1 Year Before Ceremony Location The ceremony site will vary from a church, hotel, club, or private home. Reception Location Cañon City Elks Lodge #610Photographer Many photographers are booked a year in advance. Entertainment If you decide to have a Band, D.J., Pianist or Sax Player you should contact your choice a year in advance. This will also be your Emcee and he/she will need appropriate information. Bridal Shop Start to select your gown. Videography This is becoming more and more popular as a keepsake. Even if you don't have a video recorder now, you may in the future. Travel Agency When planning for a cruise or specific location, reservations may be necessary a year in advance. Register Your Patterns Once your engagement is announced, people will need to know your choices. Limousine 6 months may be enough time unless you are getting married during the spring or summer season or when getting a specialty car. Discuss with the officiant the details of your ceremony. Be sure to bring up the topics below. It will be easier if you and your fiancé discuss these after asking what is permitted at your ceremony location. You can then plan with your florist, photographer, videographer, musicians and family. Remember To Discuss Double Ring Ceremony Rehearsal Date Photography Or Videography Limitations Parking Lighting Custodial Fees Time Of Ceremony Following Yours If Any Length Of Ceremony Tell Them Any Unique Plans You'd Like For Your Ceremony Decorations, Flowers & Aisle Carpets Candle Light Ceremonies Wine Glasses Kneeling Cushions Live Or Recorded Music Writing Your Own Wedding Vows Where To Place Ceremony Programs Is Rice, Bird Seed, Or Confetti Allowed Check that you have contracted and, if required, put a deposit down with the following: Photographer Limousine Service Band Or D.J Travel (if cruise or definite place you prefer) Bridesmaids Dresses And Shoes Select Invitations And Favors Look At Tuxedos Get Color Swatches Of Dresses For Florist Start Writing Out Your Guest List For Invitation Estimate Discuss With Photographer If You Are To Have Thank You Photos Make Appointment With Florists After Dresses Are Chosen The Wedding Candle - Who Delivers It And Picks It Up Music For Church Wedding Dress Videographer Bridal Registry Confirm Wedding Date Have A Current Menu And Prices Sent To You 3 ~ 4 Months Order Invitations At Four Months Gown Fittings Decide On Head Pieces For Bridesmaids Make Sure All Your Tuxedos Are Ordered For Groom's Ushers Contact The Florist With Color Swatch And Order Flowers Rent Any Extras For Wedding Order Thank You Photo Cards Rings Ordered If Not Done Yet - Honeymoon Arrangements Make Appointment With Elks Manager To Finalize Menus 2 Months Confirm With D.J. Or Band About Music Selections Mail Bridal Party Information Order Wedding Cake - Deliver Cake Top If You Have A Special One Arrange For Housing For Out Of Town Guests Confer With Organist And Soloist On Music Selection For The Church Write Out All Wedding Invitations And Mail Them Meet With Photographer To Discuss Pictures Apply For Wedding License 1 Month Select Gifts For Bridal Attendants Blood Test Check With Travel Agent For Tickets (Groom) Plan Rehearsal Dinner (for 2-3 days prior to Wedding Date) Hair Salon With Head Piece Perhaps Have Sitting For Formal Photos Of Bride With Photographer Have Wedding Rings Sized Girls Night Out Check with the Photographer for the time of arrival for taking pictures at your home to be sure you'll have enough time to prepare for your Wedding Look.Make an appointment with the Hair Salon, Makeup Consultant, Finger Nail Consultant.A trial run will make a world of difference in the confidence that you'll have on your day. It will also affect your wedding pictures knowing if your makeup and hair is perfect. Since the wedding pictures often show your rings, you'll want your nails to look their best. 2 Weeks Before Contact Cañon City Elks With Estimated Guest Counts;A Break Down Of Each Meal Is Necessary Do Seating Arrangements And Guest List Set Appointment For 2 Days Before To Finalize Reception Buy A Garter If You Don't Have One Already Address Announcements And Stamp For Mailing Confirm The Day Of The Ceremony With The Church Acknowledge All Gifts As They Arrive Plan To Have Something Old, Something New, SomethingBorrowed, Something Blue Pack For Honeymoon 2 Days Before Final Appointment With Cañon City Elks Manager Wear Your Wedding Shoes To Break Them In Have Rehearsal For Ceremony Followed By Rehearsal Dinner At Cañon City Elks, Drop Off Guest List & Seating Plan Introduction Sheet Bride & Groom Glasses Money Bag Guest Book & Pen Personalized Matches & Napkins, If Any Cake Cutter Favors For Tables Exact Number Of Guests Payment In Full Reception Time ToastingWine or Champagne is the classic beverage for toasts. Usually the formal toasts begin before the food is served. The best man traditionally made the first salute to the bride; today it's often to the couple. The customary toast has two parts: a reference to the toaster's relationship to the couple and a wish for their future happiness. You don't drink when you're being toasted.Occasionally the groom will give thanks to his best man and a toast to you, to his parents, and to his new in-laws. Perhaps you'll want to be next with your own affectionate words for him and your parents. Other members of the wedding party can then propose any toast they wish. After the toasts, your best man can read congratulatory telegrams from distant friends and relatives.Wedding toasts are heartfelt and usually easy to compose. If you run into writer's block, consult your local librarian for sources. DancingPlan your first dance when you sense it would be right. Alert your guests with a drum roll or have the Master of Ceremonies make the announcement that the newlyweds are about to twirl around the floor. As a rule, you dance with your father next and the groom with his mother. The best man is your next partner; the maid/matron of honor your groom's. Then it's the new in-laws turn - you with his father and he with your mother.This order is customary but optional. In fact, if family interrelationships are very complicated, you might have your first dance and then open the floor to all. You can't expect to unravel intricate webs in one extraordinary day. After the tensions of the day, your reception is relaxation time. By all means, have a wonderful time dancing the night away but watch out for your beautiful gown. Dancing without shoes might mean ripping your dress. Cutting the Wedding CakeCutting the cake together is another reminder of your pledge to share life. Elaborate wedding cakes are often featured on their own skirted table and cut with a silver cake knife decorated for the occasion. Have your M.C. announce the event, join hands with your groom and together cut the first slice. Offer one another a nibble - it makes a great wedding album shot. Suggestion: Serve your wedding cake with ice cream for dessert. THE GRAND EXITThe great celebration is drawing to a close. You'll want to gather your forces for the last traditional rituals: tossing the bouquet and your blue satin garter. Decide in advance whether you or your groom will remove the garter. This is not time for any disagreement.Say good-bye to your family and friends and exit happily.When you two look back on the day, you'll remember that your wedding had a special glow and a meaning no other day will match. t