My UPDATED How-To plan a wedding in 4 months without stress

EDIT UPDATE: 
I have made edits to the original blog post, to be more reflective of 2 months of learning we have done. After searching the internet I have found that the majority of wedding planning lists available have been unhelpful particularly for the sheer multitude of tasks that we feel are unnecessary or the legnth of time assumed to be required (e.g. 2 years!). So here is my checklist on planning a 6 hour event:-)


4 MONTHS TO GO

Step 1: Pray, commit it to God's hands and continue to bathe the whole process in prayer; organize for the families to meet; get fit-exercise and cook healthy foods. Second, be sure to drink enough water, eat lots of fruits and vegetables, and get that beauty rest. 

Step 2:  Before you plan any wedding details, sit down with your fiancé and make a list of the top three things that are important to each of you as far as the ceremony and reception are concerned. Then, calmly and patiently compare lists to see where you can compromise  Anything that shows up on both of your lists should take first priority

Step 3: DREAM-make an inspiration board that encompasses your theme and color scheme 


Step 4: Set a tentative DATE,

Step 5 : Choose and contact OFFICIANT about availability of desired wedding date , schedule PREMARITAL COUNSELLING,
-Later in the process discuss order of service; ceremony reading with officiant and music with the musicians 

LESSONS LEARNED

1.  Most Churches require weddings to be held in the church of either the bride or groom, and may require either the bride or groom to be a registered member,
2. Most churches require at least 4 months' notice prior to the wedding to allow time for counseling, and for all the other preparation that a special day such as your wedding entails. (some require 6 months- be sure to check with officiant)
3. Some churches/officiants will be unwilling to conduct weddings on Sundays, Holy Week, (Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday), week of Thanksgiving and week of Christmas 

Step 6:Draw up a BUDGET; decide who is going to pay for what

Step 7 : Based on your budget, agree on number of guests, draw up guest list:Decide if children are or aren’t welcome; and the maximum number of guests you want (and can afford).

Step 8: based on the budget and number of guests get your VENUES first and fast:confirm if preferred date is available
NB:only now can the wedding date be confirmed- when your officiant and venues are available

  3 MONTHS TO GO

Step 9 : send out SAVE THE DATE cards/emails especially for out of town/country guests

REMEMBER: Find the place before you announce the date.

Step 10: Choose and contact your wedding party: Best Man, Maid of Honour, Ushers, Bridesmaids, flower girls, page boys

Step 11: Book photo and video vendors; take formal engagement photos




Step 12: Book caterer
-Decide menu and drinks choice

Step 13:  Find a wedding dress, veil, shoes; grooms tux

Step 14: Book tents, table, chairs, flower and decor vendor
-Decide on buttonholes, bouquets, arrangements and table centres
 
 Step 15: Send out INVITATIONS,
NB: You need to mail invitations out a minimum of  six weeks before the wedding, especially if you're expecting out of town guests. 3 months before the Wedding Day is the ideal time to send out your Wedding Invitations, it gives people enough time to organise accommodation, time off work if necessary, etc.

-Order other stationery:  guest book; gift box; labels (security, reserved, ushers)
 
Step 16:paperwork (licenses etc)

2 MONTHS TO GO

Step 17: Book cake

Step 18: Make airline and hotel reservations for the Honeymoon

  Step 19: Book DJ/Entertainment; Finalize music list and no-play list with band or DJ

 4 WEEKS  TO GO 

Step 20: Book transportation to the wedding venue+ reception for bridal party, parents +the going away transport

Step 21 : Buy rings

Step 22 : Schedule hair, make up appointments to discuss styles for the wedding; have a make up trial

Step 23 : Try on your whole outfit- forgotten anything? get it now!


Step 24 : Decide on the timeline and details of Ceremony and Reception

3 WEEKS TO GO

Step 25 : Attend a reading of the banns at church

1 WEEK TO GO

Step 26 : Schedule the rehearsal a day or two before your wedding day and tell those who need to be there

Step 27 : Visit your Beauty Salon for manicure and pedicure, facial; get honeymoon currency; pack for honeymoon

#28 -FINALLY: Wedding day!; live happily ever after

Preparing yourself as a bride:

1. studying the Word as it speaks to wives,
2.  praying for your future husband
3.  applying good relationship skills
4. personal beauty and adornment

more to come..