■■ Arrange times for key players to pick up items they are responsible for. ■■ Write a toast for the rehearsal dinner. ■■ Pack for the honeymoon. ■■ Leave honeymoon itinerary with someone in case of emergency.
One day out ■■ Double-check that you have packed your clothes and other personal items for the next day. ■■ De-stress your body. Consider deep breathing and other relaxation exercises such as yoga. ■■ Allocate enough time to have fun with out-of-town guests. ■■ Enjoy your rehearsal dinner. ■■ Make time to spend alone with your husband-to-be. Soak up the moment together. ■■ Have fun. ■■ Remind your fiance to order his tux or suit. ■■ Let the DJ or band know of special songs you would like played at the ceremony and reception. ■■ Purchase wedding favors.
2–4 months out ■■ Get your marriage license application. ■■ Mail out invitations. Hint: make sure to number each invitation, because people often forget to write their name on the response card. This way, you can track it. ■■ Gather all necessary travel documents such as passports and visas. Get immunizations for honeymoon if necessary.
■■ Finalize list of must-have photos. Give a copy to photographer and key players. ■■ Complete seating plan as RSVPs arrive. ■■ Finalize songs for the ceremony and reception. ■■ Get a pre-wedding trim and spa treatment so you feel your best during this stressful time. ■■ Write your vows. Let the officiant know of any readings or other special requests. ■■ Confirm date for rehearsal. ■■ Finalize list of responsibilities for key players and wedding party. ■■ Have a friendly get-together with everyone and distribute responsibilities.
Overall tips No matter what kind of wedding you are having, hundreds of years of human experience offers some tried-and-true tips for making sure your big day is the best day it can be. Here are some: • Trust your wedding party and key players. • Laughter is the best beauty tip. A smile goes a long way. • Remember to implement the stress-buster techniques you and your fiance agreed to use. • Always tell your loved one why you love him.
■■ Finalize menu.
■■ Book time for final fitting.
• Assume that about 20 percent of your guest list will not attend, so invite extras accordingly.
■■ Finalize ceremony and reception music.
■■ Arrange a rehearsal dinner one or two days before the wedding. Invite wedding party and key players.
• Walk around in your wedding shoes before the big day so that they are properly broken in.
■■ Confirm honeymoon plans.
• Plan a special dinner with your hubbie-tobe without any wedding talk. Just relax and enjoy a night together.
■■ Finalize favors or create your own. ■■ Buy thank-you gifts for wedding party and key players. ■■ Book your hair and makeup artists. ■■ Book times for fittings. Bring your accessories. Aim to schedule hair and makeup trial on the same day to get a look at the complete package.
■■ Make checklist of items to bring for the honeymoon. ■■ Finalize receiving line, timeline, and itinerary of the day.
■■ Begin finalizing seating arrangements.
2–3 weeks out
■■ Begin to plan receiving line, timeline, and itinerary of the day.
■■ Finalize seating plan. Call guests who have not returned RSVPs.
■■ Purchase guest book, cake knife, champagne glasses, garters, etc.
■■ Have your final fitting.
4–8 weeks out
■■ If you have a gown, pick it up and hang it in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight.
■■ Tackle applicable legal matters, such as name changes.
■■ Confirm details with all vendors.
■■ Keep having fun with the process. It is nuts! You are getting married!
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| Wedding Guide