I'm Engaged! Now what? You are probably thinking, I have so much to do and don't even know where to start. Here at Spectrum Entertainment, a professional DJ service company, we want to help you NOT stress out and keep calm when moving forward with a wedding. Spectrum Entertainment has been nice enough to produce a check-list that will aid you in planning a successful event and one that everyone will remember because you did what you needed to do and didn't forget anything. Below, you will find a check list. Use this as much as possible because it will keep you together through this whole process! Nine to Twelve Months Before

 

[ ] Propose. Say "Yes." The rest is easy. :)

[ ] Download Wedding Elite Magazine on your favorite digital device, or pick up a print copy at your local Barnes & Noble.

[ ] Set an initial budget.

[ ] Select a wedding date and time.

[ ] Secure the entertainment for your wedding, but book early because the best will get booked quickly.

[ ] Consider hiring a wedding coordinator.

[ ] Announce your engagement in the newspaper, wedding website, or "Save the Date" cards

[ ] Determine the type of wedding you want (day/night, indoor/outdoor, formal/casual).

[ ] Research availability of reception locations.

[ ] Select and book your reception location, or get a tent if that is what you decided upon

[ ] Find a caterer if not already provided by the reception facility.

[ ] Research availability of ceremony locations, if not included with your reception site.

[ ] 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.

[ ] Decide if you want a bridal party, and if so, then how large.

[ ] Set aside blocks of hotel/motel rooms for out-of-town guests.

[ ] 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.

[ ] Be sure that you get contracts from all the professionals you choose.

[ ] Create a bridal registry and/or an engagement registry.[ ] Visit bridal shows. Check the schedule of upcoming bridal shows in your areas. ______________________________________

 

Six to Nine Months Before

[ ] Start compiling your guest list (ask your families to do the same).

[ ] Select the attendants for your wedding party.[ ] Purchase the bride's gown.

[ ] Purchase the groom's tuxedo.

[ ] Purchase bridesmaids' dresses

[ ] Arrange for your groomsmen to be measured and reserve the tuxedos. TIP: If your groomsmen do not live close to the formal wear shop you choose, tell them to go to a local shop - most shops willmeasure them as a courtesy.

[ ] Shop for the wedding dress, headpiece, veil, and other accessories.

[ ] Start planning for honeymoon, research you destinations. Will it be a Caribbean Island, the South Pacific, Hawaii, a cruise, or a trip through Europe. Whatever you decide, research thoroughly. Be sure to make sure your passport is current if traveling internationally.

[ ] Hire a DJ Call 208-384-1999

[ ] Choose and reserve your florist.

[ ] Order the wedding cake, if not provided by the caterer or reception hall.

[ ] The parents of the groom should begin to arrange the Rehearsal Dinner and reserve a restaurant as well as other arrangements.

[ ] Arrange for transportation for the wedding: Limousines, Horse & Carriage, vans, etc.______________________________________

 

Four to Six Months Before

[ ] Make appointments for a physical exam with your doctor/dentist.

[ ] Check requirements for blood test and marriage license in your state.

[ ] Shop for his wedding rings. Hopefully he already bought yours.

[ ] Select and order the invitations and stationery.

[ ] Make sure all the men's attire has been ordered.

[ ] Decide where to live after the wedding.

[ ] Complete the guest lists.

[ ] Begin shopping for trousseau.

[ ] Remind mothers to select their dresses if they haven't already.

[ ] Finalize honeymoon details and make the necessary reservations.______________________________________

 

Two to Four Months Before

[ ] Confirm the menu and catering details with the caterer.

[ ] 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.

[ ] Plan the bridesmaids' luncheon and any other parties

[ ] Determine your resources for designing and printing the program for the ceremony.

[ ] Schedule meetings to finalize the details with the DJ, florist, photographer, and videographer.

[ ] Arrange the necessary accommodations for out-of-town guests.

[ ] Plan a rehearsal dinner, time and place.

[ ] Confirm the wedding cake details with the baker.______________________________________

 

Six to Eight Weeks Before

[ ] Mail invitations and announcements.

[ ] Prepare a portrait for the newspaper. Check your local newspaper for details and timing.

[ ] Set appointment with photographer if you want a formal bridal portrait.

[ ] Select gifts for all your attendants.

[ ] Set appointments with any hairdressers and/or makeup artists._______________________________________

 

Four to Six Weeks Before

[ ] Finalize 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.[ ] Meet with your DJ to finalize all the details for the events and music of your ceremony and reception.______________________________________

 

Two Weeks Before

[ ] Make arrangements to have your wedding gifts moved to your new home.

[ ] Handle business and legal details such as name changes, address changes, etc.

[ ] Prepare the wedding announcement for the newspaper.

[ ] Reconfirm your guests' accommodations.

[ ] Make sure all clothing and accessories for you and the bridal party are ready.

[ ] Get your marriage license and any pending blood tests.______________________________________

 

One Week Before

[ ] Review any seating details with the ushers.

[ ] Make sure all wedding attire fits.

[ ] Finalize 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 caterer.

[ ] Confirm the availability of the musicians and vocalists.

[ ] Delegate responsibilities to reliable individuals on your wedding day.

[ ] Wrap and present the wedding party gifts.[ ] Finalize your rehearsal dinner arrangements or other plans.______________________________________

 

One Day Before

[ ] Get a manicure or massage to relax yourself.

[ ] Stay with your family the night before and get to sleep early if you can.

[ ] Review and rehearse all the details of your participants.______________________________________

 

The Big Day

[ ] Make sure the witnesses sign the wedding certificate if they are not signing it during the actual ceremony.

[ ] Allow yourself plenty of time to get dressed.

[ ] Be sure to eat and hydrate properly before and during the wedding.

[ ] Rest and relax with a good bath.

[ ] Prepare for your hairdresser and makeup appointments.

[ ] Enjoy your wedding and cherish every moment for what it is, knowing you've done everything you possibly can to ensure you have the best wedding ever!

 

 

 

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