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It seems like the minute my fiancé put the ring on my finger, my body went into overdrive. I can’t sleep, my appetite has changed (mostly for the good) and my mind is constantly working on the infinite number of wedding details.

I am a very organized person, so these sleepless nights allow me to make lists. One of the first tools you need in your wedding tool belt is a good checklist. Their are many out their to look at but it is important to tailor one to your needs. Here is a sample of my checklist:

11-12 Months:
Set a budget
Discuss a possible theme
Decided if festivities will be held inside or outside
Decide on Ceremony and Reception Location
Select a date
Reserve the facilities
Choose your attendants
Start making wedding guest list (Include Family and close friends)

9-10 Months:
Research any traditions you may want to include
Start trying on bridal gowns
Gather ideas for attendants clothing
Get menu ideas and start meeting with caterers
Start meeting with photographers and videographers
Consider bands/DJ’s
Make honeymoon plans

7-8 Months:
Find out if ceremony and/or reception facility require liability insurance
Gather flower ideas as well as decoration ideas
Shop for wedding rings
Start thinking about rehearsal and a rehearsal dinner
Reserve a hotel room for the night of the wedding as well as for out-of-town guests

5-6 Months:
Choose a cake baker
Make your final choice on a bridal gown
Sign a caterer and select a menu
Order beverages if cater doesn’t provide
Book a band/DJ
Choose bridesmaids dresses and order
Book you rehearsal and rehearsal dinner location
Choose a florist and order flowers
Make rehearsal guest list (Make sure to include parents, grandparents, attendants, photographer, officiate and out-of-town guest)

3-4 Months:
Order invitations and Thank you cards (Make sure you order extras)
Finalize tux choices
Have any alterations done on brides gown and/or bridesmaid dresses
Finalize cake plans
Book makeup artist and hairstylist
Choose gifts for each other, parents, and attendants
Meet with the officiate to go over the plan
Reserve any rental equipment

1-2 Months:
Mail invitations
Confirm bridesmaids have made any necessary alterations
Groom and groomsmen get fitted for tuxes
Purchase wedding rings
Have a consultation appointment with your makeup artist and hairstylist
Meet with band/DJ to discuss a list of must have songs
Meet with photographer/videographer to discuss must have photos
Practice dancing with bridal shoes on
Confirm final head count for caterer

3-4 Weeks:
Get marriage license
Research how to change your name
Confirm groomsmen have been fitted
Finalize your accessories
Pick up wedding rings
Prepare a box for the ceremony as well as reception. In it, place anything that must be moved to those locations. Don’t forget emergency items such as needle, thread, extra nylons/socks, band aids, etc.
Make transportations arrangements

1-2 Weeks:
Have final gown fitting
Confirm all beauty appointments
Confirm times and dates with all vendors
Ask someone to make sure gifts arrive home safely
Write and mail shower Thank you cards

The Week of the Wedding:
Groom get haircut
Pick up wedding gown and make sure all accessories are together
Pack for wedding night and honeymoon
Ask someone to help organize a clean-up crew after the reception

The Day before the Wedding:
Pick up tuxes and make sure all accessories are together
Pick up all rental equipment
Organize all final payments and ask someone to distribute them

The Day of the Wedding:
Eat and drink plenty of water
Wear a button-up shirt to all beauty appointments

After the Wedding:
Have gown cleaned
Change name
Assemble with photographer and videographer to finalize albums
Write Thank you cards and have them in the mail 2-3 months after the wedding

I had an idea of everything that went into planning a wedding, but I think it is a whole new world when you are actually doing it.

Hello

Although I am only in the early stages of planning my wedding, I have been thinking about it for many years. As most little girls dream of their fantasy wedding, I did too. However, I took it one step further and started planning. I can not tell you how long it has been that I have been collecting bridal magazines, invitation catalogs, fabric samples, and even constructing a guest list.

In this long process, I have learned many things about all the many details involved in planning a wedding and am ready to share all of that knowledge with you. I decided that a blog would be a great place for me to share it with others.

Some of my blog will be specific to planning a wedding in Oregon because that is where I live, but most of it will work for you even if you are planning an underwater wedding on a tropical island. You will want to visit my blog often so I can ease you through making all the decisions for your wedding.

Many details go into planning a wedding. It is important to consider such details as location, date, bridal party, wedding party attire, guest list, theme, flowers, caterers, cake, travel and lodging accommodations.

Finding a wedding planning guide that fits your life style can be a very helpful tool. These wonderful books come in all price ranges and styles. They are designed to help you plan your dream wedding. Most come with calendars for you to note important dates, a month to month checklist, a budget planner, and sample guest lists. They provide you with a way to organize vendor contracts and store fabric samples.

But most importantly remember this is just one day out of the rest of your lives together. Relax and have fun with it!