The Ultimate Checklist to Make Sure You’re Prepared for Marriage

Getting married is an exciting, albeit sometimes stressful, time in our lives. There is so much to plan, so much to coordinate, and then the actual day itself just feels like a whirl. Preparing for the wedding and marriage can be daunting, but as long as you are as prepared as possible, you should be able to handle any curveballs that come your way. To make the day of your wedding go as smoothly as it can, make sure to plan out everything you need well in advance.

Check out this checklist for all the essentials you’ll need for your big day and the following days after the ceremony.

1. Order wedding bands that match the engagement ring.

When you pick out your engagement ring, consider getting wedding bands at the same time so you know they coordinate with the engagement ring that you’re purchasing. If you are concerned about natural diamonds and if they are ethically sourced, then you may want to look into lab created diamonds. Many natural diamonds are sourced through appalling means, and it’s hard to know where the natural diamond in your specific engagement ring is from. An Agape simulated diamond is just as beautiful as a natural diamond, with equal brilliance and the highest quality. Check Agape diamond reviews to learn more about them as you research your purchase options. Make sure that wherever you buy your rings, that the company has great customer service and offers some kind of warranty or guarantee whether you opt for a natural diamond or an Agape simulated diamond as the gemstone for your rings.

2. Purchase a marriage certificate for your officiant to fill out.

While you need the official marriage license, you will also need your officiant to fill out a marriage certificate so that you have this for your vital records. In fact, it’s recommended to have at least two copies on hand at any given time. You’ll need a certified copy to change your name at the social security office if you plan to. If your spouse will be getting onto your benefits plan, they will need a copy of your marriage certificate as well.

3. Get gifts for your wedding party.

Whether you buy jewelry for the bridesmaids or white gold cufflinks for the groomsmen, you need some sort of gift for your wedding party members. It is considerate to get them something so that they can fondly remember the day of your wedding. If you want to get them something personalized, then look into some custom tumblers with their name and the date of the wedding, or some etched wine glasses.

4. Create a wedding website with all the information your guests will need.

If you have a lot of guests, especially out-of-town guests, then they will need information on where to go for the wedding and reception, as well as suggested hotels in the area. A wedding website could be a convenient way to provide of that information in one easy spot. Some sites will also allow you to coordinate your event RSVPs there, making it much easier to track who is coming and who may not have responded yet. You can also upload some photos of you and your significant other, tell your story, and add in the wedding party members as well.

5. Plan out your honeymoon and pick a spot you’ll both love.

Make sure you also coordinate your honeymoon plans early, so that it will be as stress-free as possible. Choose a tropical resort if you both enjoy time on the beach, a mountain retreat if you are looking for seclusion and time in nature, or a cruise if you want to party on the open seas. There are many options for a honeymoon, so it may benefit you to consult with a seasoned travel agent who can help you choose a destination that you will both love.

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