The next item on your wedding checklist will be selecting wedding reception music.

In a previous item on your wedding checklist – when you chose your wedding vendors – you decided on either a DJ or a live band (or both if you’re going all out with a lavish wedding).

The advantage of a DJ is that you’ll have a wide range of songs from original artists.

A live band, on the other hand, brings a different “vibe”  to the wedding reception with its high energy and enthusiasm that quickly kicks things into a party atmosphere.

You might select a live band, for example, that fits in with your wedding theme – a Country band or a Rock band or a band that plays traditional wedding reception music.

Or you might want a band that plays jazz or swing or oldies from a particular decade such as the ’80′s.

You don’t have to necessarily make a final choice about your wedding reception music right now.

But at this point in your wedding checklist you’ll want to gather ideas for your wedding reception music play list in discussions with your DJ or band leader.

In my last post I mentioned you should create a preliminary wedding vendor list as part of your wedding checklist and timeline.

Once you have a preliminary vendor list, it’s time to narrow the field and short list those vendors or wedding suppliers you wish to retain.

Wedding Checklist Tip: Contact friends for recommendations and ask vendors for references to see which wedding vendors will be suitable for you.

When selecting wedding vendors check out references and ask other brides-to-be what experiences they’ve had.

You may be asking yourself, though, what questions do I ask each vendor to help ensure that I choose the one that is right for me?

This Master Wedding Planning Guide can be a life saver when it comes to asking questions to select wedding providers.

It covers KEY questions you MUST ask when you talk to potential photographers, videographers, floral arrangers, caterers, venue providers, bands, celebrant/minister/rabbi/pastor, and everyone else associated with the wedding…in easy-to-use checklists.

Asking the right questions will help you avoid unexpected costs, surprises, and disappointments and might even save you from losing your deposit.

And there’s nothing worse than worrying about where a vendor is on your wedding day – especially if it’s two hours before your wedding.

Once you have the information you need you’ll be able to short list your wedding vendors and make arrangments to hire them.

As you can see, your wedding to do list is keeping you on track and helping with your wedding planning so you can enjoy your dream wedding.

After you’ve created a preliminary wedding guest list, the next item on your wedding checklist will be to create a preliminary wedding provider list.

Write down or – if you really want to save time and reduce your stress – use Wedding Planning Software (for Windows PC’s) to record contact details including names, address, phone and cell numbers, and emergency numbers.

Finding reliable wedding vendors who can provide what you require at a reasonable price will be your goal in this part of your wedding timeline.

This budget wedding planning guide will help you as you select and negotiate with wedding vendors – and could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Plus, it includes FREE Wedding Planning Software for entering wedding vendor information and contact details – a real time saver.

This next item on your wedding checklist as you’re planning your wedding will be especially important – preparing your wedding guest list.

Your wedding guest list will also play a major role in your wedding budget – the more guests you invite, the more expensive your wedding will be.

Three things to consider in drawing up your wedding guest list are: (1) who is paying for the wedding  (2) your wedding budget and (3) the wedding venue.

Those who will be contributing to the cost of the wedding will have a say in how big the wedding guest list is and who should be invited.

The smaller your wedding budget, the fewer people you’ll be able to invite to the wedding.

Keep in mind, also, that you might invite some people to the wedding but not to the wedding reception.

The wedding venue will also determine the size of the wedding guest list.

If you’re having a romantic beach wedding in a tropical location the guest list may be smaller.

If your wedding is local then the size of the facilities will determine how many people you’ll be able to invite.

Ultimately, you’ll have to limit who you invite to your wedding so start with those you are the most important and closest to you.

Also keep in mind that some people you invite won’t be able to attend. In general, overestimate your guest list by roughly 10% to account for declines.

The easiest way to keep track of your guest list, responses, accompanying guests, and accommodation requirements is with wedding planning software that comes FREE with this wedding budget planning guide.

Once you’ve drawn up a preliminary wedding guest list, check it off your wedding check list.

You’ll be “firming up” your wedding guest list later as you continue through your wedding timeline.