12 MONTHS OR EARLIER (To be completed by ___/___/___)
□ Decide on a date (choose a second or third date as backup).
□ Create a wedding and engagement budget.
□ Organize your engagement party.
□ Make an appointment with clergyman/officiant;
□ Compose an initial guest list.
□ Set time, location of ceremony, rehearsal & reception venue.
□ Shop for wedding gown: several sittings will be required.
□ Determine your color scheme.
□ Obtain floral & music estimates; book services if possible.
□ Register with gift registry.
□ Select bridesmaids/groomsmen and confirm their participation.
□ Pick a honeymoon destination (renew passports & inoculations).
□ Begin selection of a caterer.
□ Set a date to order dresses for bridesmaids.
□ Order your passport, birth certificate, or marriage license.
9 – 12 MONTHS BEFORE (To be completed by ___/___/___)
□ Finalize guest lists.
□ Order invitations & announcements.
□ Book professional photographer/videographer.
□ Book live entertainment and /or DJ.
□ Book florist.
□ Men choose attire.
□ Make honeymoon reservations.
□ Book caterer.
□ Make appointment for bridal or engagement portrait.
□ Order wedding cake.
□ Arrange transportation for all members of wedding party to & from
ceremony & reception locations.
□ Find accommodations for out-of-town guests.
6 -9 MONTHS BEFORE (To be completed by ___/___/___)
□ Order personal stationary and thank you notes.
□ Go over details of reception and menu with caterer/venue manager.
□ Reserve the musicians/soloist for your ceremony.
□ Make arrangements for limousine service.
□ Assist in choosing your parents’ outfits.
□ Review marriage license requirements.
3 -6 MONTHS BEFORE (To be completed by ___/___/___)
□ Finalize the guest list.
□ Confirm order with the florist.
□ Reserve men’s wedding attire.
□ Choose your readers for the ceremony.
□ Make appointments with the hairdresser and beauty experts.
2 MONTHS BEFORE (To be completed by ___/___/___)
□ Mail out invitations.
□ Finalize the reception menus.
□ Inform clergyman/ officiant of all the details of your ceremony.
□ Keep a gift diary; send thank you notes as gifts arrive.
□ Fine tune guest list, if needed.
□ Plan rehearsal dinner.
□ Select attendants’ gifts, groomsmen’s’ gifts.
□ Check all services.
□ Make moving arrangements.
□ Final gown or tuxedo fitting. Wedding portrait sitting.
1 MONTH BEFORE (To be completed by ___/___/___)
□ Choose wedding bands if you have not done so already.
□ Check wedding party apparel.
□ Arrange final fitting of bridesmaids’ dresses.
□ Confirm music arrangements & check selections.
□ Make reservations for bridesmaids’ luncheon.
□ Discuss rehearsal dinner with hosts.
□ Apply for marriage license.
□ Meet with and finalize plans with photographer and videographer.
2 WEEKS BEFORE (To be completed by ___/___/___)
□ Plan your wedding day hair style (bring headpiece and veil).
□ Final check on bridal party clothing.
□ Notify newspapers.
□ Arrange for name & address change.
□ Check with Caterer/Reception Venue with last minute changes.
□ Call any invited guests who have not responded.
□ Rehearse your wedding vows.
□ Find “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue and a shiny penny for your shoe” for good luck!
1 WEEK BEFORE (To be completed by ___/___/___)
□ Remind rehearsal dinner guests of time / location.
□ Confirm your honeymoon. Start honeymoon packing.
□ Exchange currency, if necessary.
□ Wrap groom’s & attendants’ gifts.
□ Pick up attire for the groom, ushers, bride and bridesmaids.
□ Finalize the seating plan.
□ Confirm final guest list with the venue and caterer.
□ Confirm accommodations at the hotel.
□ Confirm ceremony details.
□ Confirm florist order.
□ Confirm videographer.
□ Confirm photographer and confirm special photos you want taken.
□ Confirm all music for the reception – first dance.
□ Write place cards and draw a seating chart for the reception.
□ Write speeches.
□ Determine the order for the procession.
□ Arrange all final payments to your vendors.
□ Deliver your marriage license to the officiant.
□ Have someone hand out programs at the ceremony.
□ Arrange for someone to take your dress to the cleaner after the wedding.
□ Arrange to have someone return any rented items after wedding.
1 DAY BEFORE
□ Bride-to-be: have manicure & pedicure done.
□ Attend wedding rehearsal & dinner.
□ Present your attendants and parents with their special gifts.
□ Give ushers the guest list.
□ Insure wedding dress/suits are pressed and ready.
□ Appoint family member to check ceremony & reception for items left behind.
WEDDING DAY!
□ Hair & make-up.
□ Check wedding dress. (pressing; steaming).
□ Change of clothes. (if leaving for honeymoon).
□ Give wedding rings to your best man.
□ Give the checks to the best man that need to be given out that day.
□ Breathe! Relax! Enjoy your wedding day!
