Before You Say, “I Do!”, The Big Day Planning Check List

You said yes to the proposal, and now it’s time to plan the most significant event of your life. How will you get it all done? Where do you start?

Utilize this list to get the ball rolling towards the celebration of a lifetime:
12 Months before the wedding
o Gather the parents together and the financial commitments and the role the parents will play in producing this special day
o Decide on the size and geographic location
o Choose a target date and time
o Budget and determine the sharing of expenses
o Start a file (electronic or paper) of notes, pictures, favorite recipes, travel locations; basically, anything that you might want as part of your wedding

9 months before the wedding: 
o Start shopping for THE DRESS
o Visit wedding venues to reserve your reception location
o Hire a wedding planner to help guide you through this special time
o Put the guest list together bearing in mind that you can pare down or add to as dictated by budget
o Meet with possible officiants
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6 months before the wedding: 
o Select the Best Man, Maid of Honor, and other attendants
o Register for shower and wedding gifts
o Take engagement photographs
o Send Save the Date cards
o Decide on THE DRESS and order alterations
o Begin shopping for attendants’ dresses
o Select wedding rings
o If your wedding venue or wedding planner does not have a bridal package of services, hire individual contractors for flowers, music, catering, cakes, and catering

4 months before the wedding:
o Decide on attendants’ attire and order whether purchasing or renting
o Book a block of rooms for out-of-town guests
o Reserve the groom’s tuxedo/suit
o Make final decisions on the guest list
o Book the honeymoon
o Order invitations and thank you notes
o Hire limousine, horse-drawn carriage, or the desired mode of transportation to and from the wedding

2 months before the wedding:
o Have a makeup and hairstyle session to decide for your look on the big day
o Finalize cake, caterer, and music decisions
o Write your vows or select specific Scripture readings
o Indicate seating arrangements
o Obtain marriage license and any special permits for reception

4 weeks before the wedding:
o Place invitations in the mail
o Finalize rooms for out-of-town guests
o Purchase attendants’ gifts
o Write any individual notes or toasts for the big day
2 weeks before the wedding:
o Have final fitting and complete alterations for wedding attire
o Finalize rehearsal dinner plans/reservations

1 week before the wedding:
o Enjoy a much-needed Spa Day
o Confirm honeymoon arrangements
o Pack for the honeymoon
o Place payment for the officiant and any other service providers in labeled envelopes

The day before the wedding: 
o Relax with family and friends
o Enjoy rehearsal dinner
o Give the best man rings and officiants envelope with payment
o Get some rest

Day of the wedding: 
o CELEBRATE with family and friends
o Revel in the special surroundings
o Make memories that will last a lifetime

Le Pavilion is at the top of the list when it comes to wedding venues. Arrange a tour of the beautiful wedding and reception venues today.

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