9 to 12 Months Before Your Wedding:
Choose your wedding date and time
Meet with Officiant. At this meeting, discuss any pre-marital
conditions and reserve the date and time of your Wedding
Set tentative wedding budget
and decide how the expