Okay, you just said "Yes, I'll marry you" now what? Before you have a panic attack about the long road ahead of you it's time to sit down and make out a calendar. To make sure you've covered all the bases it's usually best to plan the wedding as far as in advance as possible because many choice vendors fill up fast. To make your planning a little easier we've included a planning calendar to get you started!
Nine to 12 Months Before:
- Determine the type of wedding you want
- Select a wedding date
- Check with your officiant to determine pre-marital requirements
- Reserve a date & time for the wedding & rehersal
- Set a tentative budget
- Determine the size of the guest list
- Plan reception & book location
- Select & book wedding consultant, caterer, photographer, videographer, & entertainment. Choose ceremony music.
- Select and book transportation
- Compile guest list
- Select wedding attendants & determine sizes
- Choose your dress & headpiece
- Schedule fittings & delivery date
- Select color scheme
- Choose bridesmaids' dresses & accessories
- Begin planning your honeymoon
Six to Nine Months Before:
- Have engagement portraits taken
- Announce your engagement in the newspaper
- Register your preferences at the bridal registry of your choice
- Maintain records of all gifts received & send thank you notes immediately
- Select florist, balloonist, and/or ice sculpturer
- Begin shopping for men's wedding attire
- Reserve rental supplies for ceremony & reception
- Look for accommodations for out-of-town guests
Four to Six Months Before:
- Order invitations & related stationary
- Complete guest list
- Help mothers coordinate dresses
- Ensure bridal attire is ordered
- Check state marriage license requirements
- Select baker & order wedding cake, groom's cake & mints
- Order favors
Two to Three Months Before:
- Select & reserve men's attire
- Draw map to ceremony & reception site for guests
- Address invitations & announcements. Mail out-of town invitations
- Purchase accessories such as ring pillow & toasting goblets
- Confirm ceremony details
- Arrange rehearsal details & plan rehearsal dinner
- Plan attendants' parties
- Reserve beverage caterer
- Make wedding day appointment with hairdresser
- Book guest accommodations
- Finalize honeymoon plans
One Month Before:
- Address & mail local invitations
- Get blood test & marriage license
- Final dress fitting
- Get formal bridal portrait taken
- Final fitting for attendants
- Purchase gifts for participants & fiance'
- Have attendants' parties
- Finalize rehearsal dinner, beverage & rental details
- Arrange for gown, bouquet and/or cake preservation
Two weeks Before:
- Finish addressing announcements
- Contact non-responding guests
- Pick up wedding rings
- Meet with photographer, videographer, & entertainers
One Week Before:
- Provide guest count to caterer
- Review details & timetables with vendors
- Plan seating arrangements
- Confirm honeymoon plans. Pick up tickets & travelers checks
- Assign tasks to wedding party
- Practice applying makeup & styling your hair (trial run with hairdresser)
- Pick up attire & check fit
- Pack for honeymoon
- Rehearse ceremony
- Attend rehearsal dinner
- Finalize transportation, cake, & floral details
- Give balance due fees to vendors or to best man to take care of
Getting Your Marriage License in South Dakota & Wyoming
ID Requirement: Driver's licenses or a certified copy of your birth certificate is acceptable. Wyoming Only - You will need to know your social security numbers, mothers' maiden names, and the states where your parents were born.
Residency Requirement: You do not have to be a resident of South Dakota or Wyoming.
Previous Marriages: A certified copy of the divorce decree is required. A plain copy of the death certificate is all that is required if your spouse is deceased.
Covenant Marriage Option: No.Waiting Period: No waiting period.
Fees: South Dakota - $40.00 Wyoming - $25.00 Some counties may require cash or travelers' checks only.
Other Tests: No tests required.
Proxy Marriage: No.Cousin Marriage: No.
Common Law Marriage: No.
Same Sex Marriages: No.
Under 18 years of age: South Dakota - If you are at least 16 years of age, but not yet 18 years old, you will have to provide written notarized consent from your parents or guardian. You will also have to show proof of age. Those under 16 years of age may not get married in South Dakota. Wyoming - If either of you are between 16-17 years of age, you will need written parental/guardian approval. Under 15 years of age applicants will need permission from a court judge
Officiants: South Dakota - Any ordained or licensed clergymen, justices of the supreme court, judges of the circuit court, magistrates, and justices of the peace. Wyoming - Authorized persons to perform weddings are judges, supreme court justices, assistant judges, justice of the peaces, and ordained or licensed clergymen. Non-resident clergy need to file for a permit from the county Probate Court where the marriage will take place.
License Dates Valid: South Dakota -You must be married within 20 days of receiving the license. For the marriage to be valid it must be solemnized and returned by the person who solemnized the marriage to the Register of Deeds within 10 days of the wedding. . Wyoming - License is valid for one year.
Contact:
South Dakota -Vital Records
State Department of Health
600 East Capitol Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501-2536
Phone: (605) 773-4961
Wyoming - Vital Records Services
Hathaway Building
Cheyenne, WY 82002
Phone: (307) 777-7591