Not much I can do yet....

[jamie_girl1984]

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Well, there really isnt anything I can do with booking the reception until April because you only can book the place I want a year in advance. I can't start planning much without the recpetion/ceremony site. Patience is a virtue!
;)

[esp1087]

You can always start thinking about what colors you want to use, if you want a theme, do you want a traditional wedding, etc. Plus, the earlier you work out a budget the better. That way you'll have a better idea of what can be spent on things.

Also, start collecting referals on DJs, photographers, videographers, etc. Personally, I prefer referals to start with then I want to see their work. I don't like to go with them just because they work for a certain studio/company.

Are you getting married in a church? Does the church have certain marriage requirements you have to meet? Does your state have certain marriage requirements such as premarital counseling? Is there a waiting period for a marriage license? You can always research and find that information now instead of having to bother with it later.

I know some churches in my state (Michigan) require premarital counseling for a few months, but my state does not require it.

I hope that gives you some fun things to think about... Some websites I recommend: This one obviously... www.theknot.com (nice checklist on it for you), www.marysbridal.com (where I got my wedding dress and the flowergirl dress), www.alfredangelo.com (where we got all the bridesmaid dresses, they have tons of colors to choose from), www.davidsbridal.com.... Remember that bridesmaid dresses can take 3-4 months to come in so order early (mine were ordered in November and are not in yet). Wedding dresses can take up to 4-6 months to come in and you need at least 1-2 months for alterations/fittings. Keep that in mind and make sure you order early enough. You don't want to be worrying that your dress might not make it in time!

Good luck and I hope that gives you some places to start! Planning can be fun and the earlier you start the easier it is! That is my philosophy at least!

Elizabeth

[WillsBride2006]

you've got some good ideas..

[esp1087]

you've got some good ideas..
Thanks!
Elizabeth