couples will make their other top-level decisions around their honeymoon plans. At the very least, the newly betrothed should make some preliminary choices regarding the honeymoon date, location, transportation, accommodations, and length of stay.

Honeymoons need to be planned up front not only to ensure a place to stay and transportation reservations, but for budget considerations as well. In the frenzy of planning the wedding and reception, couples often forget to compute into their total expenses the cost of a honeymoon. The expenses of a honeymoon trip are greater than just that of transportation and lodging---the honeymoon budget must include meals, transfers, souvenirs, sight-seeing and sports-related costs, tips, taxes, and the little luxuries, like a massage or poolside charges for lounge chairs and towels. Always ask whether a gratuity is included in the final bill.

Tips for a Better Honeymoon
International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers http://www.iamat.org Email: info@iamat.org

Etiquette Tip-Honeymoon Weddings
Check customs regulations. Many countries require that you declare any prescription medications or other pharmaceuticals upon entering. Alert guest that they should bring along all prescriptions and keep drugs in the bottles in which they were sold. Having to make a court appearance in a foreign country will put a damper on your celebration.

Etiquette Tips: It is never too early to start planning your honeymoon- the best travel buys go quickly, and many popular destinations are booked a year in advance. Shortly after your engagement, start discussing your time frame, your budget, and, of course your dream destination.

Mishaps & Disasters
Near the end of the reception, I realized that I had lost my birth control pills. We were flying to the Bahamas the next morning. After some frantic telephoning, we found an all-night drug store forty miles away. My brother went and picked them up.

Money Saving Tips
Write to tourist offices for lists of hotels, events, and facilities. Your research could turn up one of those hidden gems most tourists miss. One bride used this information to find special rates, off-times, and incredible sales and saved one hundred fifty dollars.

Wedding Wisdom
"My husband and I knew we would have a lot of time to do nothing while flying to our honeymoon. So we brought our thank you notes with us on the plane. I wrote the notes, and he addressed the envelopes, and by the time we got to our honeymoon, all our notes were written. Stacey

Don’t book on an airline that might go on strike around the time of your wedding, or visit a place that’s been bothered by civil unrest.

Make your arrangements and reservations early, especially if you’ll be visiting a popular vacation spot during its peak season.

Obtain a written confirmation of arrangements. Bring your receipts with you. You’ll have immediate proof if anything goes wrong.

Convert most of your money to traveler’s checks. Keep a list of their numbers, and the number you call to have them replaced, in a separate, safe place.

Whenever possible you should use your credit card for purchases in foreign countries. In most cases you’ll receive a better exchange rate.

Label your luggage with name, address, and phone number both inside and outside.

12 months (Planning)
Announce your engagement to family and friends.
Plan your engagement party
Attend engagement parties
Date, time, color, theme, style
Decide on whether to include wedding ethnic traditions
Religious or non-religious ceremony
Customs
Work out a budget
Decide who will pay for what, and how expenses will be shared.
Determine if parents will be assisting with costs.
Arrange for both families to meet, if they haven’t already.

Determine the number of guests
Decide on what size wedding you want
Determine how large/ small your wedding party will be.
Select wedding attendants (collect measurements)

Gather ideas for reception; menu, beverages, entertainment, and favors
Begin determining idea, themes, decorations, color schemes, for your C/R, florists and attire.

Plan Ceremony-Reception Music
Look through magazines for attire ideas.
Attend bridal shows

Simple or Extravagant?
Setting Your Budget
Ultra formal: Glamorous and Glitzy
The most formal type of wedding you can have is ultra formal. This is the kind of wedding a movie star, royalty, or the President’s daughter might have. Of course, you can have this type too, and it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to have it in a large church. Ultra formal weddings usually include the following:

More than 500 guests
A large wedding party-9 to 15 plus bridesmaids and groomsmen

Elaborate decorations and floral arrangements

A variety of music selections both at the ceremony and reception

A formally served dinner

Place cards and menu cards at the table

Formal programs for both ceremony and reception

A detailed bride’s gown, with beading and pearls ( the bride might also have a separate gown for the
Reception); the bridal gown is always full length, with, most times, a cathedral-length (the longest type)

A veil (either short or full length)

If the reception is after 6pm the groom and his groomsmen should be in white tie and tails. If the
Reception is before 6 p.m. formal black tie is the attire.

Full bar

An evening reception (after 6pm)

Favors for the guests

Formal wear for the guests, with men in tuxedos and ladies in long gowns.

Formal: Elegant and Graceful
The formal wedding currently is the most popular type of wedding in most parts of the United States.
A formal wedding normally includes

150 to 350 guests

Three to eight bridesmaids and groomsmen

Either seated dinner or heavy hors d’oeuvres or grazing stations

Full or limited bar

Several musical groups for ceremony and reception

Brides gowns can be elaborate or more simple, to suit the bride, but still full length with either a
Chapel or cathedral length train

A veil (either short or full length)

Men in the wedding party wear tuxedos

Favors are still usually given to guests

Guests wear suits and ties for the men and cocktail dresses or suits for the ladies.

Semiformal: Tasteful and Dignified
The semiformal wedding generally includes

100 to 200 guests

One to four bridesmaids and groomsmen

Men in wedding party may not wear tuxedos

Bride is dressed more simply; may wear flowers or comb in her hair instead of a veil

Decorations are simpler

Reception might consist of hors d’oeuvres and a limited bar

A disc jockey or small combo may provide the music

Informal: Casual and Comfortable
An informal wedding is usually conducted either in a judge’s chambers, a home setting, or outdoors.
Most times, an informal wedding includes the following

Fewer than 50 guests

Just one honor attendant each

Simple food, such as cake and punch or champagne for the toast

Simple décor, such as one floral arrangement, with the bride carrying a simple bouquet.

Both bride and groom wear simple suits, or the bride may opt for a street-length wedding dress or day dress.

Couple may choose to have a larger party later to celebrate their marriage with family and friends.

Shopping 101
Bring pictures of dresses you like. Bring pictures of dresses you don't like. If you like the neckline of one gown and the draped back on another, point out exactly what you do and don't like to the sales associate.

Wear underwear you won't be embarrassed to be seen in! Trying on wedding dresses is not a solo operation, so this isn't the day to wear a peek-a-boo thong.

If you're shopping a sample sale or the Filenes’s Basement bridal gown sale, wear a body stocking, united, or swimsuit under your clothing so you can change in the aisles if necessary.

Bring a camera. Not every salon will allow you to take photos, but if possible, get a shot of yourself in the dress you're buying, not only for showing your mother (if she's not with you) but also for your florist, cake maker, and other vendors trying to assess the style of your wedding. Remember, the dress sets the tone for the wedding. A photo will also help you when shopping for accessories, though a fabric swatch is important too.

12 months (Shopping)

Engagement announcements
Save the date cards
Wedding planner
Wedding organizer
Bridal magazines
Wedding Insurance
Camera (To record arrangements)
Veil
Headpiece
Postage
Engagement ring (if not already purchased)

Future Bride Needs to Set Limits
February 3, 2008 The Blade
Dear Carolyn:
I'm recently engaged. Most of what I've heard so far from family and friends is what I should do, what they want out of me, and requests to explain why I'm not interested in doing X or Y like other brides--and I'm feeling like my preferences don't matter.

I've never done anything like this before. I've never even been a bridesmaid. I already have a hard time putting myself first in my various relationships. I don't want to be rude or a Bridezilla, but my attempts at getting people to respect my wishes aren't working. Me

You're letting me plan your wedding? It must be "my day"! You need:

A budget. If the total comes from but doesn't drain your savings, you're beholden to none but each other.

A location. Choose without apology if you like it, can afford it, and make it accessible to those who matter (in descending order of importance: the couple; the people whose presence is important enough to affect the date and location; everyone else).

An officiate, representing your beliefs as a couple---not your beliefs as a dutiful child, your beliefs in appearances, or your beliefs in location, location, location.

Finally, you need enough refreshments and seating to make your guests comfortable; invitations; a head count that reflects both your budget and vision; music to keep things festive; and a dress that doesn't scream, "fairy dust poisoning."

Unless that's your preference. This whole blueprint is about marriage, on the couple's terms. Assuming your terms aren't "vanity" and "waste", the only people you'll really offend are those who want things done their way, not yours---i.e., the ones you can't please anyway.

Here's what you don't need: anyone's respect. Want, yes, not need. it's between you and your fiancé.
Mazel tov.

12 months (Documentation)
Acquire all identification documentation required for various procedures i.e.

State Identification
Drivers License
Birth Certificate
Green Card
Death Certificate (deceased spouse)
Divorce Certificate
Social Security card

Wedding Arrangements
If your parents are sponsoring your wedding, don’t make the mistake of handing over all the responsibilities to them. Become involved as much as possible. Wedding plans can turn into a brogue disaster if you abdicate your responsibilities and at the last minute decide you’d like different arrangements from those, which have already been made.

One friend, whose parents planned her entire wedding in Cleveland while she was working in the East, ran up enormous phone bills trying to convince her family to give her the kind of wedding she wanted. At the point where her father shouted, “This is my wedding and I’ll do it my way!” my friend gave up in despair. If you don’t participate in the preparations, you and your fiancé might well end up like the bride and groom on the wedding cake, present but uninvolved. In order to fully enjoy your wedding, you must make it yours.

If you are living far from your parents and can’t be in on the day-to-day plans, you and your fiancé should sit down with them in the beginning to discuss exactly the kind of wedding the two of you have in mind. No matter who is paying for the wedding or arranging most of the details, this is your day-my friend’s father had it wrong- so be sure you’re all in agreement with the type of wedding you’re leaving them to plan. It might be helpful to choose as an attendant a friend who still lives in the vicinity of your parents. Making her an attendant gives your friend entrée to act as your representative in the wedding plans.

11 months (Planning)
Plan (if applicable) lighting a unity candle

Flowers to Mothers: Will they wear corsages or carry a single flower. Decide if they will be presented with roses after/during the ceremony

Discuss your honeymoon budget.

Begin listing what you both want to list for your bridal gift registry, make an appointment with the department stores you would like to register with. (Create a system to keep track of gifts).

Honoring passed on loved ones

Wedding Planning Software
Efficiently managing the tasks that need to be done for a wedding is essential for the overall success of the event. Turning your dream wedding into reality requires organizational skills and a lot of time. Fortunately, not there is a tool available that can help simplify the process and save time, wedding planning software for your PC.

There are several wedding planning software programs available on the market today. Most of the programs help you organize everything from your engagement announcement to your honeymoon plans. The decision to use a software program to help you plan your wedding may be the best decision you could make.

Before shopping for a wedding planning software program, you should first identify the key features that you feel will benefit you the most. Everyone buys a planning program for different reasons-creating a budget, maintaining your guest list, printing envelopes or tracking gifts-so as you evaluate programs, it is important to ensure that it will do everything you need.

All wedding planning software programs cover the same basic features, but there are differences in how the information is entered. User interface and program design are two of the most important criteria to consider. A program should mimic the steps that are typically used to plan a wedding and should be organized as such. As you look at the software or the screens, visualize in your mind walking through the entire process and make sure that the steps and the flow make sense.

Planning a wedding involves two main processes: tracking your guests and selecting vendors. The process of tracking your guests includes creating a master guest list, inviting the guests to the appropriate parties, tracking RSVPs for the parties and tracking the gifts received at each party. The process of selecting a vendor includes creating a budget, entering vendor estimates, comparing vendor estimates, and selecting a vendor that meets your needs and your budget.

When entering guest information, you need to track the following information: main guest (title, formal first name and casual first name), the spouse/guest of the main guest, children of guest, who invited the guest and the role of the guest. One feature that only some of the programs offer is the ability to track family members individually. This is important if you want to be able to invite the wife to a shower as Jane Doe, instead of Mrs. John Doe. Most packages allow you to print either envelopes or labels from your guest list. This will save you hours in completing invitation lists for the calligrapher or in personally addressing your envelopes.

After creating your master guest list, you then decide to which parties each guest should be invited. Some programs have you select from a fixed list of parties as you enter each guest. Other programs allow you to add your own parties (as many as you need) and then select form your master guest list the guests that are invited to each party.

