So Many Big Decisions To Make

You have your decision tools in place. The next step is to start working on the largest projects. Some of the things you will do for your wedding will require you to spend more time. Each of the items listed below (aside from the rings) needs your immediate attention in addition to your focus over the long haul.

Take your time setting up appointments to talk to several companies, providers, locations and professionals. Learn about those who will be providing service to you. Interview them. Keep in mind the importance of working with someone that you like, trust and are comfortable with.

WEDDING RINGS

You and your soon to be spouse should be shopping for wedding rings. You may have your engagement ring, but you likely need to purchase wedding bands. They may match, or they could be completely different. Your wedding band may already match your engagement ring.

Keep in mind:

1.  Wedding rings should be ordered as soon as possible to allow for sizing.
2.  Metal quality is essential, but you do not have to go for platinum unless you want to.
3.  You may want to consider choosing family rings, which may be passed down.

WHERE WILL YOUR WEDDING BE?

Where will your wedding be located? Most weddings have two primary locations: the ceremony site and the wedding reception site. Your goal in this step is to make decisions about where your wedding will happen.

1.  Talk to wedding ceremony site locations, including your church, to determine if your wedding date is available. See the facility and determine if it is large enough and fits your tastes for the event.
2.  Visit with several locations for the reception site. Keep size and style in mind.
3.  Note if the reception site will provide food, if catering is necessary or if there is another option.
4.  You can book both your ceremony and your reception in one location, if you would like to.
5.  Set up times to visit each location. Make notes in the following blank space about what you thought about each one. Be sure to get pricing information and mark that down as well.

PICK THE VENUES

Choose the location of your wedding reception. You have seen them and now it is time to make choices. When you do so, you will have to know about how many people will be attending. You will also need to keep in mind if the location offers catering of it you will need to have an outside service do this.

Now that you know where you will have your reception:

• Before you sign the contract, read it. What is the facility responsible for?
• Note if you need to do the decorating for the event or if they will do this for you.
• Down payments are usually required to hold the date.
• Know when final numbers are necessary for the reception hall. They will need to know this usually at least a week or two prior to the wedding.
• Know the restrictions they place on you ahead of time.

Contracts are usually signed well in advance of the wedding taking place. Be sure you have read it thoroughly.

CATERING AND FOOD

If outside catering service is necessary, you will need to find a company to work with. Even if the facility does do the catering for you, you still need to do the planning.

• Arrange time to taste dishes and make decisions on what will be served.
• Determine if alcohol will be served and who is required to provide it.
• Note the need for tableware, glassware and other utensils from the providing company.
•  Take into consideration your guests, what types of food do they need to have or are there any with special limitations.
• Make final choices on food choices and style (buffet, table service) at least two weeks in advance.

It is often a good thing to have a family member from each side of the family to aid in the decisions on food choices, especially if there are many cultural differences.

DRESS SHOPPING

In some families, the mother of the bride goes with her to pick out her dress. In others, friends and the bridesmaids do this together. The options are yours but chances are good you will need a decent amount of time to make decisions.

Keep in mind that dresses often require alterations, which can take several months to do. You also may need to order the dress, which can take a few weeks. Plan to get your dress underway sooner rather than later.

Here is what to keep in mind:

• Shop around! Don't limit yourself to just designer boutiques. Go for the small shops, the large ones and so on. You never know where your dress will be.
• Try on dresses and get a feeling for what you like; there may be a style you favor.
• When shopping online for a dress, try to learn as much as you can about the company prior to investing. Order early, too, to allow for extensive shipping time.
• Alterations should be scheduled throughout the next few weeks. Plan to have the last one at least two to three weeks prior to the wedding.
• Keep accessories like hair pieces, shoes, shawls and even jewelry in mind when purchase your dress.

Dress shopping can be stressful. Do not assume it is a fast decision to make!

WEDDING PARTY ATTIRE

Bridesmaid dresses may be selected at the time of selecting your wedding dress. They too require alterations in most situations.

For the guys, visit the tux shop or have each of the guys measured for tuxes from specialized companies. It is essential to keep in mind that everyone from the best man to the ring bearer will need to be measured at least a month in advance.

You may find that the provider offers a discount on the groom's tux if the wedding party registers with them, too. The groom's tux should also be ordered, of course, which often requires some decisions. What color, style and cut do you prefer? All of these decisions are best made in person, where you can see the different options you have.

THE CAKE

Unbelievably, the cake is one of the most important items to keep in mind at this early stage. The reason is this. You may want the cake decorator to design your cake for you, which can take a few weeks. You may need changes. You need to schedule a cake tasting. You may want to consider a wedding cake that needs specialized fountains that need ordered.

More to think about:

• When it comes to the cake, be sure to keep your tastes in mind and your guests.
•  The design of your cake does not have to be elaborate if you do not want it to be.
• You can go with just one cake, or have a groom's cake on the side.

You may want to include members from each part of the family in the cake tasting, such as your mother and his mother. That way, you know what special accommodations may need to be met.

FLORAL NEEDS

You likely need flowers. Flowers can be a large portion of your budget depending on needs. Your floral needs may include the ceremony location, the wedding reception location (such as on the tables) and for the bride and bridesmaid's bouquets.

• If you have a color scheme or wedding theme, be sure that your floral choices correspond with it.
• You may need to book a florist several months in advance, especially for spring and summer weddings.
• Shop around. Prices range widely but even small florists do weddings at budget pricing if you need it.
• You can change your floral needs up to several weeks prior to the wedding, if need be.

Now you have plenty of things to think about and start making decisions on. Use the next page to write down a to do list on were everything stands so far.

On the next page, we'll talk about a "To Do" List with a Focus On The Wedding.