Congratulations!You got engaged.
Immediately your mind is off planning the wedding; when, where, who will be my attendants and on and on and on.
But quickly, that initial wedding day excitement has worn off and and you are now living in reality.
So, what's next?Well, considering that planning a wedding is probably one of the most stressful times of your life, I'm devoting this article and the next to a wedding planning checklist.
Believe me, it will turn into your Bridal Bible! Depending on your rush to get married, you will probably have anywhere from 6-18 months, on average, to plan your wedding.
You will get many opinions on what to do first and second, etc.
, but over the years I've compiled a 'tried and true' wedding list, which if done in the order given, will alleviate much of your stress.
Here is the basic checklist you should begin with: 1.
Announce the engagement - An announcement card can be sent through the mail, you can plan a wedding website or announce it through a release in your town newspaper.
All are acceptable.
2.
Select the wedding date - When doing this, remember, Friday and Saturday wedding receptions are the most expensive.
Holiday weekend days are the least expensive, and holidays are much, much less - i.
e.
Labor Day or Columbus Day.
Even July 4th can be fun, especially if you're opting for a beach wedding.
3.
Determine how many guests and make an A and B list.
A-list are the people that have to be invited with B-list being those that are maybes and can be invited if A list doesn't come.
I know.
This doesn't sound great, but again, reality has to play into this.
Be sensible.
The girl you met doing your nails who is a distant cousin of your sister's friend does not have to be invited.
Also, do you want children at your wedding?Will it offend people if you say no?This is a very important consideration to think about.
4.
After making your list, decide when the invitations will be sent out.
The date should be early so that if you get cancellations, you can invite others.
You can send out the invitations from 6-10 weeks before the wedding.
5.
How will this be paid for? Who is paying for what? Deciding on this immediately has spared many family squabbles.
6.
Develop a record keeping system for payments made.
Buy a wedding notebook and title every few pages with 'flowers', 'music', etc.
Make notes and keep records in this notebook.
Any receipts should be saved in another accounting notebook.
Every word, decision, change, etc.
should be logged and dated immediately.
Do not leave this to memory.
After awhile, it will all merge together in your mind and you will get so jammed that your mind will go blank, leaving you no where.
If you do anything at all, do this.
It is the most important! 7.
Select ceremony site and officiant.
Narrow your selection of the ceremony site to 3 different places unless you have a house of worship, then it's easy.
Also, don't forget to ask the people at your wedding reception venue.
Many times they have areas to perform ceremonies.
8.
Select bridal gown and headpiece.
Honestly, most times, the first place you go is where you will go back and end up buying the dress.
And many times, it's the first dress you tried on.
Do this early.
It will wear on you if you don't.
9.
Decide the color scheme for the wedding.
What is very nice is matching it to the season of the year.
Then also, you can match your flowers and wedding favor to your theme also.
10.
Make sure you get your passport (if needed) and a marriage license, or there will be no marriage! The first 10 of the Bridal Bible are fairly straight forward.
But remember, you're not finished yet.
Bridal Bible Part 2 will continue you on your 'wedding journey' and help you navigate the crazy waters of wedding planning.