Nine to Twelve Months before the Wedding

1.      

Choose the date and time of wedding.  Reserve the ceremony location.

2.      

Look into a location for the reception and make reservations.

3.      

Establish a wedding budget with fiancée (and parents, they are involved).

4.      

Visit clergy or judge concerning Wedding.

5.      

Select attendants and ushers.

6.      

Begin putting together the bride and groom’s guest list.

7.      

Establish a theme and color scheme for the wedding.

8.      

Shop for and order the bridal gown and headpiece.

9.      

Choose attendant’s attire and accessories.

10.   

Choose musicians for the ceremony and make reservations.

11.   

Choose musician or DJ for the reception and make reservations.

12.   

Look into caterer for reception.

13.   

Select establishment for bridal registry.

14.   

Register for china, flatware and glassware patterns and other home accessories.

15.   

Decide whether dancing, music, or entertainment will be necessary at the rehearsal dinner and/or attendants party and make reservations.

Six to Nine Months before the Wedding

16.   

Contact florist to reserve date.

17.   

Order invitations and announcements.

18.   

Choose photographer and Videographer and make reservations.

19.   

Order wedding rings.

20.   

Discuss honeymoon ideas and consult travel agent.

21.   

Plan and arrange special transportation or limousine service for wedding party.

22.   

Plan for transportation to the ceremony reception for out-of-town guests.

Two to Four Months before the Wedding

23.   

Order wedding flowers.  (Take swatches of attendant’s dresses and picture/sketch of bridal gown.)

24.   

Finish your wedding guest lists.

25.   

Address invitations and announcements.

26.   

Shop for trousseau.

27.   

Order wedding favors.

28.   

Purchase gifts for attendants and ushers.

29.   

Purchase wedding accessories – toasting goblets, guest book, garter, cake knife, and server.

30.   

Order your wedding cake (if not provided by caterer).

31.   

Confirm rehearsal date and time.

32.   

Choose rehearsal dinner location and time, check on reservations.

33.   

Plan lodging for out-of-town guests (and attendants).

34.   

Have the groom and groomsmen fitted and order tuxedos.

35.   

Select music, discuss and submit requests to musicians and/or DJ’s for the ceremony and reception.

36.   

Have wedding portrait taken.

37.   

Finalize details with caterer/reception hall.

38.   

Confirm delivery date of your wedding gown.

39.   

Make appointment for blood tests (if required).

40.   

Finalize Plans for the honeymoon.

Four to Six Weeks before the Wedding

41.   

Mail invitations

42.   

Have final fitting of gown and headpiece.

43.   

Finalize last minute details with caterer/reception hall.

44.   

Meet with photographer and videographer to discuss details/submit requests.

45.   

Pick up wedding rings.

46.   

Purchase Bride’s gift.

47.   

Purchase Groom’s gift.

48.   

Meet with florist to review order.

49.   

Make plans with attendants’ luncheon or party.

50.   

Arrange seating chart for reception.

51.   

Write and send thank you notes for shower gifts/wedding gifts as they arrive.

52.   

Send announcement to local newspapers.

53.   

Make hairdresser appointment.

54.   

Take formal bridal portraits.

55.   

Address wedding announcements to be mailed on your wedding day.

Two Weeks before the Wedding

56.   

Make final checks and payments with clergy/judge, musicians/DJ’s, organists/soloists, photographer, videographer, travel agent, caterer/reception hall and limousines.

57.   

Make final checks and payments with florist; confirm delivery locations and times.

58.   

Obtain marriage license with fiancé.

59.   

Begin to make any necessary name changes on bank accounts, social security card, and/or any other official documents.

60.   

Contact guests who have not responded to the invitation.

61.   

Finalize guest reception seating chart.

62.   

Pick up wedding favors.

One Week before the Wedding

63.   

Give final guest count to caterer/reception hall.

64.   

Give and attend attendants’ party/luncheon.

65.   

Arrange transportation for guests and attendants arriving at airports.

66.   

Conduct ceremony rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.

67.   

Give gifts to attendants at rehearsal dinner.

68.   

Prepare and confirm honeymoon travel plans.

On the Wedding Day!

69.   

Bride goes to the hairstylist for final beauty preparations.

70.   

Bring marriage license and wedding rings to the ceremony.

71.   

Start dressing two hours before scheduled photo session.

72.