This checklist is intended as an aid to get you started in the right direction. There are a number of excellent, detailed wedding planner books and etiquette books available in the major bookstores. Start as soon as an approximate wedding date is selected, since many of these people and locations are usually booked up to a year in advance. Quick action on your part will help assure that you get the locations/vendors you want on the date you desire!
It may be helpful to your planning to also use each of these as a budget category.
(In sequence of general priority)
FUNCTION WHEN TO DO IT / CONSIDERATIONS
Reserve Wedding Location
(church, synagogue, temple, other)
As soon as possible after the engagement
Book Wedding Officiate
(priest, minister, rabbi, notary, etc.)
Usually at the same time the location is being lined up
Determine Number of Guests Needed to determine reception location, and food budget and selection for caterer
Establish a Budget This should be done in conjunction with determining the number of guests and before proceeding so that you will be able to determine the facilities and services you can afford. Do you want 200 people, hors d'ouevres and no honeymoon, or 100 people, a nice buffet, and a weekend trip? You should have a firm idea of what you can spend before talking to the following vendors. Most of them will have different options for different price ranges.
Determine attire for attendants Formal, semi-formal, informal
Choose attendants
Guest list Have each set of parents/family make out their guests lists.
Reception Location / Caterer Be sure to investigate at least three options before confirming your date. Depending on your choices and budget, this may result in two separate providers (e.g., reception with one Weddings of Sarasota member catered by another Weddings of Sarasota member).
Hair & Make-up Be sure to book a date with your hair and make-up artist for you and your wedding party.
Photographer / Videographer Videography is a “must have” for the modern bride. Make sure you budget for this important part of your wedding day. You will be spending a lot of money on many things for your special event. For a fraction of the total cost, videography allows you to remember all the details. Your wedding video will be the only way to capture the audio of your vows, first dance song and toasts. Remember, your wedding video will influence your memories of the day, so please choose an experienced videographer with an eye-for-beauty to capture your special in flattering light. Your grandchildren will thank you one day ~ how priceless is that?
( This encourages brides to budget for videography early on, instead of trying to come up with money at the end of planning. Many many brides regret not having their wedding video taped.)
Florist Again, talk to at least three different florists. Reserve your date - coordinate specific bouquets, boutonnieres, corsages, etc. based on your florist's recommended timetable.
Baker Reserve your date - coordinate details of wedding cake and other items as appropriate.
Musicians, Disk Jockey, etc. Reserve your date - coordinate details one-two months in advance.
Set appointments for hair, medical, dental
Select Bride's gown
Select attendants' gowns and accessories
Select china, crystal and silver patterns
Register with gift & department store registries
Record gifts and write thank-you notes as they arrive
Plan the seating for the bridal table, parents' table, and other tables, if applicable
Weddings of Sarasota the Premiere group of wedding associates
Weddings of Sarasota the Premiere group of wedding associates

©2009 weddingsofsarasota.com
Sarasota weddings, Wedding Planning, Sieta Key weddings, Siesta Key wedding accommodations, Sarasota wedding info, wedding in Sarasota, Sarasota wedding planning, Sarasota wedding coordinator, Longboat Key wedding, planning a wedding in Sarasota, Sarasota Wedding, Sarasota Wedding Sites, Sarasota Wedding Planning, Sarasota Wedding Events, Sarasota Wedding Receptions, Sarasota Wedding Links, Sarasota Churches, Sarasota Destination Wedding, Sarasota Destination Weddings, Sarasota Bridal Shows, Sarasota Bridal Events, Sarasota Florists, Sarasota Wedding Dresses, Sarasota Wedding Cakes, Sarasota Honeymoons, Sarasota Wedding Ceremonies, Sarasota Wedding Chapels