In this third of a series of articles about planning your wedding we're going to pick up with picking your brides maids.

Picking your brides maids and maid of honor can be an agonizing task, either because you have way too many best friends or not enough of them. In many cases feelings are hurt and it's unavoidable. You have to go with what's in your heart and hope for the best. Hopefully if your friends are really your friends they will understand your decision. This same advice also goes for the groom picking his best man and ushers.

The next thing you need to do is pick a destination for your honeymoon. Again, this is something that you both should agree on. Your choice is of course going to be limited by your budget but there are plenty of beautiful places to go that don't cost an arm and a leg. Just keep in mind that this is going to be a honeymoon that you're going to want to remember for a long time.

After that you want to start looking for a caterer. This is one area where you don't want to skimp and want references. The meal you feed your guests and yourself is going to leave a lasting impression with everyone if it's bad. You want people walking away from their meal saying how great it was. A great caterer won't be cheap but doesn't have to be expensive either if you choose a meal that isn't lobster tail and filet mignon.

The last thing that needs to be done 1 year before the actual date is to set a date for ordering dresses for the brides maids and tuxedos for the best man and ushers. You want everyone to look their best in the wedding party. Not just you and the groom. One thing to keep in mind here is that this is YOUR wedding. So regardless of what your brides maids want to wear it is your choice. They will understand.

The next items on the list should be done about 5 months before the actual wedding day.

The first thing is to finalize your guest list. This is where you have to do your last cuts or additions. It's nice to be able to invite the whole world but sometimes that is just not practical. Now is the time when you have to bite the bullet. After you've done this you'll need to order invitations and announcements. Agree on this with your groom. After all, his family and friends are going to be attending as well. Invitations don't have to be flashy. Sometimes simple is better.

You'll also have to order personal stationary and thank you notes to send to all your guests for the gifts they gave you. It is a nice added touch to keep track of each gift so you can write a personal note to each person. This is always appreciated.

In the next article in this series we will pick up with planning your reception.

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Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Weddings
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