Set a budget and discuss with both families who will assume what expenses. This is easier if you have a budget already written.

Talk to your clergyman. Reserve a date, get a list of rules and regulations.

Arrange all documents needed for legal, religious, and medical; e.g. Blood tests, confirmation certificates, marriage license.

Set a date for the wedding and reception. Give yourself plenty of time to reserve a reception hall. Some are booked years in advance. Remember . . . the reception is the greatest expense. If you have a limited budget check on less expensive ideas such as a disc jockey -vs- live entertainment, luncheon -vs- dinner, paid bar -vs- open bar, and check into public gardens, parks, universities, and family owned facilities, since these can be less expensive.

Pick out and purchase wedding rings.
How will you present these? Box, pillow . . . ?

Discuss how you envision your wedding with your fiancee. Make sure this is very clear. Do you want it to be traditional, formal, old fashion, modern... and do you both have the same ideas as far as what this entails?

Make a list of names to get an idea of how many people you will be having. Order your invitations and thank you notes. It is best to address these at the same time. The invitations should be mailed four weeks in advance. Make sure that you follow up with a phone call, if possible, to make sure they received it. Don't forget to allow a few weeks for printing time.

Are there any guests that need hotel rooms? If so, check for rates so that you can give out-of-towners information on where to stay. You should book the rooms in advance to make sure there are no special functions that may fill the rooms. It is easier if you pick the hotel because you can have one set of directions drawn up for the church and reception.

Arrange for transportation if needed.

Check into gift registries. Don't be embarrassed to let your guests know there is a registry. This is standard practice and makes gift selection much easier for all.

Shop for your wedding dress early since multiple fittings are required. Also check into bridesmaid dresses. Let the entire wedding party know what color and lengths of dresses you plan to wear so that all match. This statement is for family members that will not be in the procession. You may take group pictures with these people. Set a date far enough in advance so that the bridesmaids and any other party members can go together for their dresses or tuxedos.

Set up hair and nail appointments for all.
Hire a photographer early and get everything in writing so there are no surprises later. Ask directly,"is this the price for everything." Make sure that you have a back up photographer. Will there be a newspaper announcement of your wedding? Do you need a photo for the paper?

After picking wedding dress and bridesmaid dresses talk to a florist and order flowers that will accent your colors.

Order your cake. Will you need a cake table?

Do you need to rent any equipment? Chairs, tables, outdoor lighting . . .

Will you need table clothes, dessert plates, cocktail napkins, cups, cocktail stirrers, place cards for reception and dinner, centerpieces, candles. . . ?

Hire your music.
Check into a backup band or DJ. Make a list of music selections that you would like to hear at the reception, first dance, . . .

Make arrangements for a rehearsal dinner. Book this close to the wedding date so that all plans can be formalized. What gifts will you be giving your bridal party? Gifts should be exchanged at your bridal party or rehearsal dinner. It is also customary to give a gift to your new wife or husband. Do not forget rehearsals! Go over everything with a photographer, priest, florists, DJ/band, caterers...

Get multiple estimates for everything!
I. Reception

1. Facility
2. Food
3. Liquor
4. Wait staff, bartenders, etc.
5. Wedding cake
6. Plates, utensils, napkins, decorations . . .

II. Bridal attire

1. A. Wedding dress, veil, shoes, purse, garter . . .

III. Music

1. DJ or Live entertainment. 1. Will they play at Wedding & Reception?

IV. Photography

1. Formal portraits
2. Candids
3. Wedding album package
4. Videographer 1. Tape copies (how many) 2. Editing

V. Flowers

1. Church
2. Reception
3. Bridal Bouquet
4. Corsage/Boutonniere

VI. Miscellaneous

1. Invitations
2. Announcements; newspaper
3. Limousine
4. Church expense/donation
5. Parking expense
6. Thank you cards
7. Ledger for names and addresses of guests
8. Writing equipment
9. Disposable cameras for tables

If you are taking a honeymoon directly after the wedding make sure that all reservations are done well in advance. Check if you need any immunization shots, or passports/visas if going to a foreign country. Think of the little things such as: who will feed your animals, pick up your mail, cut your grass... Pack a few days before the wedding! You will have a million and one thoughts distracting you. It will be very easy to forget important items. One usher per fifty guests.

If you have any additional comments on this section they would be greatly appreciated.