A wedding planner primer

Nine-12 months before the wedding:
• Select a wedding date and set a budget.
• Book your reception and ceremony locations.
• Find a caterer.
• Decide who will officiate.
• Determine the number of guests and reserve a block of hotel/motel rooms.
• Book a band or DJ as early as possible.

At six-nine months:
• Purchase the gown, tuxedo and bridesmaids’ dresses; reserve tuxes for groomsmen.
• Start planning for honeymoon.
• Reserve a florist.
• Order the wedding cake.

At four-six months:
• Shop for wedding rings.
• Order invitations.
• Complete the guest list.
• Finalize honeymoon details and make reservations.

At two-four months:
• Confirm the menu and catering details.
• Select wedding rings.
• Finalize details with the florist, photographer, musicians, etc.
• Plan a rehearsal dinner.

At six-eight weeks:
• Mail invitations and announcements.
• Make an appointment with a hairdresser.
• Hire transportation for the wedding.

At four-six weeks:
• Schedule a final fitting for your gown.
• Plan the seating for the reception.

At two weeks:
• Handle business and legal details such as name and address changes.
• Get your marriage license.

On the week before the wedding:
• Start packing for the honeymoon.
• Call any guests who have not responded yet.
• Give a final head count to the caterer.

On the day before the wedding:
• Get a manicure or massage to relax.

On the wedding day:
• Make sure the the wedding certificate is signed.
• Allow plenty of time to get dressed.

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About Alli Marshall
Alli Marshall has lived in Asheville for more than 20 years and loves live music, visual art, fiction and friendly dogs. She is the winner of the 2016 Thomas Wolfe Fiction Prize and the author of the novel "How to Talk to Rockstars," published by Logosophia Books. Follow me @alli_marshall

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