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Wedding Planning Roadmap

He finally asked that magic little question! You need to begin planning a wedding as soon as possible, but where do you begin? This is a basic planning roadmap to the wedding of your dreams.

The first thing you need to do to begin planning your wedding is to set a date. You should narrow it down to two or three options, then check with your family, church, and minister before finalizing it. Reserve the location for the ceremony and the reception as soon as possible to avoid scheduling conflicts.

The next thing you need to do is to start to picture the look you want for your wedding and establish a budget. You also need to decide who you want to be in your wedding party, and ask them to be a part of it. While you're thinking about people, start making a guest list.

Six-Month Count Down
The next steps involve making all the necessary selections and reservations for the necessary wedding professionals, such as florists, photographers, caterers, and musicians. By six months before the wedding, you should have all of these arrangements finalized and contracts signed. Check with rental companies if you know you'll need to rent items such as chairs or tables, and make sure to set up a gift registry. Finally, shop for the wedding gown of your dreams and get it ordered or ready to any alterations. Look for bridesmaid dresses to match your style and color scheme.

Three months before the wedding, you need to have finalized formal wear choices for the groomsmen and ushers. It's a good idea to select and order wedding invitations now, to allow time for corrections if necessary. This is also a good time to reserve limousines or any other wedding day transportation you may need.

Wedding invitations should be in the mail one to two months before the ceremony. You should have your vows written by this time as well, and your application for a wedding license completed and submitted. Once that's done it is time for last minute details such as purchasing gifts for family and the wedding party and planning your hair and makeup.

Last Minute Details
In the last few days before your wedding day, give a list of shots to your photographer, and song choices to a DJ if you are using one. Go through your RSVP cards and give a final headcount to your caterer. It would also be a good idea to confirm all of details with each of your wedding professionals to prevent wedding day disasters, such as a missing cake.

Once you have decorated the ceremony location, and set up for the reception, it's time for the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. This is when all the timing and order of service is worked out, and gifts are exchanged. It's also a good time to give your officiant your wedding license. Congratulations! all of your planning has paid off and you'll have a smooth and memorable wedding.