Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

Engaged couples have been asked by the Church to plan their marriages as well as their weddings. Planning for marriage can mean a formal preparation time as long as three months or talks with the pastor or pre-marriage courses and/or an Engaged Encounter weekend.

Along with the formal preparation needed to receive this most important sacrament, there are many social obligations as well. Most couples find that the three-month period before the wedding is packed with activity. Much preparation goes into planning parties, seeing that everything runs smoothly on the wedding day -- a favorite hall or music group for the wedding reception may have to be booked much earlier.

Individual plans vary and couples may want to begin planning earlier but the following timetable can help avoid last-minute crises, ease worry and add to the fun.

90 Days Before the Wedding

• You’ve already seen the priest and talked about pre-marriage courses and individual counseling. Now you should set the time and date for your wedding and make arrangements for the church.
• Decide what type of wedding you would like. Your pastor or the Archdiocesan Liturgy Commission will have some helpful booklets.
• Determine how much you are going to spend.
• Consult with both families and draw up your guest lists.
• Make reservations for your reception and/or dinner with your church, hall or club, and if necessary, with the caterers.
• Reserve those services which are limited in the number they can serve. These include musicians and the photographer. Clear with your pastor when pictures can be taken in your church.
• Invite your bridesmaids, groomsmen and ushers to participate in the wedding.
• Choose and order the bride’s wedding gown and dresses for her attendants. If the groom is looking for a special color or style for himself and his attendants, he should begin looking now. Usually a month to six weeks is early enough for the men in the wedding party to place their order.
• Discuss color schemes with both mothers so they can order their dresses.
• Select and register your silver pattern as well as your china and crystal.
• Order the invitations, announcements and thank-you notes.
• Discuss honeymoon plans so necessary reservations can be made.
• Decide on decor and furnishings for your new home or apartment.

60 Days Before the Wedding

• Reserve the florist for both the church and reception and discuss your plans with him or her.
• Address, stamp and seal your invitations and announcements so they’ll be ready to mail at the proper time.
• Both the bride and groom should buy now what they will need for their trousseaus.
• Set a date for the wedding rehearsal and arrange for the rehearsal supper.
• Arrange for accommodations for out-of-town guests and attendants.
• You should have a final idea of what the ceremony will be like.
• Readings, music selections and special touches should be worked out with the pastor.
• Pick up the marriage license in the district court where the woman resides. State laws vary with regard to how long it takes to get a license, how long they are good for, whether or not a physical or blood tests are required.
• Buy gifts for your attendants and each other.