A once-in-a-lifetime celebration.

At Danfords, our experienced wedding planners can help you create the wedding of your dreams. But the reality is, your "big day" comes with a big "to do" list. The secret is to get organized - and stay organized. This checklist can help get you started.

Nine to Twelve Months Before

Decide on your budget
Set a wedding date and time
Announce your engagement to family and friends -- and in the newspaper
Determine the type of wedding you want - casual/formal, indoors or out
Research, select and book your ceremony and reception locations
Find a caterer, if not provided by your reception facility -
Determine how many guests to invite - and the size of your bridal party
Set aside a block of hotel rooms for out-of-town guests
Book your band or DJ
Start looking for wedding gown, bridesmaid's dresses, formal wear for groom and groomsmen
Book your photographer and videographer
Check out local florists; make an appointment to see their work
Be sure to get contracts from all vendors
Create a bridal and/or engagement registry

Six to Nine Months Before

Start compiling your guest list and have your families do the same
Purchase wedding gown and accessories, bridesmaid's dresses, rent or purchase formal wear for groom and groomsmen
Start planning your honeymoon
Book your florist
Order your wedding cake, if not provided by your reception facility
Parents of groom can begin to arrange rehearsal dinner. (May we suggest WAVE?)
Arrange transportation for the wedding

Four to Six Months Before

Get a check up at your doctor and dentist
Confirm requirements for blood test in your state
Shop for wedding rings
Order your invitations and stationery
Decide where you'll live after you're married
Complete your guest lists
Mothers shop for their dresses
Finalize honeymoon details and make necessary reservations

Two to Four Months Before

Confirm menu
Prepare all maps and directions to ceremony and reception
Buy a wedding guest book
Set the date and time for rehearsal and plan dinner
Plan the bridesmaid luncheon and other special events
Consider design & production of wedding program
Finalize details with florist, videographer, photographer, musicians, baker, etc.
Confirm accommodations for out-of-town guests

Six to Eight Weeks Before

Mail invitations and announcements
Set appointment with photographer for bridal portrait; check deadlines for submission with local newspaper
Purchase gifts for attendants
Book hairstylists and make-up artists
Confirm transportation

Four to Six Weeks Before

Make final menu selections. Estimate number of guests
Buy a gift for your groom/bride
Schedule final gown fittings for bride and bridesmaids
Pick up wedding rings
Purchase or borrow accessories such as ring pillow, goblets, garter, etc.
Confirm flower delivery times
Plan seating for ceremony and reception
Start writing place cards
Choose music for ceremony, first dance, parents' dances, etc. and give to musicians

Two Weeks Before

Arrange to have wedding gifts moved to new home
Handle business and legal details such as name change, address change, etc.
Reconfirm guest accommodations
Make sure all bridal party clothing is ready
Get your marriage license and any needed blood tests

One Week Before

Finalize seating details and review ceremony seating with ushers
Make sure everything fits
Reconfirm honeymoon reservations and start packing
Call any guests who have yet to RSVP
Finish place cards
Review final details with all vendors
Give a final head count to caterer
Confirm availability of musicians
Delegate wedding day responsibilities to reliable individuals
Give gifts to wedding party
Finalize rehearsal dinner arrangements

One Day Before

Get a manicure or massage to relax yourself
Review final details
Get a good night's sleep

The Big Day

Allow yourself plenty of time to get ready
Eat properly
Relax and enjoy yourself - it's YOUR day
Congratulations!

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	'The wedding was fabulous. We were so pleased. So many friends commented on the delicious food and beautiful setting. Thank you!' - Kathy & George Lotzides 'Thank you for helping us create such wonderful memories at our wedding. Everyone was very helpful and attentive to the details. The food was great that night and the next day for brunch.' - Renee & Steven Mercadante 'Alex and I would like to extend our gratitude for making all our wedding reception dreams come true. Thank you for all your patience and hard work. We had a wonderful time dancing the night away.' - Katie & Alex Feulner 'Thank you for the wonderful job your staff did during our wedding. I really couldn't have asked for a more wonderfully planned event. The staff during the reception was so great!! Attentive and considerate is an understatement for them. Your kindness and professionalism was without a doubt a pleasure. Nearly every guest has commented on how great the accommodations & service was. It truly meant a lot to Christian and me all that Danfords did to make our day the best ever. Our Sincere thanks.' - Denise & Christian Rushing 'Thank you for making our wedding day PERFECT. Your professional and expert help allowed us to feel at ease. You were all wonderful to work with and I will recommend Danfords to everyone. The staff was great, attentive and professional. The food was delicious. Thank you.' - Mr.& Mrs. Ryan King 'I must tell you our phone has not stopped ringing. We are receiving so many calls echoing our own feelings about how wonderful Steve and MyTein's wedding was. I could not believe how smoothly everything went, your staff was incredible. The food could have not been more delicious and many guests commented on the excellent service they received at the tables. I can't thank you enough for helping to make this day so beautiful for Steve & MyTein.' - Rochelle Robinson 'Our wedding guests are still calling us and commenting on how extremely happy they were with the service they received at Danfords as well as the cleanliness of the rooms and the wonderful and helpful staff working there. You have a wonderful group of people in your hotel. Everyone is so helpful and delightful. Thank you again.' - Colleen & Joseph Ryan 'Now that dust has settled, following our daughter's wedding, please allow me to compliment your staff for service above and beyond the call of duty. As a former Director of Catering, I can truly appreciate what your staff accomplishes, in such a fantastic manner. Thank you to all who made our daughter and son-in-law's wedding weekend truly memorable.' - Lowell and Sherry Blumenthal 'Thank you so much for all of your help in making our wedding such a wonderful day. Everything was great! We received so many compliments on Danfords. You went out of your way to see to it that all of our needs were met. We really appreciate everything.' - Karen & John Martin 'Thank you so much for creating such a beautiful day for our wedding. Your impeccable attention to detail ensured we had everything we needed. Thank you for keeping me calm while I was waiting for Ted to arrive. Even though we got off to a late start, you and your staff ensured that the party ran smoothly. Everyone was extremely happy with the affair. Again thank you so much.' - Ted & Jo-Ann Realy 'The wedding was wonderful. We couldn't have been happier with the style in which Danfords treated all of our guests! The food will be talked about in my Italian family for quite some time! Thank you again.' - Mike & Kim Kelly 'We were extremely pleased with everything at Danfords for our wedding. We've heard great comments from all our friends and family. Everything was perfect! We wanted to have our wedding some place "different", not a normal Long Island catering hall and Danfords was all that and more. Thank you!' - Mr. & Mrs. Bill Orlando 'We just want to thank you for your time and energy spent helping us book our wedding. You are simply lovely to work with! Many Thanks!' - Raymond & Kelly 'Thank you for all your help in planning our wedding. Everyone at Danfords was really great & we appreciate everything you did. Thanks again!' - Jill & Ron Oppedisano 'Thank you so much for a great wedding, everything was so nice. Staff, food and cake were great!' - Mr. & Mrs. Gary Abrams