I'm not the best person of this topic because as of March fifth I've only gone once. However that gives me a slight advantage to help you out some, especially if you're nervous. My Stake President gave me some awesome advice that took the edge of a bit and I'll be sure to share it with you in here. I'm going to go through the steps and then give some advice to hopefully help you to be a bit more prepared.
What to do first?
The first step is talking with your Bishop. This is very important because he helps you decide if you're ready to go. When you speak with your bishop be completely open and honest about things. The questions aren't for him, they are for you! They're meant to help you asses your life and see if it corresponds with teachings of the church. Now this interview isn't much about the temple, they're the same questions you are asked for doing baptisms in the temple.
Second schedule an interview with your Stake President (for your first time going you have to meet with the President any time after that you go to renew it you can go to any member of the Stake presidency). This one is a little more in depth. However it is really awesome. Your president will talk about the sacredness of what goes on there and explains as much as he can without going into too much detail. After he talks about the ordinances done there he will move on to the questions. I'll repeat my self again, they are for you! Be honest with him.
Third is ordering garments and temple clothing. You get a discount on all the ceremonial clothing and white clothing for your first time. However garments are the full price. The easiest way to do this is to ask an endowed family member or friend to use their LDS account. Go through and get all the things you need and add them to the cart. Go through everything with this family member/friend and make sure you get everything!!! I missed one piece of ceremonial clothing and had to pay like twenty extra dollars to get it here within the time I'd be going to the temple. Which let me tell you was stressful! Go over the sizing charts and be sure to have a tape measurer with you, because you will need it! Once all your clothing (and temple bag if you need one) is in the cart call this number: 1-800-537-5971 they have wonderful and helpful people there. Let them know it's your first time, you have everything in (insert family/friend's name here)'s account. You will need your membership number and your helper's membership number as well. They might need to speak to the account holder to make sure it’s okay to use their account and etc. They will help you from that point on.
After that you want to pick a date. When going about this check out your temple's service times. Some days they have early sessions and other days later sessions. Here's a link to help you find out your temple's schedule. Choose the temple you'll attend and numbers/addresses/schedules will pop up and it is helpful. Once you have picked a date and time call the temple and let them know. You get this handy letter in the mail from the temple that tells you the time you need to be there, what to have, and what to wear... which is super helpful. Don't forget to invited family and friends to go with you.
Finally pick an escort. This person has to be an endowed member who has been through the temple. They also have to be the same sex as you. My oldest sister, Natalie, had my mom as an escort and I had another one of my sisters (Stacie) as mine. This person helps you with everything so you're not lost and confused. They are life savers! I would lean over and ask her things every now and then. If you don't know who to ask, the temple will help you get one, so no worries there.Now you are physically ready to attend the temple.
Advice
1. Ask around about garment fabric! My sister Stacie had this one kind of fabric that was just so uncomfortable for her. It would trap in heat and moisture and it would just make her cranky. She really disliked them but as soon as she switched fabrics she felt so much better. I've asked around and Carinessa II is the way to go from what I've heard and from my own personal experience. Here's a link to a description about each fabric. Some fabrics work better in cold or hot areas, keep in mind what the weather is like where you live or where you'll be on your mission.
1. Ask around about garment fabric! My sister Stacie had this one kind of fabric that was just so uncomfortable for her. It would trap in heat and moisture and it would just make her cranky. She really disliked them but as soon as she switched fabrics she felt so much better. I've asked around and Carinessa II is the way to go from what I've heard and from my own personal experience. Here's a link to a description about each fabric. Some fabrics work better in cold or hot areas, keep in mind what the weather is like where you live or where you'll be on your mission.
2.Attend a temple prep class if available. I didn't get to go to one and I was very sad about it but from what I have heard they are great and quite helpful.
3. Pray. Oh my gosh please pray! Don't rush things. Make sure the Lord believes you are ready as well. These are sacred covenants not meant to be taken lightly. If you are getting your endowments because you feel you are ready (not because of mission plans or marriage) you are so lucky. You don't have a deadline, so don't make one. Take your time to prepare.
4.Make a list of people to invite as you are going through the recommendation process. I was scrambling at the last minute and started inviting people to the temple a week before I was going. A WEEK. I felt bad for doing that, I know some of them needed sitters and it was hard to do last minute. So make a list and as soon as you get a date down tell them. The minute you find out a time make the calls! Seriously because then your favorite seminary teacher can make it... or whoever it happens to be for you.
5. Read "Preparing to Enter the Holy Temple". I recommend reading it before your interviews and then again after. You will get so much out of it both times. The only reason I read it again was because President Clough asked me and my sister to.
6.This is the advice my Stake President gave me... when you're there for your first time don't worry about learning anything. Don't focus on all of the stuff that's happening. If you try to take everything in you might get freaked out, overwhelmed, scared, anxious, or etc. When you're there for the first time focus on the Spirit. President Clough gave me and my sister one task. Feel the Holy Ghost and get a confirmation that you are in the right place doing the right thing. Bloody brilliant this man. The ceremonies are a lot and it can be overwhelming but as you pray and feel the Spirit it will testify to you of the goodness you are doing and it will calm your nerves.
7. Your escort and temple workers will help you out! Don't be afraid to ask!
8. Remember it is important to return. Even though it is the same thing each time you go back, you will get to learn more.
Scriptures to read (From Brittany Mangus' book 'Prepare Now for the Temple')
Initiatory
Exodus 29:4; 30:17-21, 29, 31
Leviticus 8:10-12; 14:7-8
Isaiah 1:16
Psalms 73:13
Hebrews 9:101
John 2:27
D&C 88:74-75, 85
D&C 124:37-39
The Endowment
Genesis 1-3
Genesis 32:28
Revelation 2:17
Mormon 9:12
D&C 20:17-20
D&C 43:16
D&C 84:20-21; 105:11-12
Moses 1-3
Abraham 3-5
Extra Reads
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