Ceremony Checklist
Your wedding  is one of the most important days of your life, so you shouldn't be surprised that it takes a little planning to make sure things go just right. To help you make sure you get everything ready for the big day--from organ music to the perfect floral arrangements --check out the following ceremony checklist. It will keep you on track during a time that could otherwise prove quite chaotic.
One Year
- Choose the wedding date/time/place.
- Choose the reception time/place.
- Decide the religious service that will be performed, if any.
- Set your wedding budget.
Then it's time to hire vendors and venues: - See if the ceremony and reception locations are available and book them.
- Interview/Choose an officiant.
- Interview/Choose a photographer and then book him/her.
- Interview/Choose a videographer and then book him/her.
- Interview/Choose a florist and then book him/her.
- Interview/Choose a baker and then book him/her.
- Decide the type of music you want for both the ceremony and reception.
- Interview/Choose the Band/DJ for reception and/or ceremony and book him/her/them.
- Interview/Choose a caterer and then book him/her/them.
Six Months- First meeting with the minister/officiant.
- Begin writing your vows.
- Choose attendants and ask if they'll accept the position.
- Begin looking for bridesmaid dresses.
- Pick out tuxes for the groom and groomsmen/ushers/fathers.
- Choose/book the location for rehearsal dinner.
- Choose invitations.
- Make your guest list first draft.
- Plan the honeymoon.
- Discuss if a bridal registry is desired and what items would be on it.
Two Months
- Determine seating for the reception.
- Determine how the attendants will process and stand at ceremony.
- Choose the reception music (1st dance, father/daughter dance, mother/son dance etc.).
- Finalize vows.
- Schedule the bride's hair appointment.
- Schedule the groom's hair appointment if necessary.
- Schedule a nail appointment for the bride.
- Finalize the guest list.
- Order the invitations.
- Order the programs.
- Reserve rental items like candelabras, linens, canopy, tables/chairs, etc.
- Book rooms for out-of-town attendants at a nearby hotel.
One Month- Order flower arrangements.
- Determine who will be in the limo.
- Determine when the items needed at reception (toasting glasses, etc.) will be taken there.
- Show the final program to minister and organist to check for accuracy.
- Ensure the band/DJ has equipment/music needed to play your chosen reception music.
- Pick up the wedding bands.
- Confirm the honeymoon reservations.
One Week- Make a bride's emergency kit.
- Pack for the honeymoon.
- Take marriage certificate to minister/officiant.
- Give final guest count to reception facility and/or caterer.
Day Before - Pick up wedding gown and veil.
- Pick up the groom's tux.
- Take favours, centrepieces, cake knife and server, toasting glasses, and CDs to the reception hall.
- Rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.
External Links- AmericanBridal.com: Wedding related shopping and advice.
- Best-Wedding-Plan.com: Advice on everything from the engagement, to the flowers and cake toppers.
- USMMA.edu: The wedding countdown checklist courtesy of the Mariner's Memorial Chapel.
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