All programs allow you to track RSVPs. It is important to be able to track the RSVPs for each party, not just for the ceremony and reception. Some offer the added benefit of being able to track guest arrival information, accommodations and departure information.

Keeping track of gifts and thank you notes is another feature of wedding planning software programs. You should be able to enter a description of each gift, the date received, the store from which they purchased the gift, whether or not the gift needs to be returned and if a thank you has been sent. Keeping track of your gifts and thank you notes is an enormous, but very important part of your wedding. Software can make this extremely easy.

Whether your wedding is large or small, setting a budget and sticking to it can be the hardest thing to do when planning a wedding. Wedding expenses will add up quickly, so it makes sense to determine what you are willing to pay for the services you want. Wedding planning software programs help you setup your budget and track expenses. Some programs offer worksheets to assist you in setting up your budget, which can be extremely useful if you have done this before and don’t know what to expect. You should look for a program that offers more than just a spreadsheet that you have to fill in. In addition, you should be able to track tax and gratuity; otherwise you may be in for a surprise later.

Once you have determined your budget and started calling on vendors, wedding planning software can help you keep track of your vendors and perform comparisons to assist in the vendor selection process. The program should allow you to enter the estimates and important payment information for each vendor that you evaluate and compare the estimates side by side next to your budget to determine which one meets your needs and budget.

Other features to look for in a wedding planning software program are: checklists, schedules, and newspaper announcements, table assignments for parties, music selections and wedding planning tips.

Finally, probably the most important test of any software package is the reports. If you spend months entering data into a computer, you should make sure that you can get reports of the information, in a format that you can use. If you need the software to print envelopes, labels or an address list for the calligrapher, review copies of these items before you select a program to use. If these things are important to you, be sure to look for the ability to: print inner envelopes, print individual guest names (wife separately from the husband), children, labels, multiple line addresses, complete state names (not just two letter abbreviations), and international addresses.

Regardless of the size or style of your wedding, there is a software program available to help. It is important to shop for a wedding planning software program that best suits your needs because not all programs offer all of the features discussed. Wedding planning software programs range between $30.00 and $74.00. Most packages are available through mail order, so allow at least a couple of weeks for delivery. Good Luck! Source: Kim Roberts is the owner of Frog Ware

11 months (Documentation)
Determine what personalized vows, readings or exchanges you would like to include.

Mail save the date cards

Make a list of photos you’d like taken at the Ceremony and Reception

Begin researching invitations, enclosure cards, thank-you notes and informal notes.

Compile guest list

Review your engagement photo proofs

Make musical selections (Ceremony-Reception)

Wedding Planning Tips
The following 5 tips are intended to guide you through your wedding planning as smoothly as possible:

Don‘t go over budget! We’ve seen it happen time and time again. Newly wed couples think they have everything figured out to the penny. But when the wedding is over they’re left with unpaid bills and unexpected expenses. The solution? Don’t go over budget! Plan everything for your wedding in advance: the cost of the caterer, DJ, photographer, and any other vendors you intend to hire. A word of advice: Don’t invite your cousin’s sister’s husband’s brother if you cannot afford to feed him and his family. Start with immediate family and close friends-continue from there. It’s really rude and (embarrassing) to dis-invite someone at the last minute (because you discovered you can’t afford it!).

Order wedding attire early Picture it: The Groom’s Best Man is wearing a tuxedo that’s three times too large for his body. The Bridesmaid’s dress is so tight, she can barely breathe! These are horrific scenarios that actually do happen and need last minute resolutions. Don’t put yourself through this chaos. Get everyone fitted for his or her dresses and tuxedos as early as 6-8 months in advance. Ladies don’t forget wedding accessories!

Book accommodations early in some tourist frequented cities; guest accommodations need to be set up to a year in advance! Call resorts/ hotels and book a set amount of rooms for your guests on a specific date. Be certain to have enough rooms for your entire out of town guests. Shop around for several accommodations, as your guests maybe on a budget too! Especially if they just paid to travel to your location.
Get a marriage license from your own country if you’ve decided to have a destination wedding don’t arrive at that destination without a marriage license. Most states have a 30-60 day turn around rate with marriage licenses. It’s worth the wait. Why, you ask? Different countries have different marriage customs and requirements. Nevertheless, you should bring your new marriage license with you wherever you are going to marry. If you are re-marrying, bring your divorce papers as well
Beautification can get ugly bad tans, allergic reactions to hair dye or other chemicals can be a nightmare. Don’t wait until the last minute to get a pre-wedding ‘make over’. Facials and waxing can also leave unwanted blotches, burns, and breakouts for those wedding photographs! Make all beautician appointments a week or two in advance. Part of good wedding planning is being the ‘early bird’ makes sure everything is in place nice and early in the planning stages. Source: Jen Carter www.my-wedding-blog-.com

11 months (Shopping)
Unity candles
Veil
Wedding shoes
Bridal lingerie (needed prior to fitting)

Guide to a Growing Trend: The “Green” or Ecological Wedding
Does it seem like the phrases “ecology” and “wedding” could hardly have less in common? With the average wedding costing well over 15 thousand today, one would think so. And yet, the “green” or ecologically friendly wedding is gaining momentum across the nation. The green wedding, like any other wedding style, has its tribal features. By tribal, I mean the signs and signifiers that help tell the guests what the wedding is supposed to mean, and how the couple prefers to appear. From a tribal perspective, a green wedding can be hauntingly romantic with its outdoor setting, its focus on living plants, and its less-formal gown (often made of hemp) that brings to mind fairy outings from 400 years ago.

In personal appearance, the ecology bride is often the gamine type. Even on her wedding day, her fresh face forms a contrast with the heavily made-up cover girls of bridal magazines. When it comes to more functional aspects, the green wedding’s shape and flavor flow from three main goals: Do no harm, patronize earth-friendly vendors, and reuse/recycle.

Do No Harm
The green bride tries to avoid products or activities that could compromise the environment. For this reason, butterfly releases are rare (vendors are not always careful to ship butterflies only to appropriate, native environments). Similarly, beeswax candles are avoided, as is the use of Styrofoam or soft plastics candles are avoided, as is the use of Styrofoam or soft plastics at the reception-glass and porcelain are substituted. (Brides are often surprised to discover the caterer charges little extra for this service.) Many green bridal couples are vegetarian or vegan. In metropolitan or college-town communities, this provides a great excuse to serve dazzling ethnic foods at the reception at a reasonable cost! Hemp is widely respected among environmentalists, because unlike cotton, it can be grown without pesticides and returns most its nutrients to the soil. When the green bride buys a new gown for her ceremony, she often looks to hemp fabrics. Surprisingly flexible, hemp can go up market (“hemp satin”) or relaxed (cottony separates that can be worn after the wedding).
Patronize Earth-Friendly Vendors
Flower petals in paper cones are environmentally friendlier than bubble solution in plastic containers, and requires no cleanup. The trick is finding petal suppliers that don’t use pesticides. These growers are more popular in the U.K. than the U.S. Green brides might also distribute harm-free favors, such as sachets made of pesticide-free herbs, live flowers, tree seedlings, or small packets of organic tea. In fact, some brides register at charitable organizations instead of department stores, and contribute to environmentally active organizations instead of handing out favors.

Reuse, recycle even the most traditional wedding brings opportunities for reuse/recycling. For example, leftovers from the reception can be delivered to food banks, flowers dropped off at hospitals or rest homes. The green bride often takes this a step further and chooses recycled paper for invitations and save the date cards, for example. She might also re-use a wedding gown (her mother’s could be ideal), or failing that, one from a thrift or vintage store. Otherwise, the green bride might opt for a new gown that isn’t too formal to be worn regularly after the ceremony. Just as at the grocery store, eco-friendly does not necessarily mean cheaper. Ecology brides are sometimes surprised to discover their weddings cost 10k and up, just like those of their more traditional sisters.

Still, when she looks back on a wedding that opted for more “nature”, less formality, and less conspicuous consumption, the green bride often finds it was time well spent-and perhaps nurtures the hope that a guest or two will be inspired to follow her patch. Source: Blake Kritzberg www.favorideas.com

10 months (Documentation)

If your ceremony and/or reception will be held in a park or recreational area, you will need to obtain the necessary permits.

Discuss attendant duties with bridal party.

Review engagement photo proofs.

Continue to compile guest list.

Register for bridal gifts (choose china, crystal, silver pattern, and whatever else you may need to start a household).

Open joint bank account

The Growing Trend of Planning a Wedding Online
Congratulations on your pending nuptials! You have a ring, a date has been set, and all is right with the world. If you are just starting to plan out your wedding day, you know that there are many steps you must take on the way to organizing your big event. Sure, you could hire the services of a wedding planner to do much of the grinding legwork for you, but likely you will want to be involved in making most of the arrangements yourself with the assistance of your future spouse, of course. So, where should you start? Online, of course! Yes, there are many terrific benefits in planning a wedding online. Let’s explore what they are and how you and your intended can harness the Internet to your advantage.

Savvy couples have discovered that an important part of successfully planning a wedding online involves doing some research. Click on Goggle; enter certain search words such as “wedding dj” or “wedding photographer” and numerous results will pop up. By searching within these same results you can further narrow down the list by entering in your city and state. The final Goggle produced list should be much more manageable to sort through.

Those wedding vendors who really want your business will have attractive and easy to navigate web sites listed in the Goggle results for your perusal. Planning a wedding online has never been easier as you can review a photographer’s portfolio, listen to sample music clips; watch video clips; tour reception sites; uncover valuable honeymoon information; and much more. Contact those vendors who strike your fancy and ask them for price information, availability, and references. Most will accept an email message from you or have an easy to fill out form on their site whereby you can receive additional information.

Planning a wedding online can help you to reduce stress by allowing you to weed out vendors ahead of time: you contact them on your own terms to keep everything under your control.

Some couples use email as an important part of planning a wedding online. By sending out “hold that date” notices to invitees, guests can be notified well in advance of the wedding date and reserve that date on their calendars. Later, you can follow up with the formal invitations and, yes, you can order those online too!

Other benefits of planning a wedding online include:

Gift registries can be set up on the Internet or at your local retail store and made available to your guests online no matter where they live. Guests will be able to review your list, select the item they want to give to you, order it online, and ship it directly to your home address.

Do you know which stores in your area sell bridal and gown outfits? If you aren’t sure, there is plenty of information online to help you sort all of that out. Even tuxedo rentals can be ordered online, although, an in person fitting is still recommended.

Additional online wedding planning can include finding party favors, buying disposable cameras, shopping for bridal gifts, and locating just about everything else related to the event. Some couples create separate web sites loaded with pictures, driving directions, menus, gift registry information, and more. If that sounds like too much work for you, there are sites that will allow you to set up your information with them. Simply enter “planning a wedding online” in your search parameters to get the best results.

Yes, planning a wedding online can be used to your advantage. The end result is time and money saved and stress avoided. Use the Internet today to make planning a wedding online a reality for you and your intended.

10 months (Shopping)
Headpiece
Veil
Gloves
Wedding shoes

Q:I am so nervous about my wedding day. What if everything goes wrong?

A: First of all, take a long deep breath. Now exhale. Repeat this phrase to yourself: “Everything is going to be all right. Everything is going to be all right” Whatever happens on your wedding day, let it roll off your back. Hopefully, it will be perfect, but if minor mishaps occur, don’t get too upset. The important thing is that you have found the love of your life and you are celebrating a happy occasion with our loved ones. Does it really matter if the sun isn’t shining or the cake isn’t chocolate?

When we got married, the limo didn’t show up, so I was late to the church. Our flower girl got nervous and walked down the aisle in tears. At our reception, a waiter dropped a tray of salads on my mother’s gown and ruined it. I was a sobbing, nervous wreck! Looking back on it, I should have let those things roll off my back. Then I wouldn’t have made my husband and family so uptight, and we all would have enjoyed the day. Instead, I foolishly let these stupid problems sour the mood-and our memories of our wedding.

9 months (Planning)
Plan ceremony and reception music

Carry over any planning details from previous months; use this time to finalize vendor arrangements.

