September 2008
The most tedious part of the wedding, more than the ceremony itself, is the preparation. So, to lessen your stress and to ensure that you and your partner can get hitched without a hitch, we’ve prepared a wedding planner for you. Check out our list and see how much you’ve already accomplished for your wedding.
12 months before
According to the experts, a year before your wedding is the perfect time to pick the date, decide the style and scale of the event, and work out a budget. After having done all that, it’s time to:
- Make a reservation for your wedding and reception venues.
- Hire a wedding consultant or coordinator (if you choose to get professional help).
- Select the members of your entourage: your Principal/Secondary Sponsors, Maid of Honor, Bridesmaids, Best Man.
- Start looking for prospective caterers (if necessary), invitation printers, cake confectioners, florists, photographers, musicians and souvenir suppliers. Use www.kasal.com wedding resources directory to canvass for suppliers.
- Find out the legal aspects and requirements of getting married.
- Plan for your financial future. Discuss prenuptial agreements with each other.
- And of course, last but not least, celebrate your engagement and announce it to family and friends! You may also announce your wedding for FREE over the Internet through www.kasal.com
6 to 9 months before
This is the time to book your wedding suppliers and start shopping for your wedding finery. Of course, you should have already decided on your color motif or theme. If ever you get tired of all the frantic activity, you can also start making your wedding wishlist and planning for your dream honeymoon!
- Bride, choose a gown designer for yourself and your bridal entourage.
- Groom, find a suit or barong.
- Choose a person to officiate at the wedding whether a priest, pastor or judge.
- Decide on the misalette’s contents (if necessary). Write the marriage vows/ceremony and coordinate with your wedding officiator. You may use kasal.com’s online wedding missalette.
- Book your caterer, florist, photographer, musicians and make arrangements with them.
- Determine the guest list and order invitations. Keep this list for future reference when sending thank-you notes to guests.
- Shop together for your bridal registry.
- Plan your honeymoon. Make arrangements with a travel agent especially if you’re travelling outside the country.
- Reserve a wedding night suite.
2 to 4 months before
Much of the preparation is done two to four months before the wedding so there is a LOT for you to accomplish. It’s now time to:
- Buy your wedding rings.
- Apply for your marriage license, attend the necessary seminars and submit all required documents to allow for processing time.
- Make a schedule for pre-wedding affairs (whichever one you intend to have): a pamamanhikan (the formal meeting of the bride and groom’s families), Despedida de Soltera, bridal shower or stag party. Make sure that you also reserve a date for the rehearsal and that you pay a courtesy call to your principal and secondary sponsors.
- Book a hairdresser, make-up artist and order your bridal accessories.
- Have both of your mothers and other significant wedding guests select and coordinate their attire.
- Order your wedding cake.
- Select and order souvenir items/give-aways.
- Address the invitations.
- If you need to, find persons for the following assignments: commentator/lector, readers, offertory participants, reception emcee, and attendants who will receive the gifts, have the guestbook signed and distribute the give-aways.
- Get a physical exam.
- Lastly, just in case you intend to move, start looking for your new home.
1 to 2 months ahead
Okay. So maybe your nerves are getting frayed. But, if you’ve carefully followed the previous steps then there’s no reason to panic. Just don’t forget to:
- Send or deliver invitations four to six weeks before the ceremony.
- Complete arrangements with the caterer, reception venue, florist, photographer, musicians, and wedding officiator.
- Arrange for final fittings for bride’s and attendants’ gowns.
- Send copies of the ceremony readings/misalette to wedding participants.
- Finalize your honeymoon plans and reservations.
- If necessary, arrange accommodations and transportation for out-of-town guests.
- Buy gifts for your sponsors, entourage members and each other (if you are to exchange gifts).
2 to 6 weeks ahead
- Make follow-up calls to guests who haven’t RSVP’d so you can give a final head count to the caterer/hotel.
- Pick up your marriage license.
- Pick up EVERYTHING you need for your wedding day: wedding rings, attire, accessories, give-aways, etc.
1 to 2 weeks ahead
- Finalize matters with the officiator, caterer, florist, reception venue management, DJ or band, and all others who play an active role in your wedding. Make sure you examine and cover ALL the details.
- Give photographer/videographer the final list of pictures/shots you want taken.
- Time for your wedding rehearsals, Despedida de Soltera or bridal shower. Whichever one you’re having, make sure you go and enjoy!
The day before
At this point everything should be covered. Relax and pamper yourself! Go to a spa, get a massage or a manicure. Most important – get plenty of rest. You’d want to be glowing and refreshed on your wedding day.
The big day
- Don’t forget to eat something in the morning.
- Bride, have your hair/makeup done about three hours before the ceremony. Start dressing at least one hour before.
- Groom, give your best man the bride’s wedding ring. Unless you’ve made other arrangements with your wedding officiator, put his fee in an envelope and give it to the best man to deliver after the ceremony. Don’t forget to bring the marriage license!
After the wedding
- Send the announcement and wedding photo to local newspapers.
- Write and mail thank-you notes.
- After all the bustle and hassle, you can now look forward to the future and plan a happy life together!
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For more wedding-related articles, tips and trivia, visit https://kasal.com
