How's the planning coming along for your Outer Banks destination wedding?  Feeling perfectly organized and on track?  Not exactly? If you're starting to stress a bit wondering what you're forgetting, there's a good Wedding Planning Checklist available in the Currituck Outer Banks Wedding & Event Planner brochure.  Comparing your growing notebook of planning details to this checklist may help you fill in any gaps ...

12+ MONTHS
__ Set a date. Check this date with the most important people in your life, including immediate family and the wedding party.
__ Begin a preliminary guest list.
__ If you wish to hire a wedding planner, employ them early in the process and get them involved right away.
__ Select members of your wedding party and secure their commitments.
__ Start shopping for your wedding dress, head piece and accessories.
__ Review and select your:  __Ceremony Site  __Reception Site
TIP:  Many facilities book early, so don't waste time before reserving the facility of your first choice. Keep in mind when selecting your ceremony site:  accessibility for elderly or disabled guests and sufficient parking.

8 - 11 MONTHS
__ Make and official engagement announcement in local newspapers; perhaps establish a wedding website as a resource for guests and relatives.
__ Reserve lodging and accommodations for the wedding party.
__ Purchase wedding rings and store in a safe place.
__ Select and reserve:  __Clergy/official __Caterer __Photographer __Videographer __Florist __Musician/Entertainer
__ Choose a wedding cake.
__ Reserve tables, chairs, tents and other rental equipment.
__ Select and confirm additional wedding attendants, including ushers, readers and greeters.
__ Choose color scheme and begin selecting decorations.
__ Complete guest list and compile addresses.
__ Send out "save-the-date" cards to guests to give them sufficient time for travel and lodging arrangements. Include information on the [Currituck] Outer Banks and options for accommodations.
__ Order invitations and thank you notes.
TIP:  Make arrangements with your employer well in advance to take time off for the preparation, wedding and honeymoon.

6 - 8 MONTHS
__ Choose your attendants' dresses. Be sure to order them all at the same time so colors match exactly. *Keep location in mind when selecting footwear; you may not want to choose high-heeled shoes for a beach wedding.
__ Reserve formal wear for the groom and groomsmen.
__ Designate a hostess to oversee the guest book, gift table and wedding programs on the wedding day.
__ Confirm that deposits are paid and contracts signed with all vendors.
__ Send vendors a confirmation letter with wedding date, time, location and directions.
__ Keep all contracts and pertinent information in one file for easy access.
TIP:  Plan a pre-wedding trip to the [Currituck] Outer Banks to meet your service providers. You man also arrange hair and make-up consultations with local beauticians.

3 - 5 MONTHS
__ Choose your menu. Consult with local caterers to give your guests a special flair.
__ Order your wedding cake and confirm the design with the caterer.
__ Make reservations for the rehearsal dinner.
__ Decide on party favors and wedding guests' gifts.
__ Register for wedding gifts and plan for transporting these gifts back to your home following the reception.
__ Finalize transportation and accommodations for yourself and the wedding party.
__ Select readings and music for the ceremony. Provide a list of specific requests to the musician/entertainer.
__ Mail wedding invitations. Doing so early will allow guests to make travel arrangements.
TIP:  Plan your honeymoon. Many couples who wed in [Currituck] extend their stay for a romantic oceanfront honeymoon on the Outer Banks.

2 MONTHS
__ Choose gifts for your attendants, parents and other helpers.
__ Buy the cake knife, toasting glasses and guest book.
__ Update bridal registry for any last minute items.
__ Secure your marriage license.
__ Order liquor, wine and/or champagne if not included in the catering contract.
TIP:  Currituck County has several tasteful vineyards, breweries and local wine shops. Consider these for a unique flavor at your reception.

1 MONTH
__ Have a final dress fitting for yourself and your attendants.
__ Contact any important guests who have not responded.
__ Submit your wedding announcement to your local newspaper.
__ Discuss the ceremony details with the clergy or wedding official.
__ Print your wedding programs.
TIP:  If either you or your spouse is moving after the wedding, submit a change of address form to the post office. Many couples also print their new address in the wedding program.

TWO WEEKS
__ Make final confirmations of accommodations, ceremony and reception sites, and other service contracts.
__ Send out invitations for the rehearsal dinner.
TIP:  Choose the sites and times for you and the wedding party to take wedding-day photos.

ONE WEEK
__ Confirm any last minute details of special travel arrangements.
__ Submit the final guest count to the reception facility and caterer.
__ Ask the planner or hostess to create a last-minute 'survival kit' for the wedding day. Suggested items include:  aspirin, make-up, safety pins, hair spray, band aids, etc.
__ Get manicures for the bride and her wedding party.
__ Have the rehearsal dinner/party. At this time, thank the wedding party for their participation and give the attendants their gifts.
TIP:  Pick a day for you and your fiance to get away for a relaxing, special time together before the whirlwind of activities on the big day. Many local spas offer couples' massages, or simply escape for a romantic walk on the beach.

DAY PRIOR
__ Lay out everything you'll need in an easy-to-find manner, including dress and formal attire, veil, jewelry, shoes and personal items.
__ Drop off wedding favors, guest book and any last minute decorations at the ceremony site.
__ Give wedding rings to the best man and/or maid of honor.
TIP:  Even though you may be too nervous or excited to sleep, go to bed early and get a full night's rest. You'll need lots of energy for your special day.

WEDDING DAY
__ Have hair and make-up done early in the day. Remember to wear a button-up shirt to keep everything perfect after it is finished.
__ Give yourself plenty of time to get dressed for the wedding. Give yourself at least two hours.
__ Assign a person to deliver any necessary payments to vendors.
TIP:  Be sure to have the marriage certificate in an easy-to-find location and ready to sign. Legally, the ceremony will not be able to take place without it.

Relax! Some things might not go as planned, but with family, friends and planners there to help, your [Currituck] Outer Banks wedding will be a remarkable celebration you'll remember forever.