Plan: Rehearsal Dinner
Begin planning Bridesmaid Luncheon
Begin planning Wedding Brunch/Breakfast
Plan activities-entertainment for out-of-town guests, draft itinerary

Organization Tips
Start planning and organizing early enough so that you have plenty of time to perform each job well. A rushed job means fewer chances to get more for your money. This may mean allowing more than a few months for the planning of your wedding and reception.

Use your organization system to keep track of receipts, brochures, pictures, drawings, business cards, and all the important things that can get lost in your car or office. The rule goes: If you’ve lost it now, you’ll need it later. And that can cost you money if something needs to be returned or an order needs to be placed.

Set up an organizer file using four by six inch index cards and a recipe card file box. You’ve seen this suggested in all your bridal magazines and even in some ads for fifty-dollar index card and file box sets with printed labels. Setting up a wedding planner file box of your own will work just as well, if not better.

You could also choose to turn an accordion file into your wedding organizer system. You’ll find these in any office supply store for just a few dollars. Label each slot with subject headings-Gown, Flowers, Music, etc… and filing brochures and swatches is simple.

9 months (Shopping)
Headpiece
Veil
Wedding shoes
Bridal lingerie
Guest book-pens (fill out first page)
Wedding favors
Gifts (Attendants-Parents-Fiancé-Participants)

Bridezilla, Wedding Planning and the Perfect Wedding
Source: Sheilah Marshall

Wedding planning can be a very stressful time. Many of us have seen the reality TV. Show about bridezilla, the out of control bride. But you don’t have to be so stressed out that you treat your family and friends like they are doormats or worse. Let’s take a moment to think about it.

There are gazillion things to do and think about as you plan your wedding. You want the perfect wedding, the day you’ve always dreamed about. But let’s be realistic here. You can plan everything right down to the smallest detail, but chances are that not everything is going to go as you planned. Inevitably something will go wrong. If you accept this possibility as you plan your wedding this will help to reduce the amount of stress you experience.

Try to remember that if something doesn’t go exactly according to your wedding plans that it’s not the end of the world. It will probably be something that you, your groom, friends and family members will laugh about for years to come. If you get it on tape you might even send it to America’s Funniest Videos and win $10,000. There is always a bright side to most everything if you will just look for it. It is the bridezillas who fail to look for that silver lining in every cloud and make themselves and everyone around them miserable.

I saw a report on a national morning show recently about women who became very depressed after their wedding and honeymoon were over. After months of dreaming, anticipation, planning and shopping, the perfect wedding came and went and there was a big let down. Realize that it’s not the perfect wedding that is the most important thing, but the marriage relationship that you begin with the man you love.

Another matter for you to consider is how your family is dealing with your impending marriage and all the wedding planning. You won’t realize until you are a little older how quickly time goes by. To your mom and dad it was only yesterday that you were their little girl. Although I’m sure they are very happy and excited for you as you begin a new phase in your life, they also can’t help but feel a little sad. Of course, if you have been out on your own for a few years they have probably become accustomed to you’re being all grown up. Anyway, I say all that to say this, remember to be considerate of their feelings as you plan your wedding.

In this age of me, me, me, you might be shocked to learn that this day is not just about you. Include your family in helping you prepare, if they express an interest. You might just ask them if they would like to help you plan your wedding. Your mom will probably be thrilled! If she has a talent for flower selection and arranging, you might ask her to deal with the florist. Perhaps your dad could arrange hotel accommodations for any out of town guests. If you have brothers or sisters that are capable of helping out, by all means let them. If you have aunts that you are close to and can trust with a particular job, then ask them to help. Make it a family affair. You can never have too much help. The more help you have the less chance of you becoming bridezilla.

DO NOT PROCRASTINATE! Begin planning your wedding early, have your checklist of things to do and check them off as they are done, try not to micromanage everything and enjoy planning your wedding.

So, to avoid being a bridezilla, follow the above advice and try not to have any major last minute things that you have to do the week of your wedding. Determine in your heart that nothing is going to spoil your wedding. The less stressed and the more relaxed you are the more your wedding will seem perfect and the more you will enjoy your special day.

Sheilah Marshall is a wedding planner and decorator and creator of the online wedding supply store at http://www.allthatsclassy.com

8 months (Documentation)
Update bridal registry-send thank you notes

Compile guest list

Draft-finalize engagement announcement

Draft wedding announcement

Work on Invitation wording and design

Compile address change/change of name contacts

Draft wedding program

Stay Organized
It doesn’t take long for chaos to reign if you don’t begin with a system of organization. Whether you use the Emily Post Wedding Planner, set up files on your computer, or devote a separate briefcase just to wedding-related papers, you’ll find everything is easier to manage when you can find it in a snap.

A few tips from the most efficient brides and grooms

Create a master to do list, preferably in time sequence.

Carry fabric swatches, photos of gown, photos of locations, and table measurements at all times.

Design a contact list with the names and numbers of everyone you’re working with. Those numbers might include telephone, address, fax, and e-mail.

Carry a calendar with all your appointments highlighted.

Create a folder for all contracts; staple copies of contracts to the appropriate page in your organizer, and don’t leave home without them in case you have to check details from one supplier when working with another.

Keep important papers you will need ( birth certificate, divorce papers) in one envelope or folder.

Check off completed to-do’s as you accomplish them. You’ll feel great as you see the number of check marks gone.

8 months (Planning)

Start considering rehearsal dinner sites (view)
Work on rehearsal dinner plans

Bride’s maid luncheon
Wedding Breakfast/Brunch

Recordkeeping
Keeping financial and personal records in order

Your records are a history of your family’s financial and personal growth.

Financial records should be organized so that they will be useful at income tax time.

Keep an active file (in a file drawer, an accordion file, or a carton) for papers that you accumulate and need during the current year-records needed for taxes, current car, homeowners, medical and personal-property insurance policies; credit and charge account statements; employee benefit data; employment and education records; mortgage and other papers related to the home; installment purchase and loan papers; resumes; records of income earned from rental properties; warranties and instruction manuals for appliances.

At the year’s end, assemble the papers you will need for tax purposes, throw out dead matter, and divide what remains into what should stay in the active file and what can be put in storage.

Long-term storage
Your storage file should contain past tax matters and supporting documents (which must be kept for 4 years), such as bank statements and most of the papers from your active file. Keep old homeowner’s and automobile insurance policies until your state’s statute of limitations runs out.

Use a fireproof strong box, a safe, or a bank safe deposit box for important difficult to replace documents: birth certificate; marriage licenses; divorce records; passports; social security cards; copies of wills; burial records; life insurance policies; stocks, bonds, and other securities; trust documents; property deeds, titles, and surveys; title to the car; IOU’s; IRA or Keogh records.

8 months (Shopping)
Headpiece
Veil
Wedding shoes
Bridal lingerie
Flower girl basket
Bridal accessories
Bridal purse
Wedding favors

Meditate
Meditation can be calming, rejuvenating and restorative. When practiced regularly, it can aid in reducing stress, lowering blood pressure and increasing personal awareness.

Tips
There are many forms and variations of meditation. If one particular form doesn’t work for you, try another.

Avoid meditating on a full stomach. The best time to meditate is just before eating.

Some studies have suggested meditation may decrease the risk of heart disease, possibly because the resulting stress relief may promote the body’s self repair system to thin the fatty buildup on artery walls. Still, meditating should never be used as a substitute for a healthful diet, exercise and proper medical care.

Stop Worrying
The keys to worrying less are to challenge your worrisome thoughts and to calm yourself physically and emotionally.

Tips
If you need to, get help from others in coming up with challenges to your worrisome thoughts. They can often present you with a different perspective on things.

Many people find spiritual teachings or belief in a higher power extremely helpful in decreasing worry and developing more trust in life.

Seek professional help if your worries are interfering with your daily functioning or causing you significant distress.

Steps

Write down what you are worried about. Include your imagined worst case scenarios.

Think about how you would handle your worse case scenarios.

Decide what actions you could take that would change the situation and give you less to worry about. Then follow through on those actions.

Try to think logically about the worrisome thoughts that you feel you can’t take any action on. Consider which of them are excessive or distorted and have very little basis in reality.

For each of these worrisome thoughts, write down an alternative way of looking at the problem that presents a rational challenge to your worries.

Try to catch yourself when you notice that you’re becoming overwhelmed with worry. Stop and remind yourself of the alternative way to look at the situation.

Practice relaxation and stress reduction techniques. One simple thing you can do to help quiet your mind and calm your emotions and body is to breathe in slowly and deeply to the count of six and breathe out slowly to the count of six. Do this for 5 minutes; gradually increase to 20 minutes over time.

Learn to accept what you cannot change or have no power to control in life. Read books dealing with worry, anxiety, acceptance and inner peace. Look in the psychology, self-help and spirituality sections of your bookstores or library

Steps

Choose a tranquil location, free of distractions.

Decide whether you’d like to have soothing music in the background.

Select a comfortable chair or place to sit, and assume a sitting position with your spine relatively straight.

Close your eyes

Breathe in, allowing your rib cage and belly to expand as you inhale.

Exhale slowly.

Concentrate on your breathing. Be aware of each breath and the feelings of deeper relaxation.

Allow thoughts and feelings to enter your mind. Acknowledge them, allow them to pass, and refocus on your breathing.

Open your eyes after you feel more relaxed and centered.

Begin with 5 to 10 minutes of meditation each day and increase to 20 minutes or more twice each day.

7 months (Planning)
Discuss mothers’ attire (mention color scheme)

Determine order of ceremony events

Choose and order something fun for guests to throw: (don’t forget to discuss this with officiate in advance) Rose petals, confetti, birdseed

Notify bridesmaids about dress fittings

Select: Guest Attendant

View and book Rehearsal Dinner site (draft map)

Map to list directions from hotel to ceremony site from ceremony site to rehearsal dinner site and from the rehearsal dinner site back to the hotel.

Delegate Responsibility

Watch Out!
Not all wedding roles are created equal. Performing a ceremony reading will be perceived as an honor, while overseeing the guest book table may feel like a chore. Save the less glamorous tasks for your attendants and for those who offer to help out.

Many people delegate less than they should. Divvy up your assignments and hand out tasks for others to do-this will increase your overall productivity and efficiency.

Tips
Delegate tasks at times when productivity is likely to be high-try earlier in the week as opposed to Friday.

Be available to answer questions and discuss progress.

Be generous with praise for jobs that are well executed.

Avoid thinking that it is too much trouble to delegate responsibility delegating will pay off over time if the task needs to be done again and again.

Delegating a task doesn’t mean you are no longer responsible for seeing that it’s completed.

Decide whether you want to delegate.

Decide to whom you want to delegate responsibility. Does this person have the requisite skills and background knowledge? How quickly will your helper learn?

Brief the person on the task: Define exactly what he is responsible for. Explain how the task fits into the larger project. Clarify objectives and decide on deadlines.

Encourage your delegate to act independently and to make his own decisions by emphasizing the results. Say, “I want to see such and such. Don’t tell me the details.

Allow the person to perform the task. Offer help as needed, but don’t be intrusive-if he has a different way of doing things than you do, be flexible and open-minded about it.

Periodically check the standard of work. Provide helpful feedback.

Recognize the person who does the job-give him credit for it. Public recognition for a job well done will encourage effort in the future.

7 months (Documentation)

Sign all vendors/suppliers contracts
(AFTER reviewing with an attorney, bridal consultant)

Choose appropriate wording for your programs.
Arrange a printer or calligrapher to address table cards.

Update bridal registry-send thank you notes

Order/Update Passport Application
Passport Photograph
Visa Application
Birth Certificate

Determine the design, wording, font and paper stock for invitations, stationary, table cards, thank-you notes (finalize order)

Draft hotel information-directions for out of town guests

Checklists for all your helpers

Planning from Afar
Keep good notes on what's being done and whom you might have delegated something to. That way if something happens with your flowers, you can look in your notes and see who it was who was supposed to be handling them and what you jotted down from your last conversation.

Keep in touch with major players in the wedding, such as the bridal party or your mother in law----especially if one of them is doing some of the planning for you. I did a lot of communication with my bridal party and family by letter, because I didn't have access to E-mail. But I'm sure people today use E-mail for the same purpose.

