Step 4. April 2013

Step 4. 2013 April

Five to Four Months Before

• Book the rehearsal and rehearsal-dinner venues.
  Negotiate the cost and the menu. If you’re planning to host a day-after brunch for guests, book that place as well.
• Check on the wedding invitations.
  Ask the stationer for samples of the finished invitations and revise them to suit your needs.
  Related: Wedding Invitation Etiquette
• Select and order the cake.
  Some bakers require a long lead time. Attend several tastings before committing to any baker.
  Related: Choosing Your Wedding Cake
• Send your guest list to the host of your shower.
  Provided you, ahem, know about the shower.
• Purchase wedding shoes and start dress fittings.
  Bring the shoes along to your first fitting so the tailor can choose the appropriate length for your gown.
• Schedule hair and makeup artists.
  Make a few appointments with local experts to try them out. Snap a photo at each so you can compare results.
• Choose your music.
  What should be playing when the wedding party is announced? During dinner? To kick off the dancing? Keep a running list of what you want—and do not want—played.