Keep these in mind and the days and weeks leading up to your wedding will be practically stress-free.
Initial decisions
- The guest list.
- The budget.
- The date: time of year, day of the week, time of day.
- The style: formal vs. casual, religious vs. civil.
- The location: ceremony and reception.
Secondary decisions
- Make decisions about and shop for clothing and accessories (for bride, groom and attendants).
- Visit stores and list gifts you wish to receive with bridal registries.
- Begin reviewing reception menus.
- Interview and listen to bands or DJs; or start listening to songs you would put on tapes/CDs for the ceremony and reception.
- Interview and talk to florists.
- Interview and look at the portfolios of photographers and videographers.
- Order invitations, enclosures, announcements and other printed material.
Third level of decisions
- Listen to and choose music for your ceremony.
- Select readings for your ceremony.
- Make lists of music choices for your reception.
- Plan special events you want to include (first dance, bouquet toss or a party for your attendants).
- Select gifts for your attendants, perhaps parents, and each other.
- Begin to chart seating arrangements for your reception.
- Incorporate family and cultural traditions into your wedding.
Ceremony decisions
- Choose the site of the ceremony.
- Decide on the date and time.
- Choose an officiant:
- Reconfirm the date and time of the ceremony.
- Discuss any issues or concerns, and how to personalize the ceremony.
- Discuss the length of the ceremony.
- Discuss the number of guests.
- Discuss standards, rules and restrictions if this is an interfaith marriage.
Helpful tips
- Maintain a solid front: Be a team, support and listen to each other.
- Remember the three C’s: Consideration, communication and compromise.
- Delegate duties.
- Stay organized.
- Stay calm. Include, don’t exclude; Be forgiving; Stop overreacting.
- Take care of yourself: Eat right, exercise, sleep, go on dates. Find beauty – or humor – in everything.
Shower ideas & suggested gifts
- Kitchen Shower: glasses, knives, linens, utensils.
- Spa Shower: massage certificates, aromatherapy oils, candles, robes.
- Honeymoon Shower: travel clock, sewing kit, first-aid kit, travel book.
- Leisure-time Shower: movie tickets, board games, DVDs and CDs, cocktail glasses and napkins.
– Excerpted from “Emily Post’s Wedding Etiquette.”
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