Congratulations. . .
You're getting married! You're sure to want to make your wedding day memorable, one you'll cherish for years to come. And so do we.

Because helping make your wedding day special is a special part of our business. Over the years, we've provided thousands of brides and grooms with those special items that give weddings that wonderful touch, from invitations and favors, to special mementos and decorations. And we've picked up some helpful hints along the way, which we're pleased to share with you.

Rules to Remember

It's YOUR day. So make it your own. From the location of your reception, to the last little detail - choose what makes you both happy.

But be realistic. While you may just love that posh reception hall with all the trimmings, starting married life with a huge debt isn't going to benefit anybody. Your wedding can be just as lovely - and memorable - at a less expensive location. Perhaps you might prefer an outdoor affair, or a smaller, intimate reception at home or another location. There are many options to choose from, so consider all of them, in light of your dreams - and your budget - before making any decision.

You don't have to go it alone. If a professional wedding consultant isn't in your budget, there are still many sources you can turn to for advice and guidance. Ask friends and family for their recommendations. Or before committing to a vendor, ask for references - then call them.

Record every moment. Believe it or not, your wedding day will just fly by. To make sure you can cherish all those memories, enlist the support of family and friends. Ask one or more to share their photos with you - so you have lots of candid shots your photographer or videographer may miss - or give each table a disposable party camera. You may be surprised at all the fun moments you missed.

Enjoy yourself! Again, it's your day. So do all you can upfront to make it special for your guests, then focus on enjoying yourself - and the person you've chosen to spend your life with. After all, isn't that what getting married is all about?

Countdown to the "Big Day" Planning a wedding can seem like a monumental task. But if you focus on advanced planning and stay organized, you're sure to have the wedding you've always dreamed about. Ideally, you should allow one year to plan your wedding, if possible.

The following suggested timeline starts at the 12-month mark. But don't worry if you don't have a year to plan: You can condense this timeline if you need to. (You do run the risk, however, that a specific facility, performer or service may already be booked for your date.)

12 Months Ahead

• Announce your engagement to family and friends - and the local newspaper.
  
• Select the date. Consider your schedules, as well as those of close family and friends who may be travelling from out of town. If you set a date near a holiday or at least one year in advance, think about mailing a "Save the Date" card to your guests so that they can make the necessary accommodations.
  
• Discuss preliminary budget and who will pay for what. Remember the rule about being realistic.
  
• Book the ceremony and reception locations as well as the officiant. Make sure all are available before confirming your date.
  
• Hire the wedding consultant. If you plan to use one.
  
• Purchase a handy wedding planner. Make sure it contains pages for notes, a daily calendar to keep you on time and pockets to hold those ever-important receipts! Or choose a wedding planning software program.
  
• Compile the guest list. Keep in mind that the length of the guest list is often in direct correlation with the budget.

• Select members of your wedding party.
  
• Make catering arrangements, if they're not included with your reception location. Ask friends and family for recommendations. Make sure to interview the caterer - and sample the menu.
  
• Book the photographer and videographer. Again, ask family and friends. Then meet the professional and make sure to see samples or their work. Make sure you're satisfied with the quality - and the person (you don't want a clash of personalities on your special day).
  
• Hire the florist. It's his/her job to assist you in color coordination and bouquet arrangements.
  
• Order the wedding gown, veil, shoes and other accessories. The earlier you choose and order your gown, the better off you will be.

• Book the entertainment for both the ceremony and reception. If you can't hear them live (at a Bridal Showcase, for example), evaluate demo tapes. Make sure they play what you want to hear - from different music genres to specific songs.
  
• Order wedding party dresses and accessories. If some members of the wedding party live far away, bridal shops in their area can take their measurements and mail them to your bridal shop.
  
• Make honeymoon reservations. Make sure you have a current passport for international destinations.
  
• Pick out your wedding rings. Select a jeweler you know and trust.

• Reserve rental equipment. If you are planning an outdoor ceremony and/or reception, make sure to reserve the tables, chairs and tents now.
  
