Just got engaged!!!! :)

ugni

OMG i just got engaged!!! Such a total shock!!
Im still very young and dont plan on having a wedding until at least Summer 2013 in order to save money for it!
When realistically do I need to start planning?
What would I need to do first??

(I actually havent even got my engagement ring yet.... it doesnt seem real yet at all.... we havent announced it or anything yet)

random10

Congratulations, just enjoy the celebrations and get a ring and don't worry about anything else for a while!

k4899g

Wedding Checklist

Notes Action Item

Find the engagement ring.
Propose.
Set an initial budget.
Select a wedding date and time.
Announce your engagement.
Determine the type of wedding you want (day/night, indoor/outdoor, black tie/formal).
Research availability of reception locations.
Select and book your reception location.
Research availability of ceremony locations, if not included with your hotel wedding package.
Select and book your ceremony location.
Determine who will officiate at the ceremony, if not provided with the ceremony location.
Determine how many guests you wish to invite.
Set aside hotel rooms for out-of-town guests.
Get a band or DJ, get one early because they can get booked quickly.
Decide if you want a bridal party, and if so, then how large.
Start to research your bridal gowns.
Start to research the grooms formal wear/tuxedo.
Start to research bridesmaids' dresses.
Start to research formal wear for the groomsmen.
Compare and find a photographer.
Compare and find a videographer.
Find local florists and set appointments to look at their work
Create a bridal registry, and/or an engagement registry.
Visit bridal shows. Check the schedule of upcoming bridal shows in your areas.

6 months

Start compiling the guest list (inform your families to do the same).
Select the attendants for your wedding party.
Purchase the bride's gown.
Purchase the groom's suit/tuxedo.
Purchase bridesmaid's dresses.
Arrange for you groomsmen to be measured and reserve the tuxedos.
Shop for the wedding dress, headpiece, veil, and other accessories.
Start planning for honeymoon, research you destinations.
Choose and reserve your florist.
Order the wedding cake, if not privded by the caterer or reception hall.
If you choose to have a Rehearsal Dinner, reserve a restaurant or make other arrangements.
Arrange for transportation for the wedding. Limousines, Horse & Carriage, Vintage cars, etc.

4 months

Check requirements for a marriage license.
Shop for wedding rings
Select and order the invitations and stationery.
Make sure all the men's attire has been ordered.
Complete the guest lists.
Inform mothers to select their dresses.
Select and order the men's attire.
Finalise honeymoon details and make the necessary reservations.

2 months

Confirm the menu and catering details with the hotel.
Prepare all maps and directions for the ceremony and reception.
Select your wedding rings.
Buy a wedding guest book.
Set the dates and times with the officiant for the rehearsal.
Determine your resources for designing and printing the program for the ceremony.
Finalise the florist details, photographer, videographer, musicians, etc.
Arrange the necessary accommodation for out-of-town guests.

Plan your rehearsal dinner, time and place.
Confirm the wedding cake details with the baker.

6 weeks

Post invitations.
Confirm the Car Hire or other forms of transportation for the wedding.

4 weeks

Confirm your menu for the reception. Estimate the expected number of guests.
Buy a gift for the groom.
Schedule a final fitting for your gown so it can be ready for your formal bridal portrait.
Purchase a going away outfit.
Pick up your wedding rings.
Purchase (borrow) all wedding accessories such as the ring pillow, goblets, garter belt, candles, etc.
Confirm florist details and delivery times.
Plan the seating for the reception as well as other details for the ceremony and reception.
Start writing placement cards.
Make sure all bridesmaids' attire has been fitted.
Buy a gift for the bride.
Choose the music for your ceremony, first dance and party and give information to band, dj, or other
musicians.

2 weeks

Handle business and legal details such as name changes, address, changes, etc.
Reconfirm your guests' accommodation.
Make sure all clothing and accessories for you and the bridal party are ready.
Get your marriage license.

1 week

Review any seating details with the ushers.
Make sure all wedding attire fits.
Finalise the seating arrangements.
Reconfirm your honeymoon reservations. Ensure you have any necessary plane tickets.
Start packing for your honeymoon.
Call any guests who have not responded yet.
Finish all the place cards for the reception.
Review all the final details with your photographer, videographer, etc.
Give a final head count to the hotel.
Confirm the availability of the musicians and vocalists.
Delegate responsibilities to reliable individuals on your wedding day.
Wrap and present the wedding party gifts.
Finalise your wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner arrangements or other plans.

1 day

Get a manicure or massage to relax yourself.
Stay with your family the night before and sleep early.
Review and rehearse all the details of your participants.

The Big Day

Make sure the best man and maid of honour sign the wedding certificate
Allow yourself plenty of time to get dressed.
Be sure to eat properly.
Rest and relax with a good bath.
Prepare for your hairdresser and makeup appointments.
Enjoy your wonderful wedding and cherish each and every moment!

moco

I got engaged 2 weeks ago and we're planning a wedding for summer 2013 also. I wasn't planning on booking anything for another year, but on talking to a friend she insisted I should start looking around now for a hotel. She was right! When I rang the one I wanted, they're fully booked for June which is when we want our wedding to be.

If I were you. I'd start looking at the hotels and their wedding packages and start to decide a date, cos remember, it has to coincide with dates that will be available for the church you want to get married in.

Maybe start saving for a deposit for the hotel. Once we have the church and hotel booked I think those are the most important things, then I'll relax for a while before I book anything else.