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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!