9 – 12 months before wedding
Announce your wedding
Set a budget and decide who pays for what
Set a wedding date
Book reception site
Book ceremony location
Hire a wedding planner if you choose
Start first draft of your guest list
6 – 9 months before wedding
Start shopping for a wedding dress
Decide on bridesmaids dresses
Organize flower decoration/bouquets
Hire wedding photographer/videographer
Hire DJ/Band
Choose officiant and discuss ceremony
Think about gift registries
Check into hotel rooms for guests
Have engagement party if you wish
Book honeymoon
4 – 6 months before wedding
Select and order wedding invitations and stationary
Choose wedding cake
Discuss menu ideas with venue
Arrange for any rental items
Buy wedding rings
Organize groom’s tux and groomsmen also
Decide on accessories for bridesmaids
Look for wedding favors
Confirm dates for bridal shower and bachelorette parties
Start registry
Get ideas for wedding hair and makeup
Organize helpers (readers, flower girl, etc)
2 – 4 months before wedding
Finalize guest list
Select place for rehearsal dinner
Finalize rehearsal dinner plans
Finalize menu
Select music for ceremony
Book makeup artist and hair stylist
Check tuxes for groom have been ordered
Organize wedding transportation
Order wedding favors
Find gifts for each other, your attendants, parents
Purchase bridal party gifts
Purchase wedding accessories (candles, baskets, ring pillow, etc…)
Check registry regularly
Start preparations for honeymoon
Send invitations 8 weeks before wedding date
1 – 2 months before wedding
Have first bridal gown fitting
Schedule a final fitting for your gown so it can be ready for formal bridal portrait
Finalize ceremony readings, songs, etc…
Design wedding programs
Meet with officiant to finalize ceremony
Write vows
Set appointment with photographer for your formal bridal portrait
Prepare photo and video shot list
Check requirements for marriage license in your state
Discuss and finalize details with wedding service providers
3 – 4 weeks before wedding
Get marriage license (normally no earlier than 30 days before wedding
Arrange name change
Mail rehearsal dinner invitations
Meet with stylist to discuss makeup and hair
Confirm hotel arrangements for out-of-town guests
1 – 2 weeks before wedding
Call guests who have not responded to invitation
Make final payments for all services that require payment
Have final wedding gown fitting
Finalize wedding day schedule and share with attendants, parents and all vendors
Pick up wedding dress and make sure all accessories are together
Reconfirm all wedding plans: ceremony, reception site, florist, photographer/videographer,
musicians, cake
Give reception site the final head count
Provide wedding party and out-of-town guests with itinerary and maps
Give someone at home emergency numbers of honeymoon locations
Finalize seating arrangements
Prepare placecards
Organize ceremony accessories (candles, bows, etc…)
Organize receptions accessories (guest book, pen, etc…)
Prepare wedding favors for transportation
Complete seating plan for reception
Confirm arrival times for attendants
Pack for wedding night and honeymoon
The day before the wedding
Prepare payment envelopes
Give rings to best man
Gather wedding dress and all accessories
Get a manicure, pedicure, massage
Rehearse ceremony with officiant and wedding party
Confirm flight arrangements for honeymoon
Compile an emergency list of all wedding vendors with phone number
Enjoy your rehearsal dinner!
The wedding day
See hairdresser
Have makeup applied
Don’t forget rings
Remember Marriage License
After wedding
Get wedding gown cleaned and preserved
Preserve bouquet
Write and send thank you notes
Complete process of name change
Finalize gift registry
Meet with photographer/videographer to finalize albums/video