1.Date

The date is the most important thing you need to know when you are planning your own wedding. With out a set date you will not be able to lift a finger with out one.

2. Budget

This effects everything else that you are looking into for you big day. Your number of guests, location(s), food, cake, kind of wedding service and reception are all determinded by how much will be shelled out for the wedding.

3. Number of guest & Location*

These two items were combined into because they are reflected upon each other. You can decide on the number of guests then the location(s) that you are going to have wedding or choose the location(s) based off of the budget and then decide the number of guests. I have made it open for locations because may be youhave everything in one spot, the ceremony and reception, or you have two seperate facilities. Sometimes the religion may be more of a decider on this then budget.**

4. The Wedding Dress*

A bridewill love and cherish her dresslike it is her short term child. This is included on the list because sometimes with a lot of things going on important matters need to be on the to do list. The dress can be picked out at a store or personally designed. The best thing to do is make sure the bride gets the dress approved and has a few fittings before the wedding. I think a good suggestion would be to get the dress no later than three months out if you don't need any changes done except for getting it taylored. A month before have the bride have her second fitting and a a week and a half before the bride should go in for last minute fit/pick up. This gives a little more space for adjustmentsif needed.

5. Register

When you get married wihen you send out those invites don't forget to let everyone know where you are registered. The great thing about registering for gifts now adays is that you don't have to just get stuff for the kitchen. I believe that when you are at Sears you can sap the big screen tv to add to your list and see if any of you new spouse has any rich family or freinds coming. A long with finding things you may need or want in the stores you can get stuff down online. I have a friend getting married that has their honeymoon registered so that people can make donation for her and her soon to be hubby's trip cheaper at Sandals.

6. Food*

Depending on the place that you hold your wedding you may or may not have to find your own caterer. Some venues have in house catering that you are required to use and others may have outside caterers that they suggest or require you to use. Then of course there are place that you may pick that has nothing to offer. Caterers may be one of the more entertaining picks of your wedding because you can to set the theme of your wedding here. You tell the caterer that you want a beach Hawaiin theme, Upscale comfort food, cultural, etc. Your vision is then tested by what the caterer offers you on your food tasting. This is one time that an unattentive fiance may want to be or will usually show up. If anything you need to be happy about what food is served at your reception.

7. The cake*

The cake is a whole seperate catergory from food. Yes it is food and you can have a cake tasting but the cake is usually just not taste. If you just want any old cake you can go to the local grocery store that has a bakery, taste the ideal cake, get it decorated and be done. Any people like it to be special and get the profesional cake baker/ artist. With a pro you cake can be made to look like a ring on a pillow.

8. Venders*

• In this catergory I am including the flowers, decorations, chairs, tables and as well as other extravagencies. The flowers in the bride's bouqet, brides maids bouqets and the petals the flower girl tosses as well as any other functions (aisle liners, centerpieces, decorations) can be covered by the same florist. It makes it way easier this way and less of a hassle.
• There there are the decorations which can be simply bought from the Party Store or professionally done. It makes the venue continue with your theme or color scheme if the venue doesn't quite look like it. Also you may want to get all of your chairs and tables tied into your theme or color scheme as well.
• Chairs and tables, if not covered by your venue, caterer or you, need to be order for all those in attendence. The only reason not to worry about this is if you are having a are having a sit on the ground type of affair and in this case you may want to warn your guests.
• Other Extravagancies would cover things like a tent for the wedding. A tent is suggested for outside weddings becuae you never know when bad weather may strike (if not just be able to move the wedding inside) Also a DJ which will spin all the tunes for you to dance to can be deemed an extravagance. It isn't necessary but most people rent one out. If you want a higher class touch people still rent bands for part of their weddings. These don't have to be big name people but local bands or entertainters are always looking for work. Special lighting or sound equipment for the reception are also items that cane be rented but they are in the higher price range. there are a lot more things that can be thought of but it that is for your own imagination.

9. The Rings

Go shopping for those rings that you should be wearing for the rest of your life. You want to have something that is comfortable for you and your partner. Surprises can be fun but please ask you soon to be spouse what would work for them if you aren't going to shop for the rings together.

10. The Tuxes* and Bridesmaid dress

Now weneed to remember that there are other people in your wedding and unless you are having a come as you are bridesmaids and groomsmen this doesn't matter. Many brides like to pick out dresses for their bridesmaid dresses and these can be bought or delegated. You can take on the cost of the bride picked bridesmaid dresses or have the bridesmaids pick up the tab or else. Then ther is just the idea that the bride tells her maids just to wear a particular color to run with the theme.

The groomsmen are usually easy. The groomsmen just need to get the tuxes rented at the same place and deach guy can get his tux when he has the time because the wedding party will be on file at the store.

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* A contract is needed with about all the indicated services or products. With every contract you sign you want a copy if it in a fold that you are carrying or is close at hand if information is needed. ( My friend got married and day of the DJ called saying he lost the list of songs for entrances to the ceremony and particular dances. She was able to fill in the DJ on everything she knew but may hve lost out on some requests.)

**My boyfriend went to a friend's wedding which was a Mormon ceremony so, non-Mormons are not allowed in to view the ceremony. They did have a second ceremony for all their non-Mormon friends and family.