• Order the wedding cake. Ask your family and friends for referrals. Shop the local bakers and sample to your heart's content. Discuss the colors and design of the cake to match the look and formality of the wedding.
  
• Order wedding stationery. Includes wedding invitations, RSVP cards, thank you cards, and place cards.
  
• Book transportation. Reserve any special transportation needed on the day of the wedding: limos, horse-drawn carriage, Rolls Royce, etc.
  
• Make hotel arrangements for your wedding night, as well as for out-of-town guests. Most hotels will offer group discounts if you block/reserve several rooms for your out-of-town guests.
  
• Select tuxedos. Again, have out-of-town groomsmen measured at their local shop and have the measurements mailed to your tuxedo store.

• Finalize the guest list. Approximately 20% of your guest list will not be able to attend.
  
• Finalize the menu and room decorations. See the supply checklist below.
  
• Meet with officiant. Discuss any special readings for the wedding ceremony. Make copies of these readings, so those you've asked to do them will have plenty of time to practice.
  
• Arrange final gown fitting. Make sure you bring along the shoes and lingerie that you will wear on your wedding day.
  
• Write your vows.
  
• Arrange rehearsal dinner. Never as formal as the wedding, this dinner can be held at a family member's home, a small restaurant or banquet hall.
  
• Purchase wedding favors. There are many choices available, from the quintessential Jordan almonds to small wine bottles emblazoned with your picture on its label.
  
• Purchase wedding party gifts as a special thank you. Consider accessories they can wear on the day of the wedding such as cuff links, earrings or purses.

• Obtain the marriage license. You can usually obtain the license up to 30 days in advance.
  
• Buy a gift for each other. Just to say, "I love you."
  
• Purchase the guest book. Place it at the reception entrance so each guest can write a special message.
  
• Organize the wedding program, if you choose to have one.
  
• Finalize legal and financial arrangements such as changing your last name, if you so desire.
  
• Send wedding announcements to newspapers.
  
• Final fitting for bridesmaids. Make sure you have all accessories.
  
• Mail wedding invitations. Allow your guests enough time to make the necessary arrangements.
  
• Inform post office of change in address.
  
• Arrange trial-runs. Meet with your hair stylist and/or make up artists for a run-through.
  
• Send out thank you notes for any gifts you receive before the wedding.

• Pick up wedding dress. Make sure it's stuffed to preserve its shape and covered with a protective bag.
  
• Finalize seating assignments. Your parents can help you decide who should sit with whom.
  
• Give caterer or banquet manager the final guest count.
  
• Make hair and make up appointments.
  
• Confirm details with vendors, including the florist, photographer, caterer, videographer, entertainment, etc.

• Pick up wedding rings. Check for proper fit and engraving.
  
• Pick up tuxedos. Again, ensure proper fit.
  
• Organize vendor payments. Place each vendor payment in an envelope with their name written on the front. Give the envelopes to the best man or another trusted member of the family or friend to hand to each vendor on the day of the wedding.
  
• Have fun at your bachelorette and bachelor parties!
  
• Pack for the honeymoon. Make sure you've got enough clothes and toiletries. Don't forget the camera!
  
• Confirm EVERYTHING! Travel arrangements, rehearsal dinner plans, catering arrangements, and anything else you can think of!
  
• Pamper yourself. Treat yourself to a facial or a deep massage. Go on a dinner date and don't even mention the word "wedding."
  
• Hold rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. Present gifts to your wedding party during the dinner.

• GET A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP! You don't want bags under your eyes! You need all the energy you can muster that will carry you from early morning 'til late at night.

• Relax and enjoy yourself. Treasure this day. It's the start of a whole new life.

• Invitations
  
• Postage stamps
  
• Food/beverages
  
• Cake
  
• Cake Topper
  
• Centerpieces
  
• Favors
  
• Guest Book
  
• Music/Entertainment
  
• Party disposable cameras
  
• Bows, ribbons
  
• Thank you cards

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