The average wedding takes 250 hours of planning. Most people do not have that much time available and more importantly do not have the experience. Please use these helpful wedding tips to take the stress off you, so that you can get the most from your special day.

This checklist will help you in planning the most important day of your life. Feel free to print it out and give copies to those helping to plan your wedding.

6-12 Months

• Choose the kind of wedding you will have, date and time.
• Discuss the budget, and who will pay for what.
• Consider hiring a wedding coordinator. 
• Make arrangements with the officiator.
• Reserve the wedding and reception locations.
• Select your wedding dress, veil and accessories.
• Choose the bridesmaids, groomsmen, ushers, and honored roles.
• Have a formal black/white photo sitting for announcements.
• Send announcements of your engagement to your fiancé's and your local and hometown newspapers.
• Meet with the florist, photographer, CATERER"North Texas Catering", videographer, and D.J. or entertainment to discuss budgets and options.
• Discuss the guest list with fiancé and families.
• Plan reception music.
• Contact a rental coordinator for equipment reservations.
• Discuss honeymoon and reservations. (Traditionally the groom makes all the honeymoon arrangements.)
• Arrange for time off work, if necessary.
• Buy a wedding planner and envelopes to store brochures and notes.
• Develop record-keeping system for invitations, gifts, and thank-you notes.

4-6 Months

• Plan new living arrangements and home furnishings.
• Select and register wedding gifts and patterns.
• Select color scheme.
• Order dress and accessories.
• Order bridesmaids' dresses, shoes and accessories.
• Contact men's formal wear specialist for men's attire.
• Have parents select attire.
• Order invitations, announcements, programs, napkins, matchbooks, and personal stationery.
• Arrange for physical examinations, dental appointments, etc.

2 Months

• Choose and order wedding bands and engraving.
• Order wedding and groom's cakes. 
• Check state/county marriage license requirements.
• Plan ceremony, reception, menus, master of ceremonies, music, and timetables.
• Plan rehearsal dinner, and bridesmaids' luncheon.
• Complete guest list and address invitations.
• Make arrangements for lodging for out-of-town guests.
• Purchase gifts for attendants and groom.
• Plan reception seating, if necessary.

One Month

• Confirm all arrangements and contracts.
• Mail invitations so they will arrive three weeks before the wedding.
• Pick up wedding rings.
• Arrange for transportation to ceremony and from ceremony to reception.
• Attend final fittings.
• Have your hair and makeup done as you would like to have it on your wedding day. Schedule any tanning, manicures, etc.
• Purchase guest book and keepsake album.
• Contact your insurance agent about naming your fiancé as beneficiary on your life insurance, will, and auto *policies, and buying homeowners' and floater insurances to protect wedding gifts.
• Open joint checking and savings accounts. Decide on a budget and savings program. Discuss them with your financial representatives.
• Write thank you notes as gifts are received.

2 Weeks

• Get marriage license.
• Give caterer final guest count. Don't forget the wedding party, photographer and DJ!
• Arrange to have your gown pressed and delivered.
• Arrange to change your name on driver's license, social security card, credit cards, bank accounts, insurances, etc.
• Make arrangements for moving into your new home.

1 Week

• Pack for honeymoon.
• Give bridesmaids' luncheon/party and give attendant gifts.
• Confirm directions, housing, and timetables with attendants.
• Brief head usher of any special seating arrangements.
• Arrange for rental returns.
• Prepare wedding day fees.

1 Day Before

• Pack the "Going-to-church" bag, and an "emergency" bag.
• Attend rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.
• Find a quiet moment to give your fiancé his wedding gift.

****The Wedding Day ****

• Have a nice relaxed breakfast. You'll need it!
• Have hair and make-up done.
• Relax and let the planning take care of itself. Most of all, enjoy!