M.O's Tips#2 Step by Step planning and checklist for your Wedding Day

No matter what type of wedding you are planning to have, it always helps to have a detailed timeline checklist to follow. This will help you to stay on your toes and it will also give you a planning guide. Just cross them off as you complete each task.

Nine to Twelve Months Before
• Decide who will officiate at the ceremony. • Select a wedding date and time. • Announce your engagement. • Determine how many guests may attend. • Determine the type of wedding you want and theme. • Select and order the bridesmaids' dresses. • Establish a starting budget. • Select and hire a photographer. • Select a caterer if not already provided by the reception• Select and secure your reception location. • Select and secure your ceremony location. • Begin choosing your wedding cake baker, videographer, musicians, and florist. Sign necessary contracts.

Six to Nine Months Before
• Start making the guest list • Select the attendants for your wedding party. • Shop for the wedding dress, headpiece, veil, etc. • Start planning for honeymoon. • Register with a gift bridal registry.

Four to Six Months Before

• Make appointments for a physical exam with your doctor/dentist. • Shop for wedding rings. • Select and order or print the invitations and stationery. • Make sure all the men's attire has been ordered. • Decide where to live after the wedding. • Complete the guest lists. • Send your engagement announcement to the newspaper. • Inform mothers to select their dresses. • Select and order the men's attire. • Finish honeymoon details and make the necessary reservations.

Two to Four Months Before

• Confirm the menu and catering details with the caterer. • Prepare all maps and directions for the ceremony and reception. • Select your wedding rings. • Buy a wedding guest book. • Set the dates and times with the officiate for the rehearsal. • Plan the bridesmaids' luncheon and any other parties. • Determine your resources for designing and printing the program for the ceremony. • Finalize the florist details, photographer, videographer, musicians, etc. • Arrange the necessary accommodations for out-of-town guests. • Plan a rehearsal dinner, time and place. • Confirm the wedding cake details with the baker.

Six to Eight Weeks Before

• Mail invitations and announcements. • Prepare a portrait for the newspaper. Check your local newspaper for details and timing. • Set appointment with photographer for your formal bridal portrait. • Select gifts for all your attendants. • Set appointments with any hairdressers and/or makeup artists. • Hire the limousine or other forms of transportation for the wedding. Four to

Six Weeks Before

• Decide what your menu is going to be for the reception. Estimate the expected number of guests. • Buy a gift for the groom. • Schedule a final fitting for your gown so it can be ready for your formal bridal portrait. • Purchase a going away outfit. • Pick up your wedding rings. • Purchase (borrow) all wedding accessories such as the ring pillow, goblets, garter belt, candles, etc. • Confirm florist details and delivery times. • Plan the seating for the reception as well as other details for the ceremony and reception. Start writing placement cards. • Make sure all bridesmaids' attire has been fitted. • Buy a gift for the bride.

Two Weeks Before

• Make arrangements to have your wedding gifts moved to your new home. • Handle business and legal details such as name changes, address changes, etc. • Prepare the wedding announcement for the newspaper. • Reconfirm your guests' accommodations • Make sure all clothing and accessories for you and the bridal party are ready. • Review any seating details with the ushers. • Make sure all wedding attire fits. • Finalize the seating arrangements. • Reconfirm your honeymoon reservations. Ensure you have any necessary plane tickets. • Start packing for your honeymoon. • Call any guests who have not responded yet.• Finish all the place cards for the reception. • Review all the final details with your photographer, videographer, etc. • Give a final head count to the caterer. • Confirm the availability of the musicians and vocalists.• Delegate responsibilities to reliable individuals on your wedding day • Wrap and present the wedding party gifts. • Finalize your rehearsal dinner arrangements or other plans.

One Day Before
• Get a manicure or massage to relax yourself. • Stay with your family the night before and sleep early. • Review and rehearse all the details of your participants. The Big Day • Make sure the best man and maid of honor sign the wedding certificate. • Allow yourself plenty of time to get dressed. • Enjoy your wonderful wedding and cherish each and every moment!!!• Be sure to eat properly. • Rest and relax with a good bath. • Prepare for your hairdresser and makeup appointments.