If you're going to travel to the wedding destination at all beforehand, plan to get as much done as possible during that trip.

Learn that when planning a wedding from afar, you're going to have to give up some control. If you accept that fact from the very start, you'll save yourself from getting upset later when you realize you can't control everything----especially over long distances.

Confirm everything ahead of time, including the names of the vendors you've hired and the date the deposit was sent.

Only hire people who are recommended to you by someone you trust or whom you've seen in action at other weddings.

Long Distance Wedding Sites
If you’re planning a long-distance wedding, you’ll need to depend on a close friend or relative or travel yourself to check the sites out. Every step will take longer, so plan early. Have your helper send you a local phone book so you can call to set up your appointments.

7 months (Shopping)
Wedding favors
Bridal jewelry
Bridal accessories

Last Minute Consumer Tips
Okay, let’s assume you’re the perfect planner. Instead of using cash or a check, you’ve put all the deposits on a credit card. All the agreements with each service are in writing. You’ve dotted all your i’s and crossed all your t’s.

But what if your wedding day arrives and, for example, the florist delivers dead flowers? Or the photographer sends a last minute “stand-in”? Or the wrong wedding cake is delivered? What can you do to prevent this?

Meet the Surrogate Bad Cop
No matter how careful you are, things can still happen at your wedding and reception that are not according to plan. That’s why you need a Surrogate Bad Cop as an “enforcer” to fix last minute problems and correct wayward merchants.

Who can be a surrogate copy? Anyone you believe is trustworthy and reliable. This can be your best friend, your mother or a close relative. Of course, if you were hiring a professional wedding planner, they would play this role typically.

What does the surrogate bad cop actually do? Their job is to make sure you enjoy your wedding. While you’re greeting guests and having fun, it’s the surrogate bad cop’s role to tell the florist to fix the flowers. Or track down the photographer who is running late. Or find out why the wrong wedding cake was delivered and see if it can be fixed.

In addition to major problems the surrogate cop also handles any minor situations. One bride told us she was upset with the band she hired when the musicians launched into an unscheduled set of heavy metal music. While she was taking pictures, she had her surrogate bad cop (her sister) talk to the bandleader. She informed him of the band’s mistake and the bride had requested they change the tempo. And the band complied.

The Surrogate Bad cop’s Bag of Tricks
Any good enforcer needs the right tools at their disposal to do their job effectively. Here’s a look into their “bag of tricks”, a special folder or notebook that you give to them on the wedding day ( or shortly before):

Phone numbers of every service (home, business, mobile/car phone)

Copies of each contract and proposal.

Authority to act on your behalf.

6 months (Planning)

Timeline-Honeymoon
6 months
Discuss the type of honeymoon you both want (beach, cruise, island-hopping) and set a budget you will stick to.

Start reading up on potential destinations---in travel books, magazines, newspapers, and on the Internet. Consult a travel agent for more ideas and suggestions.

Housing arrangements

Choose music selections for ceremony and reception

Select list of shots for the photographer/videographer

Finalize hotel, car rental, and airline arrangements for out of town guests.

Reception menu/ Breakfast-Luncheon menu for out of town guest gathering

Determine how many disposable cameras should be purchased (if desired)

Select personal driver to drive your vehicle/or rented vehicle.

6 months (Documentation)

Draft guest newsletter-Print (review proof)
(Should include hotel, airline, car rental information)

Draft wedding program (finalize)

Research table cards

Order invitations
(Review-approve proofs of invitations and stationary)

Update bridal gift registry-send thank-you notes

Address save the date cards for out-of-town guests (mail)

Guest List (1st draft) check for correct spelling, addresses, zip codes

Work Efficiently
We’ll keep this short so you can get back to work.

Tips
Recognize when you have the most energy in a day and do the important or harder tasks then.

Note that certain days (usually Monday or Friday) are more hectic, and schedule accordingly.

Have someone else answer your phone if possible. Give instructions about calls you wish to take and those that can be returned later.

Avoid regularly going out for long business lunches big meals make for unproductive afternoons.

Steps

Keep your desk and your files organized to avoid wasting time shuffling through piles of paper.

Go through your inbox at the beginning of each workday. Either throw away, file or follow up on each item.

Prioritize a list of the tasks you need to accomplish that day.

Delegate tasks to co-workers and assistants if possible.

Finish one task before you go on to the next.

Reduce paperwork by storing important information on your computer or electronic organizer.

Communicate effectively and plan carefully to make sure a job is done properly the first time around.

Schedule time when you’ll be available and let colleagues know, to avoid constant interruptions. Close the door if you need to.

Take breaks. A short walk or quick lunch away from the office will increase your overall productivity.

Before leaving for the day, tidy up your desk and make a short list of projects you will need to do the next day.

Try not to take work home. You need the break.

6 months (Shopping)

Wedding favors

Ceremony-Reception decorations (research)

Gifts (Fiancé-Parents-Attendants-Participants)

Bridal lingerie

Wedding Insurance

Save the Date cards (out of town guests)

Home furnishings

Make a To-Do List

Invest just a little time planning your day, and accomplish more things smoothly.

Tips

Schedule things comfortably, allowing time for unexpected delays or mishaps; avoid an impossibly tight timetable.

Be sure to list everything you need to accomplish-the more smoothly your day will run and the less you need to remember.

Break down large projects into specific tasks before writing them down on your list.

Feel free to revise your list as necessary, as the day goes on.

Steps

Set aside 10 to 15 minutes before you go to bed or as soon as you wake up in the morning to jot down a to do list for the day.

Use any format that is comfortable for you-try writing in your daily planner. Make sure your list is on one page and can be carried with you wherever you go.

Try assigning tasks to hourly time slots, even if exact timing isn’t crucial.

Fill in preset, mandatory appointments such as business meetings or child pickup times.

Prioritize tasks in order of urgency, and write those down before less important ones.

Figure out when, during the day, you are most productive and alert. Schedule the more demanding tasks during these times.

Schedule an easy job after a difficult one or a long task after a short one to keep yourself stimulated.

Indicate time for breaks and time to spend with family and friends.

In addition to your daily schedule, keep an ongoing list of projects that you need to accomplish but haven’t penciled into your daily list-things to fix around the house, bills to mail, people to call. Update this list at least once a week.

Try keeping a list of long-term goals. For example, you might be planning to remodel your home or return to school for an advanced degree.

Make a running list for leisure or entertainment goals-books to read, videos to rent, restaurants/bars/clubs to try. Write down names as you hear or read about them.

Q: My parents passed away a long time ago, but I would like to include their memory in our day. May I read a letter to them at the reception?

A: Everyone will be touched by your sentiments, and your letter will no doubt bring back fond memories of your parents for many of your guests. This will probably be a tough letter to get through, so have your new husband stand by your side for support-and don’t be embarrassed to take a tissue break here and there.

Increasingly, some couples are finding ways to honor deceased family members, either privately or publicly, in their ceremony. This is a way to remember loved ones, especially parents and grandparents, and give tribute to the importance of family and tradition. If you decide to include a tribute in your ceremony, be sure that it is neither morbid nor lengthy. A simple declaration of love, a moment of silence, or the lighting of a candle may be the most eloquent way to honor them. Often couples find it too difficult to publicly honor the deceased, so they make their memorials private. They may do so by offering a silent prayer, wearing something of the person who has died, or laying a bouquet of flowers on the front pew or by the altar.

5 months (Planning)

Timeline Honeymoon
5 months
Finalize your destination. Research hotels, airlines, and car rental companies.
Ask your travel agent about the many terrific honeymoon packages out there that are especially cost-effective. Or contact the resorts you're considering separately. Call or check web sites.

Decide how you want to exit the ceremony and reception site.

Contact Ceremony Site Coordinator and inquire if flower girl can drop flower petals on the sanctuary floor (if applicable). Also ask about guest throwing birdseeds.
Contact the Reception Site Coordinator and inquire if guests can throw birdseeds, and if there is smoking allowed. If not, is there an area they can go to smoke?
Hire a limousine company (view vehicles first, and request at the time what vehicle you wish to rent)

Select Reception decoration (candles, flowers, balloons, and arches)
Decide if a groom’s cake is desired, if so, choose flavor, size, style, icing and discuss this with your baker at your next meeting.

Plan rehearsal dinner menu

Plan reception menu

Select: Gift Attendant
Book table attendants

Housing arrangements

Ceremony-Reception Music

Decide on Floral scheme-choose flowers

Contact mothers about dresses and accessories.

Coordinate theme-color schemes with florist-decorator

Finalize vocalist songs

Planning Organizers-A Memorable Day
Author: Wy Williams

Most wedding planning organizers would tell you that as the wedding date draws near, the tight organizing begins to unravel. No one can quite explain it, but it happens. I’m sure that stress has a lot to do with it, among other things.

The Master Wedding Planning Guide is loaded with step-by-step guidance through the really challenging times. It is jam packed with practical, down to earth wedding information that will make your wedding day really special.

You are a beautiful bride and you should carry or wear something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue.

It’s a time honored wedding tradition that will bring the bride good luck. This book will give you some fantastic ideas concerning this tradition.

Writing your own wedding vows is an excellent way to express exactly how each of you feels about the other. Most wedding vows commonly used are very lovely but they don’t always get the job done for that special couple.

Many couples choose to write their own vows, and they should be encouraged to do so. This book gives special ideas to make those vows unforgettable.

Young children add a special innocent touch to a wedding. They can also liven up the wedding with unexpected antics.

Always consider the age, maturity and predictability of a child before including them in the wedding party. This book gives you great ideas on the ways that children can participate.

The best man traditionally offers the first toast at a wedding reception. His toast shows his respect toward his friendship with the Bride and especially the Groom.

The first toast also reveals intimate and often embarrassing details of the couple’s courtship. The book gives wonderful suggestions for the best man. It also gives him ideas for the perfect wedding gift.

How about the area of cost? This book is crammed with cost saving ideas you wouldn’t have thought of. You will be thoroughly satisfied with the numerous suggestions made.

Remember, this really is an experience that should be savored. Plan an organizing party night. Have all the participants over.

Parents, Grandparents and all. Download this book and put together a detailed PowerPoint plan of what everyone is expected to do to make this a special day for all.

94% of over 11,000 couples strongly agree that this book has helped make their special wedding day fun, exciting and memorable.

This book leaves no stone unturned. What are the questions that you must ask the photographer, caterer, band, videographer, florist and the many other people associated with your wedding.

Have you thought about a timeline? What about the order of events on the day? Who is supposed to do what? Has that been ticked or marked as done? Sounds like a lot to do! This book will take the stress out of your planning and make it an enjoyable experience.

About the author: You didn’t think the wedding planning organizers did so much work did you? A recent survey has shown that marriage is no longer preferred in the majority of US households. A mere 6 years ago married couples stood at 52% of American households. Today, that figure has been whittled down to 49.8%. Make your wedding day memorable and special to all. This book will help you to do just that. Grab the link here! http://www.wyclefinnovations.com/wd

5 months (Documentation)

Complete reception only guest list

Draft breakfast/brunch guest list

Prepare vows-speech

Compile guest packages (airfare, hotel, and car rental) to be included with invitations)

Finalize wedding band inscription wording

Order table cards

Order wedding programs

Select ceremony readings

Prepare list of requests for musicians (ceremony-reception)

Draft maps for out of town guests: Hotel to ceremony, ceremony to reception site, reception site back to the hotel.

Update bridal gift registry-send thank-you notes

Confirm newspaper requirements for engagement announcement.

Update bridal gift registry-send thank you notes

Negotiate for More Vacation Time

If your company is typical, you get just a few short weeks of vacation a year. Here’s how to wrangle for more.

Choose an appropriate time to ask for more vacation. The best time is usually during a solid performance review, but other choice times include the end of a profitable fiscal year, after a successful presentation or simply when you find your manager in a good mood.
Make sure you’re able to give your manager a good reason why you should get more vacation time.

