You're Engaged!

You certainly want to enjoy this wonderful and magical time in your life but you know that planning your own wedding is going to be a big job! The following checklists might make it a little easier for you to keep it simple, keep it organized and keep you sane!

The 12-Month Countdown

6-12 Months Before Your Wedding'

The wedding date has been set and now like any large project, it's a good idea to step back and take a look at the big picture first, then break it down to the finer details later.

The Big Picture: Who, What, Where and How

? Decide who will pay for what, where you'll get married and how expenses will be shared

? Talk to friends, family, bridal consultants or wedding coordinators to get the direction you need for starting an organization system

? For most couples, the wedding day can be a blur, so decide early on the best way to capture your special day's cherished memories - like with an Adesso Photo Guest Book.

The Details

Once you have your organization system in place, start going down your to-do detail list. Here are a few of the critical ones:

? Call your church or synagogue for an appointment with the Officiate
? Explore pre-marriage counseling
? Decide on what size wedding you want
? Consider and decide on wedding attendants
? Start a guest list for the wedding
? Begin determining ideas/themes/color schemes for your wedding and reception
? Select a reception location and a caterer if need be
? Consider reception entertainment
? Select a florist
? Together, shop for wedding rings
? Select a wedding dress, headpiece and schedule fittings
? Decide on the bridesmaids' dresses

46 Months Prior To Wedding Date'
As the wedding date gets closer, the to-do list will consist of finer and finer details. And because you put an organization system in place months ago, you won't miss a one!

? Check details and requirements for marriage license
? Coordinate theme and color schemes with florist and decorator
? Decide on a gift registry and register your gift selections
? Order your invitations and other wedding stationery
? Shop for the groom's attire and select what the men in the wedding will wear
? Select wedding ceremony readings
? Select wedding ceremony music
? Decide and order wedding favors
? Select a bakery for the cake
? Arrange and plan honeymoon
? Review your agreements with all your vendors and service providers to insure you haven't forgotten any details

2-Months' and Counting

? Mail out invitations
? Arrange and plan your rehearsal dinner
? Select and purchase your wedding day accessories
? Arrange attendant's parties
? Coordinate and prepare accommodations for out-of-town guests
? Select a hairdresser and makeup artist and schedule those appointments
? Finalize those honeymoon plans

1-Month To Go!

? Last wedding dress fitting
? Final fitting for bridesmaids' dresses
? Final fitting for men attendants
? Get marriage license
? Have your wedding attendant's parties
? Shop and purchase your outfit to wear when you leave the reception
? Organize the final check list of wedding day events
? Confirm all the wedding day 'accessories' are in order, i.e. rings, pillows, garter, etc.

2-Weeks Remaining!

? Finalize entertainment arrangements
? Go over and finalize music lists
? Go over and finalize the special music events, i.e. first dance, dance with parents, etc.
? Pick up wedding rings, make sure they fit and review any engravings

1-Week Before Your Big Day!

? Review your marriage license to make sure it's in order
? Prepare seating arrangements for ceremony
? Prepare payment envelopes for Officiate, entertainment and vendors and give to the person who will handle that
? Confirm honeymoon reservations
? Make necessary honeymoon preparations, i.e. bank, traveler's checks, etc.
? Prepare and pack for honeymoon
? Confirm out-of-town guest accommodations and transportation
? Check in with the florist to confirm arrival time set up
? Have your wedding ceremony rehearsal letting everyone know what they will do on the wedding day
? Have and ENJOY your rehearsal dinner!

Your Wedding Day!

? Allow plenty of time for your scheduled hair and makeup appointments
? Allow at least 2 hours for dressing
? Bring the rings and marriage license
? And MOST IMPORTANTLY, take a long deep breath and relax and enjoy your day!