Step 28: Check to be sure the majority of guests have
replied. Based on this info, begin your seating arrangements. I kept mine in a
MS Word document in groups of 8, 9 and 10. Each time someone dropped out or
came back on the list (yes, this happens), I did a quick delete and paste to
move them to another section. This is by far one of the more complicated
aspects of planning a wedding, because it's something you can't avoid.
Step 29: Check back with the band to be sure your list of
songs was OKed. Send him a list of songs to play during the bride and groom's
first dance, the bride and her dad's first dance, and the groom's dance with
his mother. Ask the parents if they have any music in particular that they'd
like to hear. Send a deposit if one is required.
Step 30: Communicate with the key players in the wedding. Where
will you be getting dressed on the morning of the wedding? Will the
photographer be there taking pictures? I wrote up an itinerary for the day with
explicit instructions and requests such as "Would you arrive ten minutes
early to make sure the room is set up?" We had babysitting concerns, as
our son was 2 at the time, so we were sure to clarify who would be watching him
for the major part of the day.
Step 31: Write out the address envelopes to send thank-you
cards for all guests who replied yes to your wedding. You may as well, right?
This way, they'll be all set to go when it's time to fill out the cards.
Step 32: Follow up with the cake baker to let them know your
cake, filling and icing of choice, as well as the number of guests.
Step 33: Follow up with your wedding day officiant to
discuss logistics of the ceremony. Will you be having specific bible passages
read? Do you plan to write your own vows? Will you light unity candles, or
offer roses to the bride and grooms' mothers? Are you doing a full mass, or an
abbreviated ceremony?
Step 34: Follow up with your photographer to select your
package, if you haven't already. Discuss the itinerary for the day, and various
locations where he should be taking pictures. Do you want him or her to be
there for the entire party, or can you save a few hundred by having him leave
early?
Step 35: Schedule your dress fitting and alterations. Be
sure to bring/wear your wedding day undergarments and shoes to get an accurate
fit.
Step 36: Rent the tux, or purchase the suit, depending of
course on the groom's preference.
Step 37: Order bouquets. My maid of honor happens to run a
family greenhouse, so she fashioned ours from some lovely calla lillies she had
available plus picked up roses and baby's breath at a local florist.
Step 38: Make your hair appointment. You may want to stop in
for "test drive" of the hairdo you'd like to wear on the big day.
Bring your veil to get an idea of how the veil will look.
Step 39: Assign your guests to tables on the diagram
provided by the wedding hall. Give this information to the wedding coordinator,
along with the table cards with each person's name on them.
Step 40: Check back with the company or person who is creating
your wedding favors if you're giving these away. Plan to pick them up or have
them delivered the week of the wedding at the latest.
Step 41: Shop for little gifts of appreciation to give the
bridal party and anyone else who may have had a special part in the planning
and execution of your big day. Gift-wrap in advance and store for the wedding
day.
Step 42: Check back with the hotel to make sure the block of
rooms is set to go. Find out who from your wedding guest list has booked rooms.
Talk about arranging a shuttle to and from the reception if necessary. Decide
when you'd like to have your room available. We actually got dressed in
(separate) hotel rooms rather than at our parents' homes.
Step 43: Handle the unfinished business of your marriage license.
You will need to write them a small check and have paperwork signed. Don't
forget your birth certificates before you walk out the door!
Step 44: Wrap up everything with your outfits. The bride's
dress should fit perfectly and be dry-cleaned (if secondhand) and pressed. The
groom's shoes should be shined, cufflinks sparkling and all that.
Step 45: Make a list of all the items you'll need for your
wedding day. Write down each phase of the day and where you'll be/who will be
there with you, so you'll know what to include. Check and double-check your
list. You don't want to forget something silly, like your toothbrush or shoes!
Step 46: The day before your wedding has arrived. Exciting
stuff!! Handle any last-minute calls, texts or emails. Charge your cell phones
and type out a list of phone numbers of key people such as bridal party, family
members, catering hall, hotel, band, babysitters, and anyone else who you may
need to contact in the event your phone goes missing or won't work. Pack up all
your bags and take along any snacks or food for the early morning frenzy. Don't forget cash to tip the catering hall people, hotel workers and drivers.
Step 47. Show up. Get married! Enjoy the day – you earned
it. Congratulations, husband and wife. :)
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