Tips for the Bride

8 Months Before the Wedding
 Decide on the kind of ceremony , formality, theme and language
 Decide on the date and time of the wedding
 Decide on the venue (church and reception)
 Decide on the color/motif
 Determine the budget and sharing of expense
 Make initial guest list
 Choose the sponsors and members of the entourage (get their full names)
 Book church and know the requirements and restrictions
 Book reception venue (schedule ocular with decorations)
 Choose a priest and check their schedule
 Schedule counseling and seminars
 Canvass for caterers
 Canvass for dressmakers
 Canvass for flowers (for entourage and church)
 Canvass for favors and giveaways
 Canvass for hair and make-up artist
 Canvass for rings
 Canvass for paper for invitation
 Canvass for photographer and videographers
 Make a brief on the video presentation (outline)
 Canvass on performers
 Plan honeymoon
 Canvass for houses/townhouses
 Inquire about housing loan
 Open current account

4 to 7 Months Before the Wedding
 Choose type of music for church and reception (collate titles and CDs)
 Plan church ceremony and reception program
 Book dressmaker (make initial fittings)
 Book florist
 Book hair and make-up artist
 Book caterer and do taste tests
 Order giveaways
 Book mobile, musicians and performers
 Book photographer with contract
 Arrange or book for wedding car
 Order invitations (buying paper and finalize printing)
 Plan and decide where to live

3 Months Before the Wedding
 Arrange canonical interview
 Attend pre-nuptial seminars (marriage, family planning, etc.) and get corresponding certification
 Schedule fittings for yourself and the female entourage
 Collate materials (footages, pictures) for video presentation)
 Finalize honeymoon bookings (flight and hotel reservations plus itinerary)
 Choose gifts for bridal registry (what stores)
 Formally advise principal sponsors and members of entourage of their roles (personally or by phone)
 Order wedding rings (have them engraved)
 Finalize guest list (secure full names and phone numbers)
 Secure Original Birth certificate
 Secure Baptismal certificate (for marriage purposes)
 Secure residence certificate

2 Months Before the Wedding
 Secure marriage license for city hall (valid for 120 days from date of issue). Documents required:
1. original birth and baptismal certificates
2. family planning seminar certificate
3. residence certificate
 Accomplish Church requirements
 Get Permit from bride’s parish (Concepcion)
 List of names and addresses of sponsors
 For guest priests, provide his name, address, order, license number and expiration date, and position
 Schedule and firm up details for wedding rehearsal
 Send out invitations (by mail or personal delivery)
 Set aside time for bridal showers and parties
 Make arrangements for the wardrobe of the groom and the best man
 Make missalette with lay-out in computer

1 Month Before the Wedding
 Complete bridal accessories:
1. shoes
2. jewelry
3. hosiery
4. arrhae
5. veil
6. cord
7. candles
8. matches
9. confetti/bubbles
 Call invited guests for RSVP
 Call venue or caterer and re-confirm head count and menu
 Make a seat plan for the reception
 Send out last-minute invitations
 Print-out missalette and have it photocopied or printed
 Bind missallette with cover
 Finalize plans with photographer and videographer
 Arrange transportation for the entire bridal party, priest, gifts, cakes and UPM Chorale


2 to 3 Weeks Before the Wedding
 Go over personal stuff for last-minute needs
 Schedule final fittings for yourself and entourage
 Finalize guest list, call those who have not responded
 Do the rehearsal dinner meeting (coordination) with key people in the wedding
 Delegate assignments to wedding coordinator, maid-of-honor and other volunteers
 Re-confirm important details with all suppliers
 Buy and have all presents for sponsors and entourage wrapped
 Check on supply of giveaways
 Plan honeymoon wardrobe
 Check on editing of video presentation
 Book a room for wedding night
 Remind groom to get a haircut
 Attend final church interview
 Move things into new home
 List things to pack and bring to hotel for wedding day

4 to 6 DAYS Before the Wedding
 Re-confirm delivery schedules from all suppliers
 Get a good massage and go to a spa
 Do trial make-up
 Attend confession
 Assign people responsible for tasks and things to be brought to ceremony and
reception

1 DAY Before the Wedding Stay happy
 Sleep early
 Get final manicure the day before
 Get a final massage
 Listen to your favorite music

On Your Wedding Day
 Your primary goal today is to get married and have fun.
 Allow at least 2 hours for dressing.
 If professionals are doing your hair and makeup, determine the time they will be needed.
 If photographs are to be taken before the ceremony, allow plenty of time for that.
 Remember to bring the rings and marriage license.
 Just be HAPPY and SMILE!