December 31, 1968
(12 months prior) |
| Select wedding date
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| Select an engagement ring
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| Discuss wedding style (formal vs. informal, etc., time of day, size of wedding and wedding cost)
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| Choose and book an Officiant
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| Meet with both sets of parents to openly discuss overall wedding ideas
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| Buy wedding rings
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| Invite attendants to be a part of your wedding celebration
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| Announce your engagement in the newspaper. Place announcement in both your and your fiancé's hometown newspaper and in the town where you live and work
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| Set a budget and number of guests to be invited
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| Reserve ceremony and reception site
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| Purchase a file to keep track of all wedding information
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| Design a 'Save the Date Card'
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May 1, 1969 to December 31, 1968
(8 to 12 months prior) |
| Enroll with your favorite Bridal Registry
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| Discuss honeymoon plans
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| If traveling abroad, research needs of passport and/or visa and inoculations
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| Have both families begin guest list with current addresses, including relationship, to help you remember (uncle, friends, etc.)
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| Purchase index card file and record gifts: when they were received and when a thank you was written
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| Order gown and accessories
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| Select and order attendants' gowns
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| Select Caterer
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| Select Photographer
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| Select Florist
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| Select Videographer
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| Select ceremony and reception music
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| Reserve accommodations for out-of-town guests
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July 1, 1969 to May 1, 1969
(6 to 8 months prior) |
| Discuss rehearsal dinner plans
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| Select men's formal wear
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| Select and order invitation ensemble
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| Book calligrapher's services
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| Design map to ceremony and reception
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| Draw up final guest list
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| Notify out-of-town guests with a 'Save the Date' card
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| Write each guest name, address, and response on 3x5-file card
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| Select and reserve transportation (limousines, etc.)
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| Have mothers choose their dresses
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| Hire stylist for wedding, hair and makeup
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| Order Wedding Cake
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| Book room for wedding night
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| Complete honeymoon plans
|
August 31, 1969
(4 months prior)
|
| Decide your new home furnishings together
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| Work out ceremony preferences and details; vows, readings, music
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| Plan rehearsal dinner, time, date, menu, and guest list
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| Decide if you would like a 'Wedding Program' listing attendants and details
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| Confirm delivery date of wedding parties' attire
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| Shop for trousseau
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| Select relatives or closes friends, who are not attendants, to help with task of guest registry and identifying people for photographer
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October 31, 1969
(2 months prior)
|
| Check requirements for medical tests and marriage license
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| Set appointment with fiancé to get your marriage license (You must each have a photo ID)
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| Pick up wedding rings and check engraving
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| Choose gifts for attendants and future spouse
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| Confirm music for ceremony and reception
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| Confirm rehearsal
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| Remind every member of your wedding party about rehearsal date, time, and site
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| Arrange wedding day transportation
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| Address and mail wedding invitations
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| Meet with photographer (Provide a list of family member names for pre-wedding and post wedding pictures and have engagement photo taken)
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| Plan bridesmaids' party, luncheon or special occasion
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| Order party favors to give to guests
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| Make appointment with hairstylist - have a trial run (Set wedding day appointment at least 3 hours before the ceremony)
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| Call Bridal Shop, check when your gown will arrive; Make appointment for final fitting
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| Shop for undergarments, hose, and jewelry
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December 1, 1969 to October 31, 1969
(1 to 2 months prior)
|
| Draft a new will and change insurance beneficiary, if desired
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| Consult a lawyer about prenuptial agreement, if desired
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| Purchase: Guest Book and Pen, Toasting Glasses, Cake Knife and Server, Flower Girl Baskets, and Ring Bearer's Pillow
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| Have final gown fitting (Remind bridesmaid of final fittings)
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| Send wedding announcements to newspaper (including black and white photo)
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| Arrange to move your belongings to your new home
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| If you plan to change your name on your driver's license, social security, insurance policies, office records, bank accounts, etc., contact necessary offices to obtain the required forms
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| Fill out a change-of-address form at the post office
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| Complete the wedding day schedule and give copies to your bridal party
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| Make final decisions if preparing a ceremony program
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| Schedule printing if printing menu cards
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December 17, 1969
(2 weeks prior)
|
| Provide reception hall with list of wine and beverages you will be bringing to reception
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| Confirm Rehearsal time with wedding party
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| Confirm honeymoon reservations, purchase traveler's checks (Record check numbers and amounts and leave a copy with someone at home in case of emergency), prepare a copy of wedding trip itinerary (leave one at home), include phone numbers
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| Prepare a seating chart for reception and rehearsal dinner
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| Record wedding gifts as you receive them and write thank you notes
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| Address formal announcements so they can be mailed out on your wedding day
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| Assist out-of-town guest with special arrangements (child-care, etc.)
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| Give reception hall final guests count
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| Send photo request list to photographer
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| Decide if you would like to preserve your bouquet
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| Break in your wedding shoes! Wrap in plastic bags or plastic wrap and walk around the house!
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| Make appointment for manicure and pedicure before wedding
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December 24, 1969
(1 week prior)
|
| Prepare final payment checks for vendor
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| Review reception seating
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| Set aside all items to bring to rehearsal
|
December 31, 1969
(Wedding Day)
|
| As you awake, tell yourself: 'Today's going to be The Best Day of My Life!'
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| Don't forget to eat something. It's very important for you to feel great all day.
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| Allow one to two hours for leisurely dressing. Take care in applying make-up near your wedding gown. If necessary, cover your gown with a clean white sheet while applying make-up.
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| Be sure Best Man and Maid of Honor sign Wedding Certificate as witnesses
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| At reception, be sure to personally thank your guests for being part of your special day. (You may do this during a toast, or go table to table after you have enjoyed your wedding meal.)
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| Most of all, smile and enjoy every minute!
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