You've now taken the plunge and said you to his marriage proposal. You're excited but have some trepidation about the next step. Embarking on wedding preparations can be a daunting experience. But don't worry there is help at hand. This beginner's guide to wedding planning will give you a good starting point for planning the biggest celebration of your life.

The First step is to consider the date. Do you want an autumn wedding or do you prefer the symbolism of a springtime celebration. Whichever you choose you need to allow yourself enough time to book your venues as most a booked months in advance.

The budget is the next step in planning your wedding. How much you are willing to spend will determine the type of wedding you'll have. Big or small. Extravagant or simple. A fully catered event or a cocktail party. To put a budget together you should estimate the cost of everything and then try to keep to your budget. Make sure you expectations and budget are realistic.

Research suppliers and vendors you think you might use for your wedding. Below is a suggested checklist with timelines.

12 TO 24 MONTHS BEFORE WEDDING

oAnnounce your engagement to family, and then friends

oDecide upon a budget and list who will pay for what

oDetermine wedding style and degree of formality of your wedding

oMeet with clergy. Arrange for pre-marital counselling or classes suggested by clergy

oSelect ceremony site (have alternative plan if wedding is held outside)

oSelect reception site (have alternative plan if wedding is held outside)

oSet date and time of wedding and reception

?Note: You must coordinate your ceremony site, reception site, date and time of wedding, budget and size of the wedding before any other definite plans can be made

oBoth families begin to compile guest lists. (Set a definite date for final lists.)

oDevelop a record-keeping system for all wedding details, contracts, etc.

oDevelop a record-keeping system for guests, invitations, gifts, and thank-you notes

6 TO 9 MONTHS BEFORE WEDDING

o Select colour scheme and wedding theme

o Select photographer/ videographer

o Select music for ceremony

o Select reception entertainment

o Select florist

o Select limousine service or other transportation

o Select caterer (if not provided by reception site)

o Select and order wedding cake

o Choose your attendants including bridesmaids and groomsmen.

o Shop for your gown, veil, headpiece, jewellery and accessories

Note: You should order your gown at least 7 months before your wedding date.

o Select bridesmaid's gowns

Note: These gowns should also be ordered at approximately same time as your gown. Obtain a swatch of fabric to coordinate all other wedding colours.

oSelect shoes for you and bridesmaids.

oSelect formalwear

oFinalize honeymoon plans

oApply for passport and arrange for inoculations (if necessary)

oSelect beauty consultant

oMake arrangements for rehearsal dinner.

oReserve wedding night hotel suite

4 TO 6 MONTHS BEFORE WEDDING

o Finalize guest list, eliminate duplicates

o Enter guests' names, addresses, and phone numbers into appropriate record book.

oDelegate duties to the bridal party i.e planning bachelor/bucks party and brides party/hens night

oSelect wedding rings

oSelect bonbonniere. (If they are to be made, begin preparations.)

oMake appointments for hairdresser, nail salon, makeup, tanning salon

o Try new hairstyle now, rather than just before wedding.

oOrder invitations, wedding stationery, personal stationery with your married name, etc.

oReconfirm plans with ceremony and reception sites, clergy person, caterer, florist, photographer, videographer, ceremony and reception musicians, baker, and travel agent for honeymoon plans.

oCheck on status of attendants' gowns.

oWrite and review wedding vows, if appropriate.

oAsk special people to do reading at the ceremony.

oDesign wedding program handout for ceremony and arrange to have wedding program printed.

o Make sure all deposits are paid, and contracts signed.

2 TO 4 MONTHS BEFORE WEDDING

oAddress wedding invitations. (Invitations should be mailed six weeks before wedding date.)

oSelect gifts for attendants

oCompile bridal shower guest lists.

oPurchase garter, cake top, knife, toasting glasses

oSet up a Bridal Registry

1 TO 2 MONTHS BEFORE WEDDING

o Have fittings for gown and attendants' gowns

o Obtain marriage license. (30 days before wedding date)

o Purchase wedding gift for fianc?.

o Prepare seating list for reception and make place cards, if appropriate.

o Confirm ceremony details with officiate.

o Finalize wedding music

o Finalize music list for reception. Request special dances, songs, etc.

o Make an itinerary for your wedding day. Give to all wedding party members, parents, and wedding consultant.

o Make sure all transportation arrangements for wedding party have been finalized.

oConfirm that all men have been fitted for formalwear.

2WEEKS BEFORE WEDDING

oCall guests who have not responded to invitations

o Confirm time and date of wedding rehearsal with all wedding party members.

oObtain travel tickets, itineraries

1 WEEK BEFORE WEDDING

oTry on wedding gown to check fit and make sure it is pressed.

oReconfirm all wedding plans: ceremony and reception site, florist, photographer, videographer, musicians, baker, and honeymoon plans.

o Give caterer/reception site final head count.

o Make final payment for any services that require prepayment.

oVerify that all attendants have wedding apparel.

1DAY BEFORE WEDDING

oSet aside everything you will need at ceremony site: gown, headpiece, veil, accessories, shoes, stockings, slip, purse, brush and hairspray.

o Attend rehearsal

oGet a good night's sleep!

WEDDING DAY

oForget any details that run amok.

o Eat a good breakfast.

oTake a relaxing bath.

oSee hairdresser for wedding hairstyle.

oHave makeup applied.

oDon't forget rings and wedding license.

oThank everyone for their help.

Enjoy the day!

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