Prepare a list of reasons why you feel you deserve to be rewarded this way. Perhaps you put in extra hours on a weekly basis, or you just saved the company a lot of money on a large purchase.
Decide what you’re willing to give up in order to get more vacation time. This may mean sacrificing some or all of your upcoming raise or agreeing to work an extra half-hour each day, for example.

Make sure to point out any benefits your employer will reap from this arrangement. These reasons may include your greater job satisfaction, or a way for your employer to keep payroll increases down.

Tip

Be willing to bend. Agreeing not to take three weeks off in a row or agreeing to split up time in some other manner may help your case.

5 months (Shopping)
Home furnishings
Headpiece
Veil
Wedding shoes
Gloves
Bridal purse
Bridal jewelry-necklace
Petticoat
Wedding favors
Reception candy
Gifts (Fiancé-Attendants-Parents-Participants)
Purchase ceremony-reception decorations (candles, flowers, balloons, arches)
Welcome baskets (out of town guests)
Flower girl basket (buy or make)
Ring bearer pillow (buy or make)
Centerpieces (buy or make)
Pew bows
Candelabras

Request a Reference from a Former Employer
A good employment reference can cinch that sweet job offer you’ve worked so hard for.

Get references before you need them. Managers make job changes, too, and time can erase the memory of even the most outstanding employee.

Offer to write the reference letter for your former employer to review and sign. This saves him or her valuable time, and it allows you to highlight the accomplishments you consider most valuable to future employers.

Contact former employers and other references before offering their names to potential employers. Beyond simple courtesy, this gives you the chance to supply these people with important information such as who might be calling, the type of job you’re applying for, and which of your skills you would like your reference to emphasize.

Acknowledge a reference with a thank-you note, even if you didn’t get the job. If you did, offer a celebratory lunch.

Tip

If you encounter an unhelpful policy, such as one that restricts managers from giving reference information beyond confirming job title, and dates of employment, ask the manager if he or she will give you a personal (rather than professional) reference.

Consider co-workers and department heads with whom you’ve had significant interaction they can be good references, too.

4 months (Documentation)

Confirm arrival date for invitation pickup

Create a system to keep track of RSVPs.

Determine method of addressing invitations
(Will you print labels or have them hand addressed)?

Order monogrammed napkins
Obtain change of name kit

Write/choose disposable camera poems

Finalize announcement writing (engagement-wedding)

Guest List-finalize

Write or choose wedding vows

Finalize engagement announcement
Draft-review participant’s duties

Print out guest list for calligrapher (if applicable) make 3 copies.

Print out the names of all vendors that should be given to the caterer
Draft wedding day itinerary

Update bridal gift registry-send thank you notes

Break the Procrastination Habit
There’s an old joke that the members of Procrastinators Anonymous plan to meet… but keep putting it off.

Tip

Remember that progress, not perfection, is your goal.

Steps

Think about why you procrastinate: Are you afraid of failing at the task? Are you a perfectionist and only willing to begin working after every little element is in place? Are you easily distracted?

Break up a large, difficult project into several smaller pieces.

Set deadlines for completion. Try assigning yourself small-scale deadlines-for example, commit to reading a certain number of pages in the next hour.

Work in small blocks of time instead of in long stretches. Try studying in one to two hour spurts, allowing yourself a small break after each stint.

Start with the easiest aspect of a large, complex project. For example, if you’re writing an academic paper and find that the introduction is turning out to be difficult to write, start with the paper’s body instead.

Enlist others to help. Make a bet with your family, friends or co-workers that you will finish a particular project by a specified time, or find other ways to make yourself accountable.

Eliminate distractions or move to a place where you can concentrate. Turn off the television, the phone ringer, the radio and anything else that might keep you from your task.

4 months (Planning)

Setup a gift display table in your home.

Sign-up to donate centerpieces, flowers and food after ceremony and reception.
Plan rehearsal dinner (menu)
Wedding breakfast/luncheon (menu)
Bridesmaid’s Luncheon

Select: Speakers (toasts)
Program attendants

Housing arrangements

Musical selections (ceremony-reception) finalize

Finalize list of shots for the photographer/videographer

Finalize wedding announcements and wedding programs

Begin discussing and preparing the documents for: Prenuptial agreements, Wills, Adoption, Legal guardianship etc.

Update Insurance policies.

Begin drafting seating/special-seating arrangements for the ceremony, reception and rehearsal dinner.

Complete the gathering of contacts for address/name change notification.

Discuss soloist songs and get soloist approval to perform them.
(Arrange for vocalist and organist to practice) Get music to vocalist

Creating an Effective Wedding Planning Checklist
Author: Morgan Hamilton

Are you planning to get married soon? If you are, then you are probably making initial plans to make your wedding special and memorable. If you want to make sure that you will get everything right, using a wedding planning checklist will help ensure that nothing will go wrong in your wedding.

What do you need to write on a wedding planning checklist? Well, there are a lot of things that you need to cover.

Primarily you start with the date of your wedding. This should be written on the top of the wedding planning checklist.

The next thing you need to think about is the location and the time of your marriage. Discuss these issues with your partner until you can agree on an ideal date and setting. This way you can take care of the food, lodging and location all in one go. With weddings, it’s always better to have everything planned out in advance. Careful and advance planning is the key to having a wonderful wedding that runs smoothly.

When my wife and I planned our wedding, we booked the hotel room over a year in advance. Our special date was a private ceremony and we agreed to have the wedding and honeymoon all in one whack. The detailed wedding planning checklist we used made our wedding run smoothly.

Other things that you should write on your wedding planning checklist should include your partner’s name, the exact location of the ceremony, the marriage license, possible blood testing, the wedding cake, the bouquet, and of course the rings. These are all vital elements of a memorable wedding ceremony.

On the whole, a wedding checklist should include a lot of wedding essentials. It only takes one overlooked detail to ruin your wedding. Using a detailed wedding planning checklist to plan in advance is a sensible method that can ensure that your special date will be unforgettable.

About the author: Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning weddings. Get the information you are seeking nowhttp://www.weddingsparks.com/weddings/weddings/creffective-wedding-planning-checklist.html”>Wedding Planning Checklist

4 months (Shopping)
Groom’s accessories
Gifts (Attendants-Parents-Fiancé-Participants)
Wedding Insurance
Wedding Favors
Toasting glasses
Cake knife
Server
Home furnishings
Balloons
Decorations
Trousseau
Buy-make birdseed roses-birdseed packets-bubbles

Planning your wedding should be enjoyable-not difficult
Author: John Blonn

Your wedding may be the happiest day of your life, but planning your wedding could be the worst experience of a lifetime-if you don’t think ahead. As popular movies like Father of the Bride and The Wedding Planner have so humorously documented, planning your wedding is both stressful and costly, and can effect your relationship with your family, friends and most importantly, your intended future-spouse! However, as weddings become ever more lavish affairs, there are a burgeoning number of sources that brides and grooms can use to plan their wedding effectively-such as hiring a wedding planner if your budget allows it.

While a number of websites, magazines and other publications provide a plethora of information that couples can access, it is always helpful if you create a wedding checklist at the beginning of your plans, in order to give yourself a clear vision of the path ahead of your big day.

First, once you have announced your engagement to all relevant parties, it is important to start making calculations for your budget and compile a guest list. It is then important to check whether these are compatible: remember, if your budget doesn’t allow you to invite 500 guests, you can’t do it!

It is then worth considering whether you’d like to hire a professional wedding coordinator to plan the more complex parts of your celebration-such as liaising with caterers, negotiating with wedding cake manufacturers and ensuring that all the arrangements for your wedding and your rehearsal dinner are in place. Many hotels, such as http://conradhotelsl.hilton.com offer wedding planning services if you’re holding your wedding at their establishment. This can take a huge weight off your shoulders and make the general passage of your wedding much smoother.

Even if you do relinquish the reigns to a wedding planner, there are still a number of tasks that the bride, groom and their families can carry out with little help. These include addressing and sending invitations, creating a gift registry and generally giving your wedding planner guidance on the way in which they want him or her to go about organizing the wedding. And don’t forget to choose your best man, maid of honor and bridesmaids well in advance, so that they’ll have plenty of time to plan your bachelor and bachelorette party!

Don’t forget: wedding planning does not need to be a stressful task. The important thing is to ensure that you are organized, and, if possible, to employ an effective wedding planner. And even if hiring a wedding planner is beyond the realms of your budget, your wedding is sure to be a success if you stay on top of things and try your best not to exceed your budget.

About the author: John Blonn http://www.pr-sending.co.uk”>PR Sending

3 months (Documentation)
Review-approve wedding announcements place orders

Review-approve wedding program proofs place orders
(Create program layout or let printer do it )

Update bridal gift registry-send thank you notes

Finalize maps for out of town guests (print)

Finalize rehearsal dinner maps (print)
Run engagement announcement in newspaper

Finalize wedding vows-type (memorize)

Select readings

Start addressing invitations

Draft Bridal Shower guest list

Weigh invitation at the post office to determine postage (obtain 2 hold mail document’s while at the post office)

Finalize participant’s duties
Finalize wedding day itinerary

Ensure formal wear shop has all tuxedo measurements
Give addresses of rehearsal dinner guests along with printed maps to the groom’s mother if she is hosting party and mailing invitations. Also ask her if she wants the rehearsal dinner invitations and place cards to match.

3 months (Planning)
Timeline Honeymoon
3 months
Make your hotel, airline and car reservations and send in all necessary deposits. Keep a record of confirmation numbers.

Find out what official travel documents you may need (passport, visa) from your travel agent or tourist board.
Discuss bachelor/ette parties with attendants

Finalize party plans: Bridesmaid’s luncheon
Rehearsal Dinner
Wedding Breakfast/Luncheon
Talk to Hostess about Bridal Shower

Remind Bridesmaid’s about purchasing accessories
Determine if you will be including honoring past loved ones in your ceremony

Finalize food-menu-beverage selections

Select readers

Confirm rehearsal date and time with Ceremony site coordinator

Finalize song selection for video (background for intro/pre wedding)

Remind participant via phone/email/postcards about the rehearsal date, time, and location.

Contact County Clerk’s office to review requirements for marriage license.

WEEKS 12-9 Moving Timeline
1.If your employer is moving you, verify what your company relocation policy covers and for what you will be responsible.

IS A MOVING COMPANY “LICENSED”?
It would be more accurate to confirm that a moving company is “certificated”. This means that a company which has been issued a certificate by the Interstate Commerce Commission has the authority to move household goods. Stevens certificate entitles Stevens to move household goods between any of the 50 states.

A local moving company affiliated with a national company such as Stevens Van Lines may have its own certificate of authority to move shipments within certain geographical areas.

When moving, you will receive and sign two important documents the “Order for Service” and “Bill of Lading”. Each of these will clearly identify on whose operating authority (certificate) your shipment is being moved. If you have questions, be sure to discuss them with your Stevens agent.

2.Establish tentative dates for your move.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO MOVE?
If there is a choice, most moving companies suggest you select a time other than summer or the end of the month. The heaviest demands are placed on vans, equipment and personnel during the summer months
( June through mid-September) when children are out of school, and at the end of any month.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO MOVE?
This depends on many factors, including the time of year, weather conditions, time required to load and unload, and the direction and distance your shipment is traveling. Because the furnishings of the average household will not fill a modern van, it is often necessary for two or more shipments to be loaded on the same van. Each shipment is carefully sectioned off from the others.

With the help of a centralized dispatching system, pickup and delivery dates are then scheduled according to your needs and the origins and destinations of individual shipments.

WHEN SHOULD I CALL A MOVING COMPANY?
The earlier the better. Though the actual van assignment may not be made until a few days before you move, it is wise to give Stevens from four to six weeks advance notice, if possible. The more lead time you can give, the more likely Stevens will be able to meet your preferred dates.

You should discuss your specific pickup and delivery requirements with your Stevens agents who can advise you about the types and costs of service available.

3.Make preparations for selling or renting your present home, or notify your landlord of intent to vacate.

4.Contact Stevens Van Lines for preliminary planning of your move.

DO I NEED AN ESTIMATE?
Upon request, a Stevens’s agent will make a pre-move survey of your households goods to be transported. In this way you will be able to budget your move cost.

