To begin your planning, it is beneficial to confront a few basic questions. Pencil in your personal preferences or "best guesses" now. Don't worry too much about your answers.

This is just a preliminary worksheet to get you started. Your final decisions will come later.

Wedding Date:		Alternate:
Time of Day:	[ ] Morning	[ ] Afternoon	[ ] Evening
Wedding Style:	[ ] Formal	[ ] Semi-Formal	[ ] Informal
Ceremony Setting:	[ ] Church	[ ] Chapel	[ ] Garden
Possible Locations:
Reception Setting:	[ ] Ballroom	[ ] Garden
Possible Locations:
Projected no. of guests:
Projected Budget:
Wedding Colors:
Wedding Theme:

8 to 18 MONTHS BEFORE WEDDING

[ ] Complete A Starting Point worksheet.
[ ] Draft budget and commitment of expenses.
[ ] Begin choosing attendants.
[ ] Select a wedding consultant.
[ ] Plan engagement celebration.
[ ] First draft of guest list. Initial count:
[ ] Reserve location and time of ceremony.
[ ] Reserve location and time of reception.
[ ] Begin shopping for wedding gown & accessories.
[ ] Begin shopping for bridesmaids gowns & accessories.
[ ] Discuss parents' gowns and formal wear.

4 to 12 MONTHS

[ ] Draft ceremony outline.
[ ] Draft reception outline.
[ ] Select your wedding gown.
[ ] Select bridesmaids' gowns; Select mothers' gowns.
[ ] Select ceremony officiator.
[ ] Select caterer and/or menu selections with caterer.
[ ] Select photographer and coverage.
[ ] Select videographer.
[ ] Select ceremony musicians/performers.
[ ] Select reception musicians/performers.
[ ] Select florist.
[ ] Select decorations.
[ ] Select rental service and items needed.
[ ] Select wedding day transportation.
[ ] Select formal wear.
[ ] Select invitations and stationery.
[ ] Select travel agent and possible honeymoon destinations.
[ ] Select groom's wedding ring. Order engraving.
[ ] Select wedding cakes.
[ ] Select bridal registry.
[ ] Begin searching for new house or apartment.

2 to 4 MONTHS

[ ] Order invitations and stationery.
[ ] Finalize guest list. Total number:
[ ] Coordinate rehearsal dinner with groom's parents.
[ ] Set appointment for physical exam and blood tests.
[ ] Schedule time with fiance to obtain marriage license.
[ ] Address wedding invitations.
[ ] Select and wrap groom's and attendants' gifts.

1 MONTH

[ ] Mail invitations to arrive 3 - 5 weeks before wedding date.
[ ] Prepare newspaper wedding announcement.
[ ] Arrange final gown fittings.
[ ] Confirm rehearsal dinner arrangements and reservations.
[ ] Make appointment for wedding portrait.
[ ] Arrange accommodations for out-of-town guests.
[ ] Check luggage and proper honeymoon attire.
[ ] Arrange for bachelorette luncheon or party.
[ ] Send invitations for bachelorette luncheon or party.
[ ] Schedule hairdresser and manicurist appointment.
[ ] Don't forget to spend time with what's-his-name.

2 WEEKS

[ ] Record wedding gifts as received. Write thank you notes promptly.
[ ] Confirm attendants attire and accessories.
[ ] Review reception seating plans and prepare place cards if necessary.
[ ] Arrange to move your belongings to new home.
[ ] Break-in wedding shoes.
[ ] Arrange name and address changes: bank, credit cards, driver's license, etc.
[ ] Arrange for someone to watch your home and answer phone on wedding day.
[ ] Arrange to mail your announcements immediately following wedding.
[ ] Arrange for someone to handle wedding day arrangements and emergencies.
[ ] Review all arrangements and checklist notes in each section.

1 WEEK

[ ] Host bachelorette luncheon or party.
[ ] Bachelor party takes place.
[ ] Confirm final arrangements with photographer, entertainers, etc.
[ ] Final meal count to caterer: Final date:
[ ] Begin packing for honeymoon.
[ ] Double check all details and personal notes.

1 or 2 DAYS BEFORE

[ ] Check dress for fit, wrinkles, etc.
[ ] Remind men to try on wedding attire when picking up (to avoid surprises).
[ ] Complete decorating of ceremony and reception sites.
[ ] Have hair and nails done.
[ ] Attend ceremony rehearsal.
[ ] Attend rehearsal dinner.
[ ] Get as much rest and sleep as possible.

WEDDING DAY

[ ] Eat healthy breakfast or lunch.
[ ] Have Makeup done.
[ ] Relax and smile as you walk down the aisle. Job well done!