Wedding Planning Timeline

Your Time Table Careful planning will enable you to truly enjoy every moment of your Wedding Day. Arrangements for a large formal wedding should ideally begin at least 8 – 12 months in advance. However, many beautiful weddings are put together in considerably less time. The important thing is to follow a timetable, read the articles in this guide and let your contracted suppliers help you. Share the planning duties with your fiancé, your family and your attendants — much of the fun is doing it together!

Six to Twelve Months •Decide budget; discuss sharing of expenses. •Decide type of wedding: a) formal, b) semi-formal, c) informal •Choose location of ceremony. •Discuss alternative dates with clergy or officiator. •Decide size of wedding party; choose attendants. •Select gown style. •Select veil style. •Select attendants & apparel. •Choose reception facility. •Select caterer/wedding consultant. •Plan details of reception. •Select photographer. •Have engagement photos taken. •Select music for reception. •Select videographer. •Select florist. •Compile guest list. •No. of Guests: Bride's _____________ Groom's ___________ •Discuss gown colors & styles with mothers of bride & groom. Four to Six Months •Select men's formal wear; order. •Select ceremony musician & music. •Make honeymoon plans. Travel Agent. •Decide on new living arrangement; buying, leasing, renting? •Consult decorator about home decor. •Register gift preferences with one or more bridal registries. •Order invitations, personal stationary, programs, napkins, etc. •Stationer _________________ Del. date __________ •Professionally prepare & print map to include with invitations. •Set aside hotel rooms for out-of-town guests. •Have physical examinations & update immunizations. •Buy wedding rings; order engraving. Two to Four Months •Reserve rental items (candelabra, arches, canopy, linens, etc.). •Arrange rehearsal dinner. •Shop for trousseau and apparel for honeymoon & prenuptial parties. •Reserve limousine, carriage, trolley or coach transportation. ••Address wedding invitations; consider professional calligrapher. •Review florist arrangements; finalize order. •Buy attendants & gifts and gifts for each other. •Experiment with hairstyles and make-up changes. •Buy bride's and attendants' shoes; send to dyer. •Order wedding and groom's cakes. One to Two Months •Mail invitations four to six weeks before wedding. •Final bridal fitting. •Final attendants & fittings. •Confirm honeymoon reservations, begin packing. •Select reception decorations (balloons, candles, flowers, table favors, etc.). •Select ceremony accessories (unity candle, ring pillow, guestbook, etc.). •Select personal accessories (handbag, garter, engraved goblets, guest mementos, etc.). •Arrange bridemaids & brunch or luncheon. •Schedule appointments for hair stylist, facial, manicure, massage. •Buy marriage license; have blood tests if needed. Two Weeks •Invite wedding party & guests to rehearsal dinner. •Move your personal and mutual belongings to new home. •Review reception seating and order place cards from calligrapher. •Confirm out-of-town guests & lodging with reserved hotels. •Confirm wedding party transportation and arrival times. •Record gifts as you receive them; write thank you notes. •Schedule caterer for gift opening party. •Arrange for gown cleaning and bouquet preservation after wedding. One to Two Weeks •Pick up wedding rings, check engravings and sizes. •Final consultations: Florist, hall decorator, musicians, photographer, videographer. •Give final guest count to reception facility and caterer. •Remind men to pick up formal wear and shoes; check for fit. •Make wedding day schedule and give everyone copies at rehearsal dinner. •Relax the day before; keep personal appointments; finish honeymoon packing. •Your planning is complete. Your day will be wonderful!!!

Last Bridal shows in January

There are two more really good Wedding Expos this last weekend in January. One is on Saturday, and one is on Sunday, so Brides - you can go to both shows! They will be at two completely different locations, and will have different vendors. We will be at both Bridal shows this weekend, and hope to see you there... Upcoming 2013 Bridal Shows: Saturday, January 26, 2013 Brea Community Center 11:00am - 3:00pm 695 E. Madison Way Brea · (714) 671-4427 www.breabridalshow.com

__AND__ Coyote Hills Golf Course January 27, 2013 • 11am - 2pm FREE Admission, sample Hors d' oeuvres and great Prizes. 1440E. Bastanchury Rd. Fullerton • (714) 672-6800 x5 www.coyotehillsgc.com

Three Wedding Expos this weekend!

Bride World Sat-Sun, January 19-20, 2013 10am - 4pm $15 admission. L.A. Convention Center (GPS) 1200 L.A. Live Way Los Angeles, CA 90015 Save time. Shop and compare local retailers, audition entertainers, sample cake and catering, enjoy a bridal fashion show, and discover many of the absolute best wedding values. 180 Los Angeles County wedding products and services. (800) 600-7080 www.Brideworld.com

Diamond Bar Gold Course January 20, 2013 • 11:00 - 3:00 22751 Golden Springs Dr., Diamond Bar Complimentary Admittance Meet our preferred vendors, and taste our chefs specialty hors d'oeuvers & beverages. (909) 861-5757 ext.252 www.diamondbar.americangolf.com

Expo Bridal January 20, 2013 Crowne Plaza Resort 12021 Harbor Blvd. Anaheim/Garden Grove Our bridal shows feature the most creative and experienced wedding vendors in the business today that will help you make your dream wedding come true. Plus, you'll find the hottest new gown styles during our live runway gown show. And, we'll have free food and cake samples, free massages and plenty of juicy giveaways. Meet and speak with them and get new ideas in making your wedding a flawless experience! (213) 272- 0748 www.expobridal.com

OC Bridal Show this Sunday

Sunday, January 13, 2013 DoubleTree Hotel 100 The City Drive Orange, CA 92868 Show Hours: 11 am - 4 pm About the DoubleTree by Hilton Anaheim Orange County . . . Offering upscale accommodations and amenities at our full-service hotels and resorts, Doubletree can accommodate weddings of all sizes. With spacious ballrooms, exquisite cuisine and expert attention to detail.

Showcasing Southern California's top wedding professionals for all your wedding planning needs. Shop, compare and get insights and advice from the leading wedding experts. Preview new ideas and fresh styles. Taste gourmet cake and cuisine, see fashion, enjoy music/entertainment and take advantage of show discounts and giveaways. Have fun while discovering the best options to make your dream wedding come true! Premier Bridal Shows (714) 572-1363 www.premierbridalshows.com

Bridal shows January 5th & 6th, 2013

We will be handing out the brand new Wedding Guide books at the first Bridal shows in 2013 this weekend. Here is more information on these three Wedding Expos: Saturday, January 5, 2013 10am-4pm $10 admission. O.C. Fair Event Center 935 Arlington (Entrance Gate 8) Costa Mesa, CA 92626 (714) 708-1572 Save time. Shop and compare 150 Coastal Orange County wedding products and services.

BrideWorld 800-600-7080 www.Brideworld.com ___AND___ January 6, 2013 • 11:00am - 4:00pm The Queen Mary - Long Beach 1126 Queens Hwy • Long Beach, CA 90802 Come meet over 100 of Southern CA most distinguished Wedding Professionals ready to help turn your Dream wedding into a Reality! We are the LARGEST & LONGEST RUNNING Bridal Show in Long Beach/South Bay

Bridal Showplace (562) 381-2865 www.bridalshowplace.net ___AND___ Sunday, January 6, 2013 Sheraton Cerritos 12725 Center Court Drive Cerritos, CA 90703 Show Hours: 11 am - 4 pm See 100s of ideas and services for your wedding day including stunning displays and the latest wedding fashions at our Dancing Down the Aisle Fashion Shows which include a fusion of the hottest styles and dance choreography!

Premier Bridal Shows (714) 572-1363 www.premierbridalshows.com