Wedding Check List

12 to 18 months ahead of the wedding

First ask your special one to marry you with an exquisite
diamond engagement ring from Ridgewood Jewelers.

Then you can use this check list:

Decide on a Preliminary Wedding Budget
Agree on the Ceremony location and type of wedding (formal, informal)
Agree with your spouse-to-be on your Wedding date
Visit your officiant (church) or clergyman/woman with your fianceé
Plan and attend several bridal shows for ideas
Hire a wedding planner/coordinator, if you choose
Write up a tentative invitation list, for number of guests
Select your entertainment: band or disc jockey (DJ)
Choose your location for the reception; call around compare prices and services
Plan and agree upon the rehearsal site
Plan the reception. Most services will require a deposit
Choose a beautiful place for your honeymoon
Shop for a caterer
Apply for passports if needed

6 to 12 months ahead of the wedding

Shop for a Wedding gown - allow time for alterations and fittings
Agree on a bridal registry
Select the bridesmaids, groomsmen and best man
Agree on a date to order bridesmaids' dresses
Shop for and order invitations, calligraphy, announcements & thank you notes
Order napkins, matchbooks and personalized favors
Plan accommodations for out-of-town guests
Select a Florist
Select a baker for your wedding cake and order . Decide the configuration of the cake(s)
Shop for and order wedding favors
Draw a time line for the wedding reception
Book the photographer and set up a time for the bridal portrait
Book a limousine company for transportation on your wedding day
Shop for a Party rental place and make reservations for any rentals
Entertainment (Band, DJ, etc.)
Agree on a caterer, a florist
The groom consults with a formal wear specialist

2 to 6 months ahead of the wedding

Make airline & hotel reservations for the honeymoon
Fine tune the guest list
Address, stuff and seal wedding announcements
Draw up a seating plan for invited guests
If you're planning on a custom-made wedding cake top, order at this time
Select music for your church service (if any)
Choose and purchase gifts for your attendants (bridal party)
Buy your wedding rings together
Make a date to get your marriage license
Make a map to the church and reception hall, for local and out-of-town guests
Mail wedding announcement to guests living abroad

1 to 2 months ahead of the wedding

Buy wedding gift for your future spouse
Make appointment with hairstylist, manicurist, etc.
Have final dress fitting, bride and bridesmaids
Groom verify all groomsmen have been fitted for their outfits
Mail all other invitations
Visit the photographer to have formal wedding portrait taken
Pick up your wedding rings
Confirm with all hired professionals correct dates and times
Discuss with the officiant the specifics of the wedding ceremony
Set a date and time for the rehearsal dinner
Choose gifts for the groom and the attendants
Make final alterations and fittings for the wedding gown
Contact out of town guests and make necessary hotel reservations

2 weeks ahead of the wedding

Send your wedding announcement and photo to local newspaper
Review seating plan for reception
Confirm your honeymoon arrangements
Meet with DJ to select music and special events during the reception.
Make reservations for bridesmaids' luncheon.
Send reminders to the rehearsal dinner attendees about the location & time
Fill out and submit application for the marriage license
Finalize music list and no-play list with band or DJ
Verify the bridal party clothing
Attend showers
Make necessary arrangements for your name & address change, if any

1 week ahead of the wedding

Have final consultation with caterer and florist
Write checks (or get cash) for hired professionals, give to best man to distribute
Verify tickets and seating (if flying), make sure all travel documents are handy
Start packing for your honeymoon - try to do most of it before the wedding
Discuss final details of the ceremony and reception with the pertinent parties
Get final guest counts to necessary hired service professionals

The day before...

Visit the beauty salon for manicure and pedicure
Attend the rehearsal and dinner
Make sure the ushers have the final guest list

The wedding day...

Make sure you eat something in the morning - it may be a while before you get another chance
Make sure you have your wedding bands
Make sure you bring the marriage license
Visit the beauty salon for hair styling & make-up (bring veil/headpiece)
Make sure your wedding gown is pressed and steamed
Bring a change of clothes if you are leaving for your honeymoon
Make sure you have passports, tickets, credit cards, etc for your honeymoon
Seat the groom's parents five minutes before the ceremony.
Seat the bride's mother immediately before the processional march
Try to relax... unwind yourself... and enjoy your special day

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Custom Jeweler

The Krauss family of jewelers has been designing jewelry in Springfield, Ohio for more than 125 years.

Please allow us to design that perfect piece of jewelry for you.

Richard Krauss, Fourth Generation Springfield Jeweler