HOW MUCH WILL MY MOVE COST?
Basic transportation charges depend on the weight of your goods and the distance they will travel. The total cost will include these transportation costs, any charges for “ For All It’s Worth” or “Depreciated Value” protection, plus charges for any additional services (such as packing and unpacking) performed by the Stevens agent at your request. The charges are based on tariff rate schedules.

WHAT IS A TARIFF?
This is the “price list” used by moving companies who provide interstate transportation of household goods. The list includes all of the various services offered by the company and is on the file with the Interstate Commerce Commission. Your Stevens Van Lines agent has copies of the tariff, which you may inspect.

HOW AND WHEN SHOULD I PAY THE MOVING COMPANY?
Tariff regulations require that all charges be paid in cash, credit card, money order, cashier’s check or travelers check before your shipment is unloaded at destination. On some occasions prior arrangements can be made for later billing charges. Stevens apologizes, but the van operator is not permitted to accept a personal check. This payment rule applies to both regular and binding estimates.

AM I PROTECTED AGAINST LOSS OR DAMAGE?
Under the terms of the Uniform Household Goods Bill of Lading (the receipt for your goods and part of the transportation documentation given you by the moving company), you may choose from Stevens “For All It’s Worth” full value protection plan or three “Depreciated Value” plans. The method you choose determines Stevens’ maximum liability to you.

Purchase of “For All It’s Worth” protection means that if articles are lost, destroyed or damaged while in Stevens’ care, they will be either repaired, replaced with like items, or a cash settlement made for the current market replacement value, regardless of age of the lost or damaged item. Unlike other plans, depreciation of the lost or damaged item is not a factor in determining replacement value.

All three “ Depreciated Value” plans consider depreciation in the settlement of claims. Ask for the brochure “Protection In Transit.”

5.Visit your new town. Contact a real estate agent, or get an apartment guide if you are renting.

3 months (Shopping)
Birdseed roses-fill
Bubbles
Postage
Honeymoon clothing
Luggage
Honeymoon accessories
Groom’s accessories
Handkerchiefs

2 months (Documentation)

Mail invitations
Wedding vows -give copy to officiate and groom

Order: Wedding Programs
Monogrammed napkins for the reception
Determine order-timing of events for Reception

Put invitation to ceremony in church newsletter

Get wedding bands inscribed

Begin creating place cards

Update bridal gift registry-send thank you notes

Out of town groomsmen-have the tuxedo shop send them measurement postcards,
(Call the participants, and encourage them to forward the information ASAP)

2 months (Planning)

Timeline Honeymoon
2months
Make sure you have enough luggage, as well as travel essentials like voltage converters, travel irons, etc. (Hint: Add items you will need to your bridal registry)!

Make sure flower girl dress has been purchased.

Contact mothers about their attire selections.

Determine length of bridesmaid’s dresses.

Determine hose color and shoes for bridesmaids.

Give soloist music to organist
(Get final order of prelude and processional music from organist)
Decide on traditional (old, new, borrowed and blue items)

Discuss-finalize attire for driver attendant (personal transportation)
Confirm dressing room arrangements with Ceremony site coordinator.

Select songs for video (background music for intro/pre wedding)

Determine reception layout (how many tables, chairs etc) with caterer.

Assign someone to place the luggage in the get away car.

Decide how attendants will stand at the ceremony.
.
Finalize ceremony-reception music
Finalize Plans: Rehearsal Dinner
Bridesmaid’s Luncheon
Wedding Breakfast/Luncheon

Choose Reception Special Dance Selections: (1st dance, father/daughter, and mother/son)

WEEKS 8-7
6.Make a list of everyone you must notify.

7.Obtain a change of address kit from the Post Office and begin filling out the notification cards.

8.Begin sorting out those items you do not plan to move. Make plans for selling them or donating them to charity.

9.Contact the Internal Revenue Service or your accountant for forms and information regarding tax deductible moving expenses.

2 months (Shopping)
Monogram napkins
Disposable cameras
Honeymoon clothes
Going away outfit
Rehearsal-Rehearsal Dinner outfit
Six pence for shoe
Bridal Garter
Wrapping paper
Gifts (Parents-Fiancé-Attendants-Participants)
Unity Candle
Wineglasses
Digital camera
Wedding favors
Bridal lingerie
Bridal shower outfit
Ceremony decorations
Cake knife
Goblets
Ring bearer pillow
Bridal purse
Frames (Bridal portrait-Reception seating chart)

7 weeks (Documentation)
Address and stamp wedding announcements

Review license and make sure it doesn’t expire (if applicable)
RSVP guests who have failed to respond.

Work on rehearsal dinner seating arrangements

Finalize a detailed timeline of wedding events (print) pass along to attendants and vendors along with maps and any special instructions.

Create place cards for reception
Update bridal gift registry

Work on speeches for rehearsal and rehearsal dinner

7 weeks (Planning)
Confirm rehearsal date and time

Get swatches of attendants dress fabric and have shoes dyed in one lot.

If bridesmaids live out of town arrange for their dresses to be sent to them for fittings and alterations.

Decide where guests should sign the guest book, and where will wedding programs be placed at ceremony site.
Finalize all party plans (Rehearsal Dinner, Bridesmaids Luncheon, Wedding Breakfast/Luncheon)
Take a fabric swatch and pictures of the wedding gown/bridesmaids dresses to the florist.

Finalize receiving line plans; decide when and where to form the line.
Remind bridesmaids/groomsmen where-when to pick up attire.

Finalize (old, new, borrowed, blue, sixpence in your shoe)

Plan to meet with all ushers to discuss duties for the ceremony and reception.

WEEK 6
10.Make another visit to your new town.

11.Select your new home and make legal and financial arrangements. Determine timeline for occupancy.

12.Check school schedules and enrollment requirements.

13.Determine requirement for new drivers licenses and transfer of registration/license plates.

14.Contact an insurance agent to arrange for coverage on your new home and contents.

15.Access job opportunities for your spouse and children (if applicable).

16. Select a bank, establish accounts and obtain a safety deposit box.

17.Sketch out a floor plan of your new home and get room measurements.

18.If you have not found a new home, secure a Post Office box for mail forwarding.

19.Compile a list of utility companies with their phone numbers. Determine any requirements to begin service, such as deposits or prepayments.

WEEK 5
When you return home:

20.Notify schools of when you are moving. Arrange for records to be transferred to the new school system.

21.Schedule pickup and delivery dates with Stevens Van Lines. If you need storage, make arrangements with Stevens now.

22.If you plan to pack any of your belongings yourself, obtain packing brochures and materials from Stevens.

DO MY APPLIANCES NEED SPECIAL ATTENTION?
Most refrigerators, washers, and dryers and other electrical or mechanical appliances require special servicing to assure safe transportation. Any moving parts, such as motors on major appliances, washer drums and the pickup are on a turntable should be securely fastened for shipment.

It is the owner’s responsibility to see that appliances are serviced for shipment before they are loaded on the van. Upon request and for an additional charge, Stevens will perform this service, using either its own qualified personnel or an authorized service company.

CAN MY POSSESSIONS BE STORED TEMPORARILY?
If you are unable to take immediate possession of your new residence, your belongings can be stored at a reasonable cost in a local Stevens’s agent’s warehouse. Stevens’s agents throughout the world provide safe storage facilities for holding your goods until you are ready for them. You must specifically request storage service, however. You are responsible for the storage charges, as well as warehouse handling and final delivery charges. Stevens is liable to the same extent as during transportation. Stevens’s agents throughout the world provide safe storage facilities for holding your goods until you are ready for them. You must specifically request storage service, however. You are responsible for the storage charges, as well as warehouse handling and final delivery charges. Stevens is liable to the same extent as during transportation.

23.Continue sorting belongings that you will dispose of, items you are taking with you and everything else that goes with the mover.

24.If you have high value or unusual items that you expect to ship, obtain an appraisal and gather receipts.

7 weeks (Shopping)
Honeymoon clothing
Luggage
Honeymoon accessories
Reception decorations
Gift Fiancé
Wedding favors

1 month (Documentation)

Finalize all Rehearsal Dinner invitations including maps and MAIL.

Make sure all documents are in order (legal, religious, medical)

Update bridal gift registry-send thank you notes

Confirm that all measurements are in (tuxedo shop)

Final checklist of wedding day events

Finalize wedding announcement (send to newspaper)

Work on seating arrangements: Reception
Rehearsal Dinner

Finalize Honeymoon itinerary

Post announcement and photo on your wedding website.
Arrange for table card setup at Reception site.

Complete place cards.

Prepare vendor balance envelopes-post date checks (place all completed envelopes in a large manilla envelope)

RSVP guests
Finalize speeches for rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.

Finalize honeymoon itinerary-give to friend or family member

1 month (Planning)

Timeline Honeymoon
1month

Buy or borrow a still and/or video camera if you need them, plus film, tape, extra batteries, sunglasses and sunscreen.

Research typical weather conditions online or in travel guidebooks so you can pick the right clothes and accessories to bring for daytime and evening ( even in summertime, some destinations cool down considerably at night).

Purchase trip insurance.

Plan and make reservations for any activities you want to participate in. Make reservations for restaurants or shows.

Pay off credit cards (so you're ready for a honeymoon splurge)!

Make a copy of your travel itinerary, plus phone and fax numbers where you can be reached, and leave it at home or with family and friends in case of emergency.

Create a list of everything you'll want and need to pack, including clothes, toiletries and accessories.

Ask florist if you can keep/buy unity candle (if applicable)

Order flower arrangements for rehearsal dinner tables, arrange for delivery, confirm with coordinator at rehearsal dinner site.

Find out if Caterer will prepare a food basket for the newlyweds to take to their wedding night suite. (Assign someone to place the food basket in the back of the get away car, before you exit the reception)

Determine who will be in the limousine. (discuss your decision with everyone beforehand so there are no misunderstandings)

Determine when items needed at the Reception site will be taken there, and find out from the Reception coordinator when you can get access.

Determine when items needed at the Ceremony site will be taken there, and find out from the Ceremony coordinator when you can get access. (Confirm rehearsal date and time)

Box and wrap gifts for attendants.

Decide if wedding gown will be preserved, make arrangements.

Decide if bouquet will be preserved, make arrangements.

Figure out how to affix the six pence to your shoe.

Make sure organist, vocalist, band, and DJ have all the music selections and equipment required to perform.

Meet with ushers to assign duties for the ceremony and reception.

WEEK 4
25. Time to hold your moving sale and/or give to charity items that you no longer need.

26.Verify your time schedules with your real estate agents or landlords. If problems exist, arrange for interim housing.

27.Send out change of address cards to the Post Office, magazines, friends and relatives.

Arrange for preparation, storage, break areas for vendors.

Arrange for transportation to and from the airport.

Make all necessary arrangements for care of pets, and plants,
Contact newspaper to stop deliver (if applicable)

Attend Bridal Shower

Have bridal portrait taken

Finalize Reception and Ceremony planning
Finalize Party plans: Rehearsal Dinner
Bridesmaid’s Luncheon
Wedding Breakfast/Luncheon
Check with bridesmaids regarding purchasing accessories

1 month (Shopping)
Gifts (Fiancé-parents)
Groom accessories
Emergency Kit
Automobile Maintenance
Automobile detailing
Automobile decorations
Going away outfit
Welcome baskets (out of town guests)
Office supplies (manila envelopes, payment envelopes)
Liquor
Wine
Champagne
Ring bearers pillow
Candles
Bridal garter (throw away-keepsake)

3 weeks (Planning)

Pick-up attire

Remind participants about rehearsal date, time, location
Attend showers

Finalize all party plans: Rehearsal Dinner
Wedding Day Breakfast/Luncheon

Bridesmaid’s Luncheon
Make arrangements for gifts to be taken from Reception site to wherever they will be stored.
(If necessary, rent a storage unit, and plan to store items off the floor, plan accordingly)
Assign someone to deposit any money gifts into your account, pass along some deposit slips.
Assign a house sitter to be at your home, parent’s home, fiancé’s home on the day of the rehearsal, ceremony, reception and your honeymoon.

