Black Bride & Groom

All you need to plan your dream wedding!

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Checklist

Hire a professional wedding planner/consultant
Announce your engagement to family and friends
Introduce both sets of parents, if you have not already
Select a wedding date, time a possible alternate date
Determine the style, size and degree of formality of your wedding
Check with your clergyman to determine any pre-marital requirements
Reserve the church, temple or ceremony site.
Plan the reception and book location as soon as wedding date is set.
Hire a caterer, if not included with reception site. Discuss menu.
Discuss how expenses will be shared with all relevant parties
Enjoy your engagement party and promptly send thank you notes for gifts received

Announce your engagement in the newspaper
Reserve your photographer and video-grapher
Choose the musicians, soloists and review music selection for ceremony/reception
Schedule ballroom dancing lessons
Determine the number of guests for your family, his family, your friends, his friends and their friends
Shop for your wedding dress and accessories. Schedule fittings and delivery date when buying or ordering
Select a travel agent and start planning for your honeymoon

Check requirements for blood tests and marriage licenses in your state.
Make an appointment for an exam with your doctor and dentist.
Select and order wedding rings.
Ask both mothers to coordinate and select their dresses.
Complete your guest list. (There should be no abbreviations).
Order invitations and stationery, such as direction cards and wedding programs.
Reserve rental supplies such as Bird cage, Mail box, wedding cake box.
Purchase gifts for wedding attendants and look for favors for guests.
Purchase accessories, such as toasting goblets, cake knives, flower girl basket, garter, ring pillow, candles, guest book and pen, etc.
Engage a calligrapher to address invitations, envelopes and write place cards.
Select baker and order wedding cake and groom's cake.
Finalize honeymoon details and make reservations.
Apply for a visa or passport, if necessary.
Ensure that all bridal attire has been ordered.
Experiment with hairstyle and cut, if your doing your own hair.
Begin shopping for your trousseau.

Send wedding announcements to the newspaper.
Reserve accommodations for out-of-town attendants and guests.
Choose the men's wedding attire. Be sure the sizes are correct.
You or your calligrapher should start addressing invitation envelopes.
Mail invitations six weeks before the wedding.
Assist the groom's mother with making reservations and finalizing rehearsal dinner details.
Finalize details with florist, photographer, videographer, musicians and baker.
Set the date and time for the rehearsal with the officiate.
Schedule a formal bride portrait appointment.
Choose a responsible person to attend to your guest book.
Make an appointment with hairdresser and makeup artist, if you are to have it done for you.

Finalize a time schedule of the day with your wedding consultant.
Contact guests who have not returned respond cards.
Address and stamp wedding announcements to be mailed on your wedding day.
Arrange name change on documents for business, banking, insurance, etc.
Send change of address notice to post office.
Order travelers checks for honeymoon, if needed.
Pick up wedding rings; check to make sure they fit and engraving inscriptions are correct.
Meet with photographer. Give him/her a list of special events or props you want in the videotape.
Meet with the entertainer and give him/her a list of the music to be played during special events such as bouquet and garter tossing.
Continue writing thank-you notes for gifts received.

Write or have calligrapher do the place cards or a reception seating chart.
Provide the caterer with the final guest count and seating arrangements.
Confirm honeymoon reservations, pick up tickets and travelers checks.
Assign tasks for your wedding day; written out for each wedding party attendant.
Pick up wedding attire and make sure everything fits properly.
Finalize details of transportation for out-of-town guests and wedding day.

Remain calm and try to relax; perhaps with a long bath
Remember to bring the wedding rings and marriage license.
Check with florist to be sure that flowers will be delivered on time.
Apply makeup and style your hair, or have it done professionally.
Start dressing two hours before the ceremony.
If pictures are to be taken before the ceremony, the wedding party should be ready about two hours before the ceremony.
Mail or have someone mail the wedding announcements.
Have music start about twenty minutes before the ceremony begins.
Have guest seated as they arrive.
Enjoy your wedding and SMILE.