| Step 1: | | | | Step 7: |
| Imagine your wedding from start to finish. Where will | | | | Choose a dress and wedding attire for the rest of the |
| the wedding take place? Do you want a casual, | | | | wedding party. This should be done at least 8 months |
| formal, or a non- traditional wedding? What will be the | | | | prior to the wedding. Order your engagement and/or |
| wedding theme/colors? What kind of catering options | | | | wedding rings. There are a lot of online jewelry |
| would you like to serve to your guests? You can look | | | | sources that have budget friendly yet beautiful |
| at bridal magazines and websites for inspiration. | | | | wedding/ engagement rings. Also ask friends and |
| Step 2: | | | | family for a reputable jeweler. |
| Time to pick a date. For an inexpensive wedding, try to | | | | Step 8: |
| plan off season (any month except June- August). | | | | Review and finalize your wedding details. Regarding |
| You can also try to have your wedding on a Friday or | | | | wedding caterers, staff and entertainment, make sure |
| Sunday. Another tip is to plan the wedding before a | | | | each vendor has a CIT- Certificate of Insurance, to be |
| major holiday so that your guest will have that extra | | | | provided to the wedding/ reception site before the |
| day to relax before the next work day. | | | | ceremony. Give caterers the final headcount of your |
| Step 3: | | | | guests; keep in mind that if there are young children at |
| Create a budget. Plan one that is cost effective and | | | | the wedding, discusses meal options as children don't |
| leaves room for flexibility. You will need to determine | | | | eat as much as adults. Go over the music playlists with |
| the number of guests you would like. | | | | the DJ or band of your choice. View locations with the |
| Step: 4: | | | | photographer so that you have an idea of how your |
| Book the wedding and reception sites at least 10 | | | | wedding pictures will look. Take care of the rest of the |
| months before the actual date. Start looking into | | | | paperwork, sign up with gift registries, and contact any |
| wedding venues, caterers, florists, photographers/ | | | | guests who have not responded to the invite and start |
| videographers as well as entertainment options. | | | | scheduling final fittings for wedding attire. |
| Remember, when negotiating, be firm about what you | | | | Step 9: |
| would like but be NICE! No vendor appreciates a nasty | | | | As the wedding date nears, start packing for your |
| tone or demands. Be reasonable about what you | | | | honeymoon. If traveling abroad, make sure all |
| would like and see how the vendors could help better | | | | passports have been renewed and updated. Start |
| accommodate you. | | | | looking for hair and cosmetic stylists that you would |
| Step 5: | | | | like to provide their services to your wedding. For a |
| Decide who you would like to officiate your wedding. | | | | low cost solution, schedule a make up consultation at |
| You may want a minister or Justice of the Peace. Be | | | | your favorite cosmetic vendor and arrange |
| clear about rules and restrictions regarding the | | | | makeovers for all. Make sure the stylists chooses |
| ceremony and ceremony site. Check state | | | | colors close to your dresses and show you how to |
| requirements for obtaining a marriage license, and find | | | | apply the make-up so there will be no room for errors |
| out how long the license will remain valid. | | | | on the big day! |
| Step 6: | | | | Step 10: |
| Make a guest list. Depending on the budget you may | | | | Last week before the wedding: RELAX! Enjoy your |
| have to compromise on the number of guests | | | | time with your fiance and your friends to help calm |
| attending. Start sending save the date notices either | | | | pre-wedding jitters. Pick up your wedding dress and |
| by postal mail, email or create your own wedding site | | | | suit for the groom from the cleaners. Register for |
| with details about your upcoming nuptials. You can | | | | wedding licenses; start making arrangements for name |
| send the actual invitations about 3 months before the | | | | changes on your driver's license, social security, banks, |
| wedding date. Start planning your honeymoon | | | | credit card, etc. |
| destination. | | | | Last but not least: ENJOY YOUR BIG DAY! |