Page 66 - South Mississippi Living - February, 2016

ROMANCE & WEDDING timeline WEDDING
Select and purchase wedding favors and wedding favor accessories — boxes, personalized wedding ribbon, labels, etc.
Purchase any desired ceremony and reception decorations — unity candles, vases, aisle runner, etc.
Start researching wedding cake pictures and local bakeries.
Book your honeymoon and verify that you have any necessary travel documents including passports and visas.
Book a room for your wedding night, if you will be leaving for your honeymoon the next morning.
Book hotel rooms or arrange other accommodations for out-of-town guests. Finalize your guest list and send out save- the-date cards.
Print out directions to the ceremony, reception, rehearsal dinner and hotel(s) for guests.
Compile a list of area information and things to do for out-of-town guests. Reserve transportation for you and your wedding party to and from the wedding, as well as a bus or trolley for your guests (if necessary).
2-4 MONTHS BEFORE
Find out what your state’s requirements
are for obtaining a marriage license and get blood tests done, if required.
Order tuxedos for the groom and groomsmen.
Meet with your caterer to discuss the menu and your bar/liquor needs.
Meet with your officiant to discuss ceremony details, wording and wedding vows.
Select wedding readings.
This wedding planning checklist covers a 12 month span, but you can adjust the schedule to your own timeline, whether you’re planning two years or one month in advance. Just go down the list and make sure you don’t forget anything.
12 MONTHS BEFORE
Announce your engagement to family
and friends and plan an engagement party.
Place an engagement announcement in your local newspaper.
Sign up for a wedding website to keep your guests informed about event details, area information, etc.
Work on the budget.
Consider purchasing wedding planning software to organize everything, or
hire a wedding planner to help secure contracts, etc.
Choose a wedding date — select a few days in case your first choice is booked. Choose a location and reserve your ceremony and reception site(s).
Begin a rough guest list and compile current addresses.
Decide on who you’d like to have as your attendants, including your maid of honor and best man.
Begin shopping for your wedding gown. Attend a local bridal show or two and jot down notes about any vendors you really like.
Purchase a wedding planning organizer or calendar to keep track of important dates and appointments (fittings, showers, etc.).
6-9 MONTHS BEFORE
Research and choose one or more bridal
gift registry.
Order your wedding gown and buy undergarments that you will wear with it (bring these to all fittings).
Order other bridal accessories — shoes, gloves, veil, etc.
Begin shopping for bridesmaids dresses. Find an officiant who will perform your ceremony.
Research vendor websites and blogs, schedule appointments and book ceremony musicians, a wedding band or DJ, photographer, videographer, caterer and florist.
66 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • February 2016
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4-6 MONTHS BEFORE
Select and order your wedding
invitations, invitation envelopes and thank-you cards.
Hire a calligrapher, if desired (check with a local stationery store for referrals).
checklist