Six months before your formal wedding.

Most formal weddings are planned six months to a year ahead of a set date. This would be the very least amount of time needed to orchestrate a large gathering. We have included a list here for the bride to consider, should she have six months to plan her marriage event. Although, ideally she should have ten months. Ten month engagements are most appropriate if a couple is to be married in a Christian church. This will give them time to attend a class on marriage and to contemplate the serious journey through life that they have chosen make with their future spouse.

1. This is the time to decide what kind of wedding ceremony is most appealing to you. Do you want a large traditional wedding in a church? Or does a small family wedding in your home sound more appealing?
2. Meet with your pastor or priest to schedule classes offered to engaged couples in your church. There are many topics covered in these sorts of religious environments that should be openly discussed between engaged couples. Topics like the religious education of children, anger management and tips on communication in general will reveal to each person what their future will be like with each other.
3. Set a budget for your wedding. Don't over spend for this occasion. Although every bride wishes for her wedding to be perfect, remember that it is one day compared to the many that it will take for both yourself, your future spouse and your parents to work, in order to pay back any debts you accrue. Young couples don't need the added financial stress to their new union. Be elegant, yet practical in your choices.
4. Ask another person to help coordinate the wedding. Some women hire a wedding coordinator, others ask family members.
5. Compile a guest list and addresses.
6. Finalize the wedding date.
7. Decide if it will be in your church or your betrothed's church.
8. Reserve all reception sites
9. Choose your attendants. This is very important if you decide to have gowns made for these ladies. There must be time set aside for alterations and also for planning plane trips!
10. Order your wedding gown, veil and shoes.
11. Book an officiant.
12. Book the caterer.
13. Order the wedding cake.
14. Order the wedding flowers. Remember that the flowers available change with the coming seasons.
15. Book music for the wedding and reception.
16. Hire the photographer.
17. Plan the honeymoon.
18. Send your save the date cards if you are using these.