Six to Twelve Months Before
___Purchase the bride's engagement ring
___Discuss the style, size and budget of the wedding with your fiancee' and all parents
___Select your best man and ushers
___Together with your fiancee', begin to compile your guest list
___Begin looking at honeymoon options with your fiancee' and visit a travel agency specializing in leisure travel. If you are planning your honeymoon out of the country, check on your passports.
___If requested, help your fiancee' in the selection of the reception location, caterer, disc jockey, photographer, videographer, etc
___Choose your officiant with your fiancee' (check to see if there are pre-marriage classes to attend)
___Schedule engagement photo sessions when it is convenient for both of you
___Check with local newspapers on their engagement announcement policy
___Discuss and plan with fiancee' your new home together and start considering furnishings
Four to Six Months Before
___Select men's wedding attire with your fiancee'
___Order men's wedding attire
___Shop with your fiancee' for wedding rings and order them
___Finalize honeymoon plans with fiancee' and book with travel agent, making any deposits if necessary
___If you will be renting a car, check with your insurance company to find out if any additional insurance may be required on the rental vehicle
___Complete your guest list, including full names, addresses, zip codes and phone numbers
___Together with your fiancee', book wedding transportation....limousines, trolleys, horse drawn carriages, etc
___Coordinate the rehearsal dinner with your fiancee' and have dinner plans in place
___Reserve a block of rooms for your out-of-town guests (coordinate with your fiancee')
___Together with your fiancee', go to register at a bridal registry in the towns of both families
Two Months Before
___Assist parents with plans for the rehearsal dinner party if they are hosting it
___Shop for a wedding present for your bride
___Purchase gifts for your attendants
___Shop for any additional clothes you will need for the wedding and honeymoon and any luggage you will need for your honeymoon
___Together with your fiancee', meet with officiant and finalize ceremony details, wedding music with organist
___Discuss the amount and financial arrangement for the flowers which are the groom's responsibility
___Arrange accommodations for out-of-town attendants
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Four to Six Weeks Before
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___Check finances and make final arrangements for payment on the items you are responsible for
___See that all attendants and fathers have been fitted and wedding attire has been ordered
___Pick up wedding rings and make sure they fit
___Add bride's name to insurance policies, medical insurance, any joint checking, bank accounts, and joint charge cards (4 weeks before)
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Two Weeks Before
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___Together with your fiancee' gather necessary documents and get your marriage license
___Reconfirm honeymoon reservations
___Arrange to move things into your new residence
___Confirm all transportation for all events
___Make an appointment to get your hair cut
___Prepare a toast for the rehearsal dinner party and for the wedding reception
___Together with your fiancee', meet with your DJ or band and go over the music that will be played at the reception
___Check to find out what day you and your attendants can pick up your wedding attire
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The Week Before
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___Get your hair cut
___Discuss all final details with your fiancee' and offer to assist if needed
___Pack your clothes for the honeymoon
___Pick up your wedding attire
___Remind attendants to pick up their wedding attire
___Arrange for gifts brought to the wedding to be taken to your home
___Pick up any tickets needed for your honeymoon
___Give your fiancee' her gift
___Contact your attendants to confirm the rehearsal time and rehearsal dinner
___Have the gifts for your attendants ready to give out at the rehearsal dinner
___Go over special seating or pew cards with your ushers and make sure they know their duties
___Sit down and go over your wedding day schedule with your fiancee'
___Put wedding rings and marriage license where you can easily find them
___Attend the wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
___Assist your parents with the rehearsal dinner if requested
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The Wedding Day
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Be sure to have breakfast
___Allow plenty of time to get dressed
___Remember to bring the bride's wedding ring and your marriage license
___Get to the ceremony location on time
___Give the best man the bride's wedding ring
___Place the officiant's fee in a sealed envelope and give it to the best man so he can present it after the wedding
___Have the best man and maid (or matron) of honor sign the wedding certificate as witnesses
___At the reception, dance first with your bride, then with both mothers and the bridesmaids
___Just before leaving the reception, thank the bride's parents and say goodbye to your parents, grandparents, etc
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After the Wedding
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Send flowers or a telegram to the bride's parents expressing your appreciation and thanking them for the beautiful wedding and reception
Have a great Honeymoon!
Compiled by the Special Event Network Staff
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