How to plan a wedding

Step 1. Find the right person to marry

Finding the right person can be difficult. Where can you find that special person? Once you have found someone, how do you know he or she is the right person? Do you know anything about his or her past?

Step 2. Buy the wedding ring

The ring can come in many shapes and sizes. In purchasing the right ring, you will need to understand your partner's desires. There are many different options. What should you look for? Do you understand the traditions that follow the ring? What types of gemstones and metals are significant? Have you heard anything about the 4 C's to diamonds?

Step 3. Plan the Wedding

Are you going to plan your own wedding or are you going to hire a wedding planner? If you are hiring a planner, what type of person will be organized enough to make the day a special day?

Step 4. Sign up for a wedding gift registry

This is the fun part! You should provide your guests with a bridal registry so they can determine what gifts you want and what fits your style and decor. Make it easy for your friends, family, and for yourselves. Choose gifts in all price ranges to accommodate everyone. This registry will provide your guests with the peace of mind that they purchased something that you needed for your home.

Step 5. Find the wedding ceremony location

Finding the place where you will enter and share this sacred and special moment in time can be very time consuming. Take the time to find the right place where you will share your vows that is beautiful and has adequate facilities and parking. Learn How. The location will provide the atmosphere of your wedding and will allow your guests to enjoy the moment with you.

Step 6. Find the wedding Reception site

Time to celebrate the marriage! This is where the fun begins. The formal ceremony is over and the bride and groom are introduced as Newlyweds. The reception is where the guests celebrate the unification of the two families. There will be food, music, dancing, toasts, wedding lines, and other customs. Find out what’s expected at a reception. There are also the decorations, table center pieces, flowers, and wedding favors to choose.

Step 7. Send out wedding Invitations/Engagement Announcements

The invitations can be a difficult choice since there are so many different styles. This task needs to be done months before the wedding. This invitation will prepare your guests on what to expect at the wedding. The theme or tone needs to be present in the invitation. Make sure you coordinate it with your wedding colors.

Step 8. Apply for a marriage license

Marriage license application forms vary by city and county. Apply for a marriage license in your area using our free directory. The typical information needed for both the bride and groom are: name, date of birth, place of birth, address, phone number, information on any previous marriages, occupation, high school attended, and father and mother’s names.

Step 9. Choose the wedding officiator

The whole purpose for the wedding is the ceremony. Finding the right person to officiate can be complicated based upon the beliefs of you and your significant other. There are many different types of ceremonies and each officiator has his or her own style. Most cities will allow friends or family to apply for a one day temporary license to perform the marriage ceremony. Many counties have the officiator application form on the same web page as the marriage license application. Find officiator forms using our free marriage license directory. You will need to find the person who best fits your expectations, so plan to ask questions to find the right person to officiate the ceremony.

Step 10. Select a wedding caterer and plan a menu

You want your guests to really enjoy themselves. Choosing the caterer will help you in this process. Depending upon the location and number of guests, the food could take a considerable amount of the budget. The caterer should help you create the ambiance you want to compliment your wedding decor.

Step 11. Find the right dress and attirE for the wedding

Try to envision yourself wearing the dress and make sure it fits your style. To understand your style, you will need to know the different parts of a dress (e.g., the train, veil, and dress). The dress is significant since it is only worn once and it will become the central figure for the photographs that will last for generations. Learn More. Don’t forget about the bridesmaid dresses, the groom’s outfit and what the groomsmen wear. There are many resources to help you.

Step 12. Decide on the wedding Flowers

Try to envision yourself wearing the dress and make sure it fits your style. To understand your style, you will need to know the different parts of a dress (e.g., the train, veil, and dress). The dress is significant since it is only worn once and it will become the central figure for the photographs that will last for generations. Learn More. Don’t forget about the bridesmaid dresses, the groom’s outfit and what the groomsmen wear. There are many resources to help you.

Step 13. Choose the right music for the wedding ceremony and reception

Try to envision yourself wearing the dress and make sure it fits your style. To understand your style, you will need to know the different parts of a dress (e.g., the train, veil, and dress). The dress is significant since it is only worn once and it will become the central figure for the photographs that will last for generations. Learn More. Don’t forget about the bridesmaid dresses, the groom’s outfit and what the groomsmen wear. There are many resources to help you.

Step 14. Choose a Wedding Photographer/Videographer

The good wedding photographer is extremely important. These memories will last a lifetime. Here's some advice on what you should look for in a photographer. Wedding photography depends not only on artistic skills, but the ability to work with you and your wedding guests. You need to find someone with whom you feel comfortable and who understands that it is people who will make the finished photographs. Find a photographer in your area.

Step 15. Purchasing the wedding favors

The wedding favor will be the “thank you” reminder to your audience. This gift provides a nice gesture of gratitude for everyone who came to support you during this memorable occasion. Personalize the favor to fit the style of your wedding. There are many different types of favors, choose wisely since this gift will be what the guests take with them. Learn more or shop for wedding favors using our suggested resources.

Step 16. Find bridesmaid and groomsman gifts

It is tradition to buy gifts for the bridesmaids and groomsmen. These are normally given at the bridal shower or bachelor party or on the morning of the wedding. Make sure that the gift is both useful and personal. Learn More. If you need more ideas on what to look for, browse our gift guide.

Step 17. Plan the perfect Honeymoon

Everyone looks forward to the honeymoon. There are many wonderful places that a couple can visit for their honeymoon. Don’t schedule your trip to where you are rushing your wedding experience. Plan it so that you can have a relaxing time traveling to your honeymoon destination. Take your time and don’t rush to find a place. Make sure it will be memorable experience for your new husband or wife!