Page 6 - Real Weddings

THE PLAN
STERLING IMAGEWORKS PHOTOGRAPHY
Wedding countdown
A LIST OF THINGS TO DO TO HELP PLAN FOR THE BIG DAY
9-12 MONTHS TO GO
❑ Pick a date. • If you are including a religious service, clear the time and date with your clergy.
❑ Submit engagement announcement to the Arkansas Democrat- Gazette’s High Pro le editor, Rachel O’Neal at roneal@ arkansasonline.com. • This should include information for consideration as a featured wedding.
❑ Set a budget, and determine who pays for what.
❑ Hire a bridal consultant, or delegate tasks to friends and family. ❑ Compose your guest list, and notify out-of-town guests about
the wedding.
❑ Reserve your reception and wedding sites.
❑ Choose your attendants.
❑ Select your wedding gown, shoes and accessories. ❑ Decide on bridesmaids’ dresses.
❑ Establish a theme or mood.
❑ Interview vendors, and get written estimates.
6-8 MONTHS TO GO
❑ Choose your caterer, and get a written contract. ❑ Choose your musicians.
❑ Book your photographer and videographer.
❑ Select your baker, and order the cake.
❑ Pick your orist.
❑ Determine a color scheme.
❑ Shop for wedding rings.
❑ Select your honeymoon destination.
❑ Select your wedding invitations. • Purchase personalized
stationery for thank-you notes.
3-5 MONTHS TO GO
❑ Mail save-the-date cards.
❑ Register for gifts.
❑ Help both mothers coordinate their wedding attire.
❑ Select music for the ceremony and reception.
❑ Choose readings for the ceremony, and write your vows.
❑ Plan a rehearsal dinner, and reserve its location.
❑ Arrange accommodations for out-of-town guests.
❑ Make appointments for gown ttings. • Make sure bridesmaids
have their gowns and have scheduled ttings.
❑ Check marriage-license requirements, and gather needed documents. ❑ Address invitations. • Prepare directions to the event locations. ❑ Make reservations for honeymoon travel.
❑ Shop for bridesmaids’ gifts.
❑ Select your “going away” out t and items for your trousseau.
❑ Complete contracts and arrangements with all service
providers. • Reserve wedding-day transportation and other rentals. • Give the caterer an estimation of the number
of guests expected. • Schedule formal portraits with your photographer. • Make an appointment to have your hair done just before your portrait session.
1-2 MONTHS TO GO
❑ Mail wedding invitations and announcements.
❑ Take wedding portraits.
❑ Send your bridal portrait and wedding announcement to
newspapers.
❑ Finalize your music. • Meet with musicians to orchestrate
PAGE 6
what should be played at what time.