Congratulations! You have decided to get married. Here are some steps (and tips) to help you organize the perfect wedding (or close to it).
 
 9 to 12 months before the wedding

Announce your engagement 
Set your wedding date 
Hire a wedding consultant (optional) 
Select your bridal party 
Start compiling an invitation
Attend bridal shows/expos 
Take an engagement photo 
Send engagement announcement to local newspaper (optional) 
Choose and book your wedding hall
Hire a caterer (if necessary) 
Discuss apparel for the bride and bridal party 
Discuss headpiece and other accessories for the bride 
Order bridal gown, headpiece and other accessories 
Schedule fittings for the bride and bridal party 
Choose and hire a photographer and videographer 
Choose and hire a Dj/other entertainment for the wedding hall 
Choose and hire musician (optional)

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 6 to 9 months before the wedding

Schedule special events
- Rehearsal of the wedding (AL-ZAFAH) 
Reserve items for the wedding (if necessary)
- Tents Tables 
- Chairs and Linens 
- Arches 
- Balloons 
- Additional Decorations 
- Other Items 
Hire a florist and choose floral arrangements 
Confirm delivery date of gowns and dresses 
Make necessary arrangements for time off from work 
Make honeymoon plans and reservations
Reserve a bridal suite for the wedding night

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 3 to 6 months before the wedding
Distribute schedule of events to bridal party
- Wedding day (time and place to meet and other details) 
- Rehearsal of the wedding (al-zafah) 
- Bachelor party (if available) 
- Final fittings and pick-up dates for dresses 
Send out invitations (at least 6 weeks in advance) 
Schedule final gown/headpiece and dress fittings 
Order your wedding cake and cake top 
Make appointment with hair/beauty salon 
Confirm honeymoon reservations 
Start packing and preparing for the honeymoon 
Place wedding announcement in local newspaper (optional)

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 3 to 4 weeks before the wedding

Final consultation/confirmation with all services , discuss arrival times, locations, special details and payments due
- DJ/Band/Other entertainment (special songs you want will be 
  played)
- Musician (don't forget to discuss any special details) 
- Photographer (don't forget to discuss any special pictures) 
- Videographer (notify them about any special footage you want) 
- Florist (don't forget to discuss arrival time at the wedding hall) 
- Baker (don't forget to discuss any special details) 
- Bridal gown and dresses (don't forget to discuss fitting and
  pick-up dates)     
- Rehearsal of the wedding (al-zafah) (don't forget to discuss menu 
  and other details) 
- Make-up artist (don't forget to discuss any special details) 
- Hair stylist (don't forget to discuss any special details)
  other service 

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 1 week before the wedding

Discuss any last minute details with all services (if necessary) 
- DJ/Band/Other Entertainment 
- Musician (if any) 
- Caterer 
- Photographer and videographer 
- Florist 
- Baker 
- Bridal Gown and Dresses 
- Rehearsal (Al-Zafah) 
- Make-Up and Hair Artist 
- Other 

Prepare checks/payment for services
- DJ/Band/Other Entertainment 
- Musician (if any) 
- Caterer 
- Rehearsal (Al-Zafah) 
- Photographer and Videographer 
- Florist 
- Baker 
- Bridal Gown and Dresses 
- Make-Up and Hair Artist 
- Other 

Get everything ready for rehearsal and wedding day 
wedding rings or al-shabkah
- Ring Pillow (if any) 
- Flower Girl Basket 
- Wedding Gown and Accessories 
- Guest Book and Pen 
- Payments for ALL SERVICES 
- CD or Cassette for the DJ or Band (if required) 

Prepare and extra bag with the following items: 
- Aspirin
- Breath Mints or Gum 
- Extra Lipstick and Make-up 
- Brush and Comb 
- Hair Spray and Gel 
- Hair Spray and Gel 
- Mini Sewing Kit 
- Extra Pairs of Pantyhose
Discuss any last minute details with the bridal party (if necessary) 
Finalize guest count with caterer 
Finish packing and preparing for the honeymoon 
Pick up tickets and traveler's checks for the honeymoon

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