Fill birdseed roses

Finish reception centerpieces

Remind bridesmaid’s about accessories

WEEK 3
28.Gather all your personal records:
a. Doctors
b. Accountant
c. Dentists
d. Church
e. Lawyer
f. Schools

29.Notify utility companies of disconnect dates at your old home and provide forwarding address; contact those in your new town to begin service.

a. Phone Company:
b. Gas Company
c. Electric company
d. Water service
e. Cable TV

30.Notify your credit card companies of the change of address.
31.Apply for new bankcards and local store charge accounts.

WEEK 2
32.Take care of financial arrangements:
33.Transfer bank accounts.
34.Remove contents of safe deposit box.
35.Notify your broker or investment counselor.
36.Notify insurance company.
37.Settle any outstanding bills.
38.Take your pet to the veterinarian for immunization and preparation for the journey. Arrange for transportation, and obtain copy of your pet’s records and licenses.

HOW CAN I MOVE MY PET?
Pets cannot be carried on a moving van. Ask for a copy of the brochure “How To Move With Pets”

39.If you are moving out of a high-rise building, contact the property manager and reserve the elevator for moving day.

40.Drain oil and gas from all your power equipment.

41.Cancel deliveries and services such as newspaper, diaper and trash collection, effective by your moving day.

42. Consider a sitter for children and pets on moving day.

3 weeks (Documentation)
Finalize reception guest list

RSVP guests

Finalize: Special seating
Toasts
Speeches
Begin completing documentation for name change and address changes
(Address envelopes, print and sign letters, and stamp)

RSVP guests
Update Bridal gift registry-send thank you notes

3 weeks (Shopping)
Bridal garter
Going away outfit
Emergency kit
Spare panty hose

1 week (Planning)

Timeline Honeymoon
1Week

Confirm your travel arrangements.

Get traveler's checks and/or a small amount of foreign cash if you're going abroad. You can do this at most banks.

Make sure all your accessories----shows, handbags, jewelry, and ties---are chosen and in no need of repair or cleaning. If they need "help" send them out now so they are perfect for your trip. Replace things if necessary now, too. Shopping for beach shoes the day before your wedding is not fun!

Discuss duties, details with attendants (receiving line. Seating etc)
(Schedule early meeting time on the wedding day)

Confirm rehearsal date, time with Ceremony site-participants

Pack for Honeymoon and wedding night

Pick up wedding gown (try on before leaving the shop)

Break in wedding shoes
Attend Bachelor/ette Party

Host Bridesmaid Luncheon

Finalize receiving line planning
Begin to carefully package everything that will be taken to the Ceremony-Reception sites
Put bridal purse together

WEEK 1-MOVING WEEK
3-4 Days before moving out:

43.Defrost your freezer give or throw away any perishable food you will not eat in the next two days.

CAN I MOVE MY FROZEN FOODS?
Frozen foods can be moved, but only under certain specific conditions. Be sure to discuss this with your Stevens agent.

44.If you are driving, have your car serviced.

1-2 Days before moving out:

45.Pack your luggage and anything you are taking with you.

HOW SHALL I MOVE MY JEWELRY AND OTHER VALUABLES?
While Stevens can move valuables such as money, credit cards stamp collections or other items of extraordinary value, we recommend that you carry irreplaceable and expensive articles with you: or check with your bank or post office for alternate methods of transporting your valuables.

Under no circumstances should you conceal valuable items in boxes, dresser drawers, etc. without telling your Stevens agent and asking that the item(s) be shown on the inventory. Such information clearly establishes that the item is included in the shipment and extends Stevens’ liability for that item.

CAN I PACK MY CLOTHES IN CHEST AND DRESSER DRAWERS?
Lightweight clothing-sweaters, shirts, blouses, lingerie may be left in the drawers. Do not fill drawers with heavy items such as books, table linens, or sheets, which can damage the piece of furniture during transit. Be careful not to include fragile items or anything that might spill or leak.

46.Use only those household items you absolutely have to, such as towels, sheets, pans, a coffee pot and a few tools. Everything else should be ready to go.

47.Obtain travelers checks for trip expenses and payment to movers.

Moving Day Relax and observe the Stevens Van Lines professionals at work:

48.Before the movers leave, check through the house with your driver to make sure nothing was missed. Remember to check the attic, basement, closets, cupboards, and drawers.

49.Consider staying overnight in a hotel, or with friends or family. Leave the next morning for your new residence. Source Stevens Worldwide Van Lines

2 days before

Timeline Honeymoon
2 Days

Pack your suitcase. Be sure your best clothing is wrapped in tissue paper or plastic to prevent wrinkling.

Review duties with all participants

Pick up gown (try on before leaving the shop)

Pick up formal wear (try on before leaving the shop)

Pass wedding bands to the Honor attendants

Pass marriage certificate and officiate fee to Best Man

Give Bridesmaids/Groomsmen any accessories you want them to wear on the wedding day.

Confirm who will be decorating, and confirm access times to the Ceremony and Reception sites.

Lay out everything (gown, lingerie etc)

Take one last walk in your wedding shoes, lightly scuff the bottoms.

Check the weather

Contact ALL your vendors and suppliers one more time to confirm all your arrangements.

Final check of everything that should be going to the Ceremony and reception sites.

Day Before
Wake up call scheduled with hotel operator.

Get your nails and feet manicured.
Decorate (if possible) or arrange to drop off items at ceremony/reception sites

Timeline Honeymoon
Day of Departure

Make sure you have your tickets, passports, and money in your carry-on bag (not in your checked luggage, in the event a bag gets lost)!

Reconfirm your flight before leaving home. Be sure to arrive at the airport early (two hours for domestic flights, three for international).

Finally enjoy yourself! This is your time for romance, fun, relaxation and love.

Cyber shopping-What you need to know
If you surf the Internet, then you’re probably familiar with the term “digital stores” and “online malls”. Thousands of consumers are now taking advantage of the opportunity to shop from the comfort of their homes via personal computer. You can buy anything-clothes, computers, music CDs-you name it! Crowded malls, long lines and parking worries can be a thing of the past. Sounds great? It can be! The Better Business Bureau (BBB) along with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), offer shoppers the following tips to ensure that your cyber shopping experience is a satisfying one.

If you’re interested in trying a new merchant, one that you are not familiar with, ask the merchant for the physical location (address and phone number) so that you can check on its reliability with outside organizations, like the BBB and consumer agencies.

Determine the company’s refund and return policies before you place an order.

Never give out your Internet password. When creating a password, avoid using established numbers, such as your house number, birth date, or your telephone or Social Security numbers. If the site asks you to create an account with a password, never use the same password you use for other accounts or sites.

Be cautious if you’re asked to supply personal information, such as your Social Security number or personal bank account information, to conduct a transaction. Personal information is rarely necessary and should raise a red flag.

Check the company out with your Better Business Bureau. For the phone number or address of your nearest BBB, visit the BBB’s website at www.bbb.org. Nearly every BBB provides business reliability reports online.

Pay attention to the “address” of the site-its Uniform Resource Locator (URL). The URL ensures that you are dealing with the right company. It’s a good idea to print out a copy of your order and confirmation number for your records.

Know your rights. The same laws that protect you when you shop by phone or mail apply when you shop in cyberspace. Under the law, a company must ship your order within the time stated in its ads. If no time is promised, the company should ship your order within 30 days after receiving it, or give you and “option notice”.

If you decided to pay by credit card or charge card, your transaction will be protected by the Fair Credit Billing Act. If you’re not comfortable entering your credit or charge card account number online, call it in to the company’s 800 number or fax it.

For additional advice and tips on making wise purchasing decisions online or offline, visit the BBB website and the FTC Web site.

Shopping Online
Here are some specific tips for buying online:

Research the seller, Company websites often provide information in a section called “About Us”. Some online sellers participate in programs such as BBBonline that help resolve problems. Look for a logo or endorsement seal on the company website. This is an indication but not a guarantee, of the seller’s reliability.

Check www.bizrate.com to see how other consumers rated online stores. Some action sites post ratings of sellers based on comments by buyers. This may give you some idea of how you’ll be treated, but beware of too many glowing testimonials that might be placed by sellers themselves.

Comparison shop at a variety of online stores. Shopping “bots” such as www.mysimon.com may help. Other feature and price comparisons can be found using the shopping page of www.consumerworld.org.

Make sure you are clear on the condition of the product. Look for words like “refurbished,” reconditioned,” “ close-out”, discontinued,” or off-brand,” especially when shopping for computer gear or electronic equipment.

Never send your credit card number by e-mail because e-mails are not secure.

Save all transaction details. Print out or make note of the seller’s identification, the item description and the time, date and price you paid or bid on the item. Print and save copies of your order confirmation screen and all e-mail communications.

Use a secure website to help protect your credit card from misuse. The Online Privacy section offers more information on secured websites. If you are not comfortable providing your credit card number online, many sellers allow you to call or fax it to them.
For more information about shopping online, visit www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/online/payments.htm and www.safeshopping.org

Getting a Little Help from Your Friends
Over the years, I’ve heard statements like these from time to time:” Aunt Shirley is going to cater my wedding.” My friend Ellen is doing the flowers.” “Jennifer my sorority sister is going to coordinate my wedding.” “Uncle Harvey likes to tinker with a camera and will be taking the pictures.” All these examples have two common elements: The couple thinks they’re saving money, and they expect a professional job. They most likely will be disappointed on both counts.

There’s nothing wrong with asking your friend Ellen to take care of your floral needs. She’s a good friend, and you know she’ll do her best. The problem comes when she doesn’t or can’t deliver what you expect.

When those flowers arrive, you may find out too late that Ellen wasn’t really right for this task. The colors are all wrong, the arrangement doesn’t look anything like the picture you showed her, and she forgot the main centerpiece for the head table at the reception.

The bottom line? Don’t assume that just because someone is your friend or a family member, he or she has the expertise to handle a particular task. Even with their best efforts, these jobs may be too much for friends or family to take on. Unless your friend or family member is a florist, photographer, or caterer by trade, it’s best to leave these tasks to the professionals.

What to Bring with You
Make sure you've got all of the items you need from the list below. Put a family member, a member of the bridal party, or the wedding planner in charge of bringing them. Ask the same person to collect anything that needs returning afterward.

To the Ceremony....
Wedding day emergency kit
Copy of the vows
Programs
Wedding rings
Ring bearer's pillow

Marriage license. The officiate will mail it in, so stamp the envelope and enclose a check to cover extra copies.

Guest book and pens
Unity candle
Chalice, goblets, or Kiddush cup
Glass/light bulb to break (Jewish ceremony)
Yarmulkes (Jewish ceremony)
Handkerchief (for bride)
Anything that will be handed out to guests, such as bells or fans
Family bible
Extra copy of shot list for photographer
Schedule of events
Boutonnieres
Bouquets
Corsages

To the Reception...
Wedding day Emergency kit
Guest book and pens
Box for gift envelopes
Gratuities for vendors (already in envelopes)
Tossing garter
Tossing bouquet
Cake cutting knife
Toasting glasses
Challah knife and challah cover (Jewish ceremony)
Any items such as family photos that you're using to personalize the space
Personalized cocktail napkins
Favors
Seating cards
Table numbers
Place cards
Menus

Extra copies of shot list for photographer and Do Not Play list for musicians or deejay.

Extra copies of the schedule of events (for vendors)

Extra pair of shoes for the bride to put under her chair

Amenities for the restrooms such as breath mints, deordant, safety pins

A copy of any DVD or video you're showing

Extra CD of the first dance song

MP3 player if you're providing music.

If you want your napkins rolled up and tied with ribbon, don't assume the venue will do it for you. Ask the venue or the florist if they can take care of it. If they can't or if it's beyond your budget, arrange to get the napkins early and enlist some friends to help tie them up. Same goes for chair sashes and slipcovers---find out if the linen company can help out.

Last Minute Details
Make sure nothing is left in the bride and groom's changing rooms.

Transport gifts to the car or honeymoon suite

Collect cash from a money dance or checks from the box on the gift table

Put gold jewelry presented to the bride (common at Muslim and Indian weddings) in a hotel safe or other secure place.

