As a bride and groom, you want your wedding to be perfect. From the ceremony to the reception, you’ll need to consider all the details. Whether a garden reception, an ultra-formal ceremony or a wedding/honeymoon combination, each wedding shares common characteristics upon which a couple must agree.

This basic checklist can get you started on your way to a beautiful wedding day.

• Set the date — As soon as possible after getting engaged, you should select a wedding date and decide on the type of wedding you would like to have. From a traditional ceremony in a church to a surprise wedding, where guests are invited to a “party” that turns out to be a wedding, you can personalize the event and plan a wedding that reflects your lifestyles and interests.

• Reserve a location — Reserve the church or location of the ceremony soon after setting the date to ensure you can get married on the day you’ve chosen. Then, you need to reserve a reception location. Most party houses and reception halls have party planners and catering directors who can assist you in planning your dream wedding.

• Select a photographer — Every photographer has a different style. You should choose one who will accommodate your wishes, like taking the types and number of shots you want, attending both the ceremony and reception, and offering the album design you would like. The photographer’s personality is very important — you will be spending an entire day with this person, so you should choose someone who will make you feel comfortable.

• Book reception entertainment — Select a band or disc jockey who will cater to everyone at the reception — both the younger and older generations. The musical selections should be diverse, and requests from the guests should be taken.

• Arrange wedding transportation — Whether it’s a Rolls-Royce, stretch limo, horse and buggy, or double-decker bus, you should plan for transportation to and from the ceremony and to the reception for yourself and your attendants. Make reservations early, especially if you want a white car.

• Order dresses — Shopping for a wedding dress, headpiece and bridesmaid dresses is one of the most fun parts of the planning process. Choose a wedding dress that reflects your style and personality — and makes you look beautiful. When considering dresses for your attendants, you should opt for a style that complements your dress, as well as the women in your party.

• Choose a florist — Flowers can add an elegant touch to the wedding day, and every florist has a unique style. Select one whose arrangements you like and who can offer helpful, creative ideas about bouquets, corsages and centerpieces.

• Decide on a bakery — Select a bakery based on the varieties of the cakes offered and the look of previous work. Ask for a taste of the different types of cake offered, and check if the bakery will be able to create the design that you want.

• Select formalwear — Whether it’s a basic tuxedo or a top hat and tail coat, formalwear completes the look of the wedding party. Select a formalwear provider who offers the style you want, has a variety of sizes available to fit all of the male attendants, and offers a large selection of bow ties and cummerbunds or vests.
• Order invitations — Invitations come in many different styles, so you will have a number of books to look through. Decide on a design that best suits the wedding, based on its formality, the time of day and the wedding colors.