Congratulations on your engagement! I'm sure that after all the excitement, and celebration with family and friends, you will be asking yourselves what the next step is.

In order for things to go smoothly, it's best to keep track of all planning details. You will be surprised at how quickly the time passes you by, and before you know it...it will be your wedding day!

AS SOON AS POSSIBLE:

Inform your respective families of your engagement (if you haven't already)

Have your engagement party

Set your wedding date

Read bridal magazines, surf bridal/wedding sites on the web, to get ideas

Go to bridal shows for ideas

Decide what you can afford, and create a budget

Decide on the style and size of your wedding

Reserve locations for the ceremony and reception

Arrange transportation for the wedding party

Start compiling names and addresses for your guest list

Book Photographer

Book Videographer

Book DJ and/or Band

Book Caterer (if relevant)

Book Florist

Book Cake Decorator

Select brides dress & accessories (eg. shoes, veil, etc)

Select attendants for the bridal party

Select dresses for attendants

FOUR MONTHS BEFORE:

Finish compiling your guest list

Plan your honeymoon. If you will need passports, arrange for them now

Make sure bridal attire is ordered

Register for gifts at a bridal registry (such as Grace Bros, David Jones, etc)

Order invitations

Book bridal suite for wedding night

Meet with your priest, minister, etc. now as you may be required to do a pre-marital course prior to your wedding.

Book block of rooms at nearby hotels for out-of-town guests

Arrange for rental of men's formal wear

Select and order wedding rings

Plan a date and location for wedding shower

TWO MONTHS BEFORE:

Mail invitations five weeks before wedding date

Choose music for ceremony and reception

Plan rehearsal dinner

Order or make wedding favors and decorations

Complete necessary requirements for marriage licence

ONE MONTH BEFORE:

Purchase gifts for members of the bridal party

Have final dress fittings for bride and attendants

Schedule hair and beauty appointments

Hold your wedding shower

TWO WEEKS BEFORE:

Confirm accommodation reservations for out-of-town-guests

Arrange seating plan and make place cards for reception

Note down which bank accounts, licences, etc. need name changes

Get marriage licence

THE DAY BEFORE:

Have a rehearsal for the ceremony

Attend rehearsal dinner

THE WEDDING DAY :

* Make sure you have:

Wedding rings

Fee for celebrant

Fee for musicians at ceremony

Payments for other contracted services

Congratulations...you did it!

Many happy returns for a wonderful life together!

*NB You can check the boxes off and then print the checklist, to keep you on track