Weddings are the most important occasion a mother and daughter can
truly do together. They can also be difficult and overwhelming at
times. Eddie Deen is committed helping you achieve the wedding that you
have always dreamed of. Signature cuisine, exquisite tableware,
graceful service are an important function of the wedding reception.
Along with these come the perfect venue, entertainment of all forms, the
toasts, the cakes, photography, transportation, floral design, and
much, much more. The intent of Eddie Deen is to be beneficial and to
create ease in the forefront of planning. Below is a guide to help with
planning the perfect wedding celebration:
Wedding Planning Calendar
Nine to Twelve Months Before
Learn the facts about diamonds, and find the
engagement ring.
Propose.
Set an initial budget.
Select a wedding date and time.
Announce your engagement in the newspaper.
Determine the type of wedding you want (day/night,
indoor/outdoor,
formal/casual).
Research availability of reception locations.
Select and book your reception location, or get a
tent if that is what
you decided upon.
Find a caterer if not already provided by the
reception facility.
Research availability of ceremony locations, if
not included with your
reception site.
Select and book your ceremony location.
Determine who will officiate at the ceremony, if
not provided with the
ceremony location.
Determine how many guests you wish to invite.
Set aside blocks of hotel/motel rooms for
out-of-town guests.
Get a band or DJ, get one early because they can
get booked
quickly. You can listen to wedding bands in our song directory.
Decide if you want a bridal party, and if so, then
how large.
Start to research your bridal gowns.
Start to research the grooms formal wear/tuxedo.
Start to research bridesmaids' dresses.
Start to research formal wear for the groomsmen.
Compare and find a photographer.
Compare and find a videographer.
Find local florists and set appointments to look
at their work.
Be sure that you get contracts from all the
professionals you choose.
Create a bridal registry, and/or an engagement
registry.
Visit bridal shows. Check the schedule of upcoming
bridal shows in your areas.
Six to Nine Months Before
Start compiling the guest list (inform your
families to do the same).
Select the attendants for your wedding party.
Purchase the bride's gown.
Purchase the groom's tuxedo.
Purchase bridesmaids' dresses.
Arrange for your groomsmen to be measured and
reserve the
tuxedos. TIP: If your groomsmen do not live close to the formal
wear
shop you choose, tell them to go to a local shop - most shops
will
measure them as a courtesy.
Shop for the wedding dress, headpiece, veil, and
other accessories.
Start planning for honeymoon,
research you destinations. Will it be a Caribbean Island, the South
Pacific, Hawaii, a cruise, or a trip through Europe. Whatever, you
decide research thoroughly.
Choose and reserve your florist.
Order the wedding cake, if not provided by the
caterer or reception
hall.
The parents of the groom should begin to arrange
the Rehearsal
Dinner, and reserve a restaurant or make other arrangements.
Arrange for transportation for the wedding.
Limousines, Horse &
Carriage, vans, etc.
Four to Six Months Before
Make appointments for a physical exam with your
doctor/dentist.
Check requirements for blood test and marriage
license in your state.
Shop for wedding rings.
Select and order the invitations and stationery.
Make sure all the men's attire has been ordered.
Decide where to live after the wedding.
Complete the guest lists.
Begin shopping for trousseau.
Send your engagement announcement to the
newspaper.
Inform mothers to select their dresses.
Select and order the men's attire.
Finalize honeymoon details and make the necessary
reservations.
Two to Four Months Before
Confirm the menu and catering details with the
caterer.
Prepare all maps and directions for the ceremony
and reception.
Select your wedding rings.
Buy a wedding guest book.
Set the dates and times with the officiant for the
rehearsal.
Plan the bridesmaids' luncheon and any other
parties.
Determine your resources for designing and
printing the program for
the ceremony.
Finalize the florist details, photographer,
videographer, musicians,
etc.
Arrange the necessary accommodations for
out-of-town guests.
Plan a rehearsal dinner, time and place.
Confirm the wedding cake details with the baker.
Six to Eight Weeks Before
Mail invitations and announcements.
Prepare a portrait for the newspaper. Check your local
newspaper for
details and timing.
Set appointment with photographer for your formal bridal
portrait.
Select gifts for all your attendants.
Set appointments with any hairdressers and/or makeup artists.
Hire the limousine or other forms of transportation for the
wedding.
Four to Six Weeks Before
Decide what your menu is going to be for the
reception. Estimate the
expected number of guests.
Buy a gift for the groom.
Schedule a final fitting for your gown so it can
be ready for your
formal bridal portrait.
Purchase a going away outfit.
Pick up your wedding rings.
Purchase (borrow) all wedding accessories such as
the ring pillow,
goblets, garter belt, candles, etc.
Confirm florist details and delivery times.
Plan the seating for the reception as well as
other details for the
ceremony and reception.
Start writing placement cards.
Make sure all bridesmaids' attire has been fitted.
Buy a gift for the bride.
Choose the music for your ceremony, first dance,
parent dances, and
party and give information to band, dj, or other musicians.
Two Weeks Before
Make arrangements to have your wedding gifts moved to your new
home.
Handle business and legal details such as name changes,
address
changes, etc.
Prepare the wedding announcement for the newspaper.
Reconfirm your guests' accommodations.
Make sure all clothing and accessories for you and the bridal
party
are ready.
Get your marriage license and any blood tests which are
needed.
One Week Before
Review any seating details with the ushers.
Make sure all wedding attire fits.
Finalize the seating arrangements.
Reconfirm your honeymoon reservations. Ensure you have any
necessary plane tickets.
Start packing for your honeymoon.
Call any guests who have not responded yet.
Finish all the place cards for the reception.
Review all the final details with your photographer,
videographer, etc.
Give a final head count to the caterer.
Confirm the availability of the musicians and vocalists.
Delegate responsibilities to reliable individuals on your
wedding day.
Wrap and present the wedding party gifts.
Finalize your rehearsal dinner arrangements or other plans.
One Day Before
Get a manicure or massage to relax yourself.
Stay with your family the night before and sleep early.
Review and rehearse all the details of your participants.
The Big Day
Make sure the best man and maid of honor sign the wedding
certificate.
Allow yourself plenty of time to get dressed.
Be sure to eat properly.
Rest and relax with a good bath.
Prepare for your hairdresser and makeup appointments.
Enjoy your wonderful wedding and cherish each and every
moment!
