| If you've recently become engaged, chances are you | | | | About eight months before the wedding start |
| are on cloud nine. This can be a wonderful time, but it | | | | meeting with potential caterers, photographers, DJs, |
| can also be stressful. Daydreaming about getting | | | | and florists. You will also need to make a final decision |
| married is one thing. Actually planning a wedding and | | | | on what your bridesmaids are going to be wearing. |
| reception is a whole other thing. The most important | | | | By six months before the wedding, start to put |
| thing is to plan ahead and stay organized. | | | | together a list of guests and their addresses. It will |
| When picking a wedding date, make sure that you're | | | | take some time to finalize your list before you're able |
| allowing yourself the time you need to plan the | | | | to order invitations. |
| wedding of your dreams. While weddings can | | | | Three months before the wedding things really start |
| successfully come together in six months, you'll save | | | | to pick up. There are many smaller tasks that you |
| yourself a lot of grief if you give it a year or a | | | | just can't worry about sooner than this. At this point |
| year-and-a-half. | | | | you should shop for a wedding cake, wedding rings, |
| Once you have a date figured out, then it's time to | | | | tuxedos, and pick out a florist. |
| sit down with your fiancé and discuss what | | | | Six to eight weeks before the wedding is a great |
| you both hope to include in your big day. This way | | | | time to send out the invitations. Make sure to give |
| you can find out what you're on the same page | | | | your guests enough time to make necessary travel |
| about and/or where you need to compromise. | | | | arrangements. |
| Remember, every marriage has compromise, so you | | | | Don't forget the marriage license. About a month |
| better get used to it while in the planning process of | | | | before the wedding make sure you and your |
| your wedding. | | | | fiancé take care of that. |
| The first things you need to get in order are the site | | | | A week before the wedding call every vendor and |
| of the ceremony and the site of the reception. You | | | | location to confirm details. It's also a good idea to put |
| should have both of these picked out and signed on | | | | together little index cards with all of their contact |
| no later than a year before the wedding date. | | | | information. Then you can hand out those cards to |
| This is also a good time to start wedding gown | | | | your parents and attendants. That way, on the big |
| shopping. This is probably the most important dress | | | | day, they can handle the communication for you. |
| you'll ever purchase, so you want to be able to take | | | | Remember, planning something so big doesn't come |
| your time. Another thing to consider is that most | | | | without some stress. However, the right planning and |
| wedding gowns are actually made after they are | | | | organization can ease things for you, so you can truly |
| ordered. That means the earlier you can find your | | | | enjoy your wedding day. |
| dream gown, the better. | | | | |