Your Countdown Wedding Checklist
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Your big day....the day you've pictured since the first time you pinned a pillow case to the top
of your head and sauntered down the living room hallway. Within the blink of an eye, the
moment has arrived. The time has come for you to make your wedding fantasies a reality.
Start planning and let the festivities begin.
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12+ Months
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First things first, pick your date. Take into account how much time you will need to plan, the
season/weather you had envisioned, and the time of day. This is important to consider because
it generally dictates the formality of the event. Usually, morning and afternoon weddings are
less formal, while evening weddings may be considered black tie. However, traditional rules
can always be broken!
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Brainstorm themes and ideas that will set your day apart. Would you like something small and
intimate or a reception on a more grand scale? Are you planning a backyard barbeque or a
Mexican fiesta? Deciding on these details lays the groundwork for the kind of reception site
you will choose.
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Decide on your wedding planning budget and if possible, make a preliminary guest list. These
are two key factors that will help you pick your place.
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Begin the search for your reception site.
Every city has its plethora of hotel ballrooms and banquet halls. Use Groople to narrow down
the countless possibilities and make your wedding planning easy. Groople has a comprehensive
list of hotels that will cater to you and your guests to make sure your wedding day is extra
special. Peruse the most glamorous hotels in your area and learn if they have the group
amenities necessary to accommodate your party.
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While you are out there checking out the thousands of hotel options, don't forget to book a
block of rooms for your out-of-towners. Groople will make sure you get the best rates possible
for those flying in. Once you select your celebration location, you have set out on the planning
highway.
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8-10 Months
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Now is the time to honor those who are closest to you. Choose those who will provide support
and stand by your side.
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Choose a caterer with a reliable reputation and a wonderful sense of taste. Even though
you may find it difficult to take more than a bite of your dinner, you will be happy when
your guests rave about the food.
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Begin cake tasting! You'll marvel at the talent of bakers
who can turn flour and water into sugary pieces of art. Plus, we all know dessert is the
best stress buster!
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The gown, the gown, the gown. It's not easy to pick the dress of your dreams. Consider
your vision and the style that most flatters your body type. There is something spectacular
out there to make everyone feel like a princess.
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Shop for your bridesmaids' dresses. It can take a while to find a dress that will complement every frame. It is even acceptable
these days to let each attendant pick her own dress... in the color of your choosing of
course.
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6-8 Months
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Research and book a photographer and/or videographer. Photos equal memories, so
be sure to do your homework. Budget a little more than anticipated, ask for referrals
and evaluate their work. Ask to see more than one wedding to get an idea of the style
and technique. You want to be assured quality for your keepsake of a lifetime. Don't
rush this decision – it's an important one!
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Hire your florist. Nothing makes a wedding more beautiful than fresh flowers. They
don't have to be outrageously expensive. Shop around and visit with several different
florists to pick the right person for the job. Be unique with your flower choices. This is a
different way to add a splash of your own style. Fresh flower markets are a great place
to start and get a general idea of what will be available during the time of year your
wedding will take place.
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Music please! Whether you choose a DJ or a band, entertainment is essential to keep
the party alive. The key is to have continuous music so there is never a lull. Also, be sure
to get the contract specifics in writing to avoid any pitfalls later!
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Create your gift registry. This is your turn to act like a kid in a candy store as you create
your ultimate wish list. The key is to register for more than you think you need or want.
Also, be sure to register for gifts in all price ranges to give everyone a viable option.
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Order your invitations, thank you cards, or any other stationary you might need. Your
invitations are your first indicator to your guests as to the formality of your day, so
choose accordingly. It is now easier than ever to get a great deal when ordering your
invitations. Mail-order stationers, Internet stationers, and even computer programs are
simple, quick and the majority of the time, a whole lot cheaper. Don't forget the stamps!
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2-6 Months
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Contact your local county clerk's office to learn about the requirements for your marriage license. |
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Tux time. Contrary to popular belief, the groom has many different options when it comes to
choosing a tuxedo or suit. Make sure the style coincides with the formality of the
wedding. The groom should also find a way to distinguish himself from his
groomsmen. Whether it is a unique cummerbund, or a special boutonniere, make him
standout.
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Going, going, gone! Plan your honeymoon keeping both of your preferences in mind.
Don't plan to take your groom to Hawaii if he hates the water! Book your vacation
off-season, or use frequent-flyer miles to cut down on the cost.
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Groople can help you arrange your honeymoon plans in the destination of your choice. |
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Thank your attendants. Get each attendant a token to thank them for everything
they've done for you, not only during the planning process, but over the years.
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Purchase your wedding bands. Would you like his and her matching bands,
or something more unique?
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Get those invitations in the mail. |
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Four Weeks Before
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Schedule a makeup and hair run-through. Bring your headpiece to limit day-of snafus. |
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If you have decided to take your husband's last name, make a list of every document that
needs to be changed. |
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Confirm all the details. Call each vendor to make sure things are in order and there are no
last minute questions. |
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One Week Before
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Schedule a massage for yourself and your maid of honor. Relax. |
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Choose a trusted friend to bring your cake knife, toasting glasses or any other special items
to the reception. Be sure she remembers to bring them home later! |
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Day Before
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Greet your out of town guests. |
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Enjoy your rehearsal dinner with your family and friends. |
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Day Of
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Take a moment to step back and take it all in. |
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Relish in the fact that the day has finally arrived! |
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Congratulations!
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A Piece of Wedding Trivia
In Czechoslovakia, peas are thrown at the bride and groom instead of rice.
(Heather Russell-Revesz, Tying the Knot [New York: Barnes & Noble, Inc., 2002], 103)
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