Take the top tier of the wedding cake home to freeze. Sometimes it gets left in the refrigerator of the hotel kitchen.

Take home personal items such as cake cutting knife, toasting flutes, guest book, the extra pair of shoe under the bride's chair, framed photos, and any tabletop or decor items. Make a detailed checklist in advance. If you brought your own MP3 player or CDs, don't forget those.

Save your seating card---it may be the first time you see your name as Mr. and Mrs. (if that's what you opt for), and you'll want it for your memory box or scrapbook. If any speeches were written out, save those too.

Take the bouquet home to preserve it.

Collect ceremony items such as the family Bible or unity candle.

Attendant Duties-Wedding Vendors
Coordinate walkthroughs with Site Managers of ceremony/reception sites 2 months before event.

Organize all contracts have 2 copies (binder with plastic sheets is the best method) don’t forget divider pages labeled with the vendors business name. For instance: Caterer, Florist

Each time something is discussed, jot it down and place it in the plastic folder. Go through this binder before meeting with the vendors to do a walkthrough (2 months).

Confirm arrangements via telephone/email with wedding vendors & suppliers (monthly)

Setup/Breakdown Storage-break areas at ceremony/reception sites

Make sure vendors have everything they need to perform duties.

Put together 2nd vendor book containing contracts and contact names and numbers

Put together all balances owed and place in manila envelope, place in binder. Deliver at reception

Address envelopes with thank you notes and have bride mail after reception.

At 2-month timeline, mail all vendors maps with instructions and any additional details including wedding timeline.

Audio: Plan to have someone walk the vendor around and identify guests who need to be 'heard'.
Photographer: Plan to have someone walk the vendor around and identify guests who need to be photographed.
Videographer: Plan to have someone walk the vendor around and identify guests who need to be videoed.
Music: Purchase a recording for your 1st dance, and have the individual give the music to the DJ at the appropriate time.

Attendant Clerical
Someone with legible handwriting:
Address the wedding announcements
Weigh invitation and purchase postage
Mail invitations (preferably in an overnight delivery box)

Party Planning Attendants
Addressing and mailing invitations
Addressing and mailing thank-you cards
Purchasing and preparing supplies

Guest Attendant
Arrange for Airport Shuttle pickup and return trips.

If Applicable: Make/confirm arrangements for taxis, charter buses, or trolleys.

For Special Needs guests make arrangements for handicap equipment i.e. wheelchair, oxygen etc.

If event will be held outside have available Benadryl for bee stings and something for allergic reactions to flowers pollen etc.

If guests aren't English speaking arrange for a translator, which should be introduced to guest(s) the day before the wedding so that they can get acquainted.

Purchase all necessary film for individual cameras

Purchase manilla envelopes for guest cameras (place individual cameras in envelopes which then are labeled and taken to the nearest 1 hour film developing center).

Guests should have a number where to reach this individual day or night.

Put together welcome baskets

Deliver welcome baskets to rooms (Have contact information of Hotel Manager and Head Housekeeper of the hotel guests will be staying in) make these arrangements in advance.

Compile guest’s airline, hotel and entertainment information.

Place toiletries in the reception bathroom, store excess and check supply periodically.

Special needs guests: Make sure they meet with their ‘attendants’ prior to the wedding.

Draft maps for guests hotel to ceremony and from ceremony to the reception and back to the hotel.

Draft maps for guest’s hotel to ceremony site and from ceremony site to the rehearsal dinner site and from there back to the hotel.

Guest Book Attendant
Fill out first page of guest book before taking it to the wedding.

Knows in advance of the wedding where the guest book stand will be located at both locations.

Brings additional pens and maps to the reception

Takes book from ceremony to reception.

Moving Attendants
Plan on packing 1 room a month
Make sure to label boxes, which should then be stored in a unit.

Pickup, deliver, setup, breakdown, and return items, as instructed.

Bridal Party Attendants
Have an Informed Attendant form for each participant

Obtain measurements for each

Contact/recontact each to remind about deadlines

If attendants will be dressing at the church make sure area is set up the night before (this would be ideal)

If the bridesmaid’s shoes are to be dyed, make arrangements.

Make sure all of the Accessories are inventoried and set up
Shoes
Stockings
Gloves
Jewelry
Garter
Hankies
Bibles
Goblets

Transport Bride and Groom Getaway Outfits make sure clothing is cleaned, and pressed.

After wedding take gown to designated cleaners

After wedding have items such as shoes, gloves, and veil, cleaned and properly stored.

Pack bride and grooms suitcase with check listed items.

Return all rental and borrowed items.
Gift Attendant
Have a inventory list (preferable one with alphabetized names) as gifts come in unwrap them, note what the gift is, and who sent it.

If there is a warranty inside, fill it out, make a notation, and send it off.

Photograph each gift for the bride's household inventory.

Display as necessary

Receive gifts at the ceremony site (secure them in a locked vehicle)

Receive gifts at the reception site (secure name tag with wide band tape)

Move gifts from the reception site

Setup gift table at reception site

Set up gift display table at bride’s home

Prepare system to keep track of gift

Prepare binder for gift warranty’s fill out as they come in, have bride sign them and mail them out as soon as possible. Record serial numbers and take photographs of each gift before displaying.

Binder should include: Protectors, dividers, and tabs

Monetary Gifts should be collected and carefully placed in a special envelope. Thereafter a trusted individual should deposit checks into the bride and groom's bank account.

Gift-Favor Attendant
Package all guest favors and hand out at ceremony

Package all Welcome baskets and deliver to hotel rooms

Wrap all usher/bridesmaid gifts

Communications Attendant
Taking the proper messages is essential:

First/Last name correct spelling, area code phone number time/date

Anyone who cannot take the above information should not be asked to do this important duty.

Message codes should be given and the individual will be responsible for retrieving your messages from the voicemail account, answering service, and your answering machine.

It would also be beneficial for this person to return calls and thereafter make sure that you get get the right information.

Help call invited guests who forgot to respond to their invitations on time.

Ceremony Attendants
Lock up ceremony site, meet with janitor

Person responsible for bringing ring cushion and guest book to the ceremony site.

Person to pass out wedding programs:

Usher to receive seating chart for pews:

Place vows in book at altar

Make sure all readers have their scripts (day before ceremony) Bring extra copies

Pass out wedding programs (pick up excess after ceremony)

Set up wedding program area (discussed/viewed before ceremony)

Will the following items need to be rented? or are they already available:
Aisle Runner
Altar
Candles purchased with more than one lighter (test before purchasing)
Candelabras
Table runner
Cushions
Benches

Coat Check Attendant
Takes coats and hats from guests and returns them after the ceremony/reception.

Whoever is assigned this task must be someone who is responsible and won't leave guest's belongings unattended.

Readers-Singers
Read a poem or religious reading during the ceremony.

Sing a song or play a musical selection during the ceremony if she or he is musically inclined.

Movers-Setup Attendants
Responsible for picking up settingup/breakingdown and returning all rentals

Pack 1 room a month and store in storage unit.

Drop off all donations at thrift store.

Cake Attendant
Cake knife with corsage bring to reception

Package top of cake for newlyweds, freeze

Return piers and pickup deposit (if applicable)

Plan to meet the baker and put cake in safe cool place when delivered

Cut and serve cake to guests (discuss correct way with caterer before reception)

Bartender Attendant
Purchase all bar supplies, which should be double-checked with bartenders

Inventory all alcohol and supplies before setting up.

Purchase and store ice, if necessary purchase more BEFORE it runs out.

Talk to reception site coordinator about storage before hand.

Deliver liquors and mixers

Pickup unopened bottles or liquors and mixers

At the reception
Plan to rent a U-haul truck, which should be secured after each item is placed inside.

When gifts are received, tags should be secured with a thick piece of clear masking tape.

Gifts should not accumulate at the reception location. There should be two attendants, one that is always at the table and the 2nd with help that transports the gifts to the U-haul.

Gift table should not be anywhere near an exit door.

Dressing Room Attendant
Responsible for making sure the room is stocked and schedules for hair, makeup, photo shoots, and departure are kept.
Supplies
Large clock
Mirrors full length
Bar stools
Tables for hairstylist and makeup artist
Emergency kit
Steamer
Iron
Extension cord
Ironing board with pad
Music cd's/cd player with extension cord

For Bride
Clothing that can be worn and taken off without messing up her hair and makeup
Bathrobe
Zip front hoodie/sweatpants

Prerecorded Attendant
Setup-prerecorded music
Store-prerecorded music
Get CD player ready (Clean player and CD before reception)
Decorate table where CD player will be located.
Deliver sheet music to vocalist and organist
Collect and organize all CDs (have a play list made up in advance)
Gather Extension Cords, and other supplies
Table with cover, chairs

Decoration Attendants
What needs to be done should be clearly discussed and understood and this should NOT be done the night before the wedding but at least 6 weeks before. Written instructions should also be packed with the decorations.

It would be ideal if everything could be delivered and secured at the reception site the night before.
As an added tip: Make sure you have the right stuff to make your visual ideas to come out looking the way you imagined. Measure everything; make sure you have enough extension cords (if applicable) and extras of whatever in the event anything breaks.

Announcer Attendant Duties
Announces bride and groom
Announces family members
Announces cake cutting ceremony
Announces bouquet toss
Announces garter toss

Restroom Attendant
Individuals who are posted in/outside the restroom. Their duties could consist of making sure the bathroom is kept neat, wastebaskets emptied, toilet paper, paper towels should be kept filled.
Supplies which could be made available to guests using the restrooms could include:
Hairspray
Mouthwash
Sewing Kit
Emergency Kit for stains
Hosiery
Superglue
Toothbrush/toothpaste (sample packs)
Lotion
Visine
Contact solution
Sanitary pads

Attendant can also be responsible for supervising/monitoring a cleanup crew .
Another duty: Collecting any found items and returning them to guests, information should be relayed to Guest Attendant so the lost item is returned before the guest leaves town.

Both Locations
Flower Attendant
Make sure that flowers are delivered to guests as discussed.
ie: grandparents, mothers, ushers, bridesmaids, groom and flowergirl

If mothers are to be given roses after the ceremony have them set aside.

Move flowers from ceremony to reception (Plan in advance where they will be placed)

Arrange to have flowers donated after reception.

Seating Attendant
Manage seating chart for ceremony pews

Hangs seating chart at reception site (location of where this should go discussed in advance) Check with reception site coordinator during 2 month walk through.

Bridal Portrait-responsible for placing at reception site.

Set up place cards table at reception
Idea: Table with lists of guest names, attendant would inform guest of their table number.

Collect all cloth napkins after reception.

Childcare Attendant
Provide planner with a list of supplies to entertain the children.

Childcare provider should know the ages of children before supplies are purchased

Check kiddie menu and make sure there are the right number of high chairs/booster chairs.

Make sure there are cribs in nursery (if applicable)

Help flower girl, ring bearer, pages, trainbearers know what they are supposed to do.

Check with minor participants on a timeline and make sure they have attire and misc items.

Ring pillow: Arrange to meet the ring bearer at the ceremony to pass ring pillow.

Unattended Children
If children in the wedding party also have a parent in the wedding party, you'll need to make sure that an adult they know can not only look out for them after they walk down the aisle but also do the all important, preceremony bathroom reminder and be prepared to take the child out of the ceremony area if he becomes too loud. I recommend having treats on hand for bribing!

After children walk down the aisle, they shouldn't be expected to stand, so make sure you've reserved a seat for them and their "keeper” somewhere in the front.

Personal Transportation Driver Duties
Pickup rental car
Drive couple to airport from reception
Make sure luggage is in the trunk.
Check luggage in at the airport

Take vehicle to be serviced (if personal vehicle will be used)
Appointment should be made 2 months before wedding date.

Take vehicle to be detailed the day before.
Make an appointment 1 month before the wedding date.

Decorate vehicle on the wedding day.
8Purchase auto decorations; discuss how you want it done before hand

Meet with the caterer to receive and careful place a snack for the bride and groom.
(This should be done before the bride and groom depart from the reception site)

Your best man may act as your personal chauffeur and drive you about that day.
(The maid of honor would join him).