Tell everyone you know the great news!!
Nine to Twelve Months Before:
Book decorator if hiring one.
Discuss a budget and the size and style of the wedding with your parents. Decide who pays for what.
If you will be using a wedding consultant, enlist their services.
Meet with clergy member or ceremony official; schedule pre-marital counseling.
Reserve wedding and reception sites; make initial catering contacts.
Register at local bridal registries.
Prioritize the aspects of your wedding.
Set up a file for your paperwork.
Set up a bank account and/or charge card for wedding expenses.
Contact photographers; hire one.
Check out videographer; hire one.
Determine decorations and floral arrangements.
Send "save the date" cards
Six Months Before:
Compile the guest list.
Reserve a block of hotel rooms for out-of-town guests.
Choose wedding rings.
Send your engagement announcement to newspapers.
Select and order wedding gown.
Select the attendants (bridesmaids and groomsmen).
Choose and order the Bridesmaid dresses.
Select one usher for every 50 guests.
Make arrangements for the music at the wedding and reception.
Check out bakers. Get estimates. Book the date.
Decide on future living accommodations.
Plan beauty preparations (nails, diet, hair, skin care and makeup).
Make all transportation arrangements to and from the wedding and the reception. Consider a limo, party bus, or horse & carriage.
Complete all honeymoon plans. If traveling outside the country, check on visas, passports and inoculations.
Get estimates and order flowers and floral arrangements for wedding and reception.
Schedule dancing lessons.
Four Months Before:
Complete the guest list and confirm final details with the caterer.
Order invitations (plus 25 extra) and personal stationery or "Thank You" notes.
Order napkins and purchase any other items needed for the ceremony and reception. Check with the caterer to see what he/she includes.
Visit the photographer again to discuss specifics.
Get estimates and order balloons, decorations and favors for wedding and reception (if not hiring decorator).
Book room for wedding night.
Three Months Before:
Order wedding rings. Allow time for any final engraving.
Order tuxedos for the groomsmen and fathers.
Decide on your ceremony program.
Decide on menu for reception.
Determine and finalize who will be making wedding cake.
Have engagement portrait made.
Two Months Before:
Mail invitations (six weeks before the wedding; eight weeks to out-of-town guests).
Make appointments with the hairdresser for the bride and attendants or out-of-town guests.
Buy a wedding gift for your future spouse and gifts for attendants and helpers.
Finalize arrangements of accommodations for out-of-town attendants and guests.
Send engagement portrait with information to newspaper.
Take a quick review of any wedding-related contracts.
One Month Before:
Choose all accessories, shoes and lingerie for bridal gown.
Have final fitting for bridal gown and bridesmaids' dresses.
Have beauty consultant do a trial run with bride's hair and makeup. Schedule
this appointment on the day the bridal portrait is taken and/or a party
are planned.
Have bridal portrait taken.
Have groomsmen registered and measured at the formal wear store.
Check with the newspapers on wedding announcement requirements.
Finalize plans for rehearsal dinner with guest count.
Plan seating arrangements for the rehearsal dinner and reception.
Review your checklist to be sure nothing has been missed.
Complete change-of-address information for post office.
Keep current with "Thank You" notes for all gifts received.
Confirm all wedding-related contracts.
Confirm wedding day beauty appointments.
Finish any honeymoon shopping.
Two Weeks Before:
Get the marriage license. Be sure to bring all needed documents.
Inform or send invitations including exact time and location to those who will attend the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.
Inquire about where you and your attendants will dress for the ceremony.
Walk through the entire event in your mind. Consider things like parking, access for handicapped guests, etc.
Confirm all transportation plans.
Check in with caterer, photographer, videographer, musicians, DJ, florist, etc. to confirm all arrangements.
"Break in" wedding shoes at home.
Make arrangements for moving your belongings into new place of residence.
Prepare any outstanding payments for services, etc.
One Week Before:
Appoint someone to act as an "organizer" to handle any last minute
problems.
Give a final guest count to the caterer.
Review final details for those in the wedding party.
Confirm honeymoon arrangements.
Pack for the honeymoon. Know what you'll wear from the reception.
Enjoy a day with your family and friends. Visit a day spa, have a massage, a facial and relax.
Make final consultations with all providers, but avoid any major changes at the last minute.
One Day Before:
Attend the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner and give gifts to attendants.
Give the rings and clergy member's fee to the best man.
Organize gown, accessories, etc. to go to ceremony.
Mail Wedding Announcements.
Wedding Day:
Get hair, makeup, etc. done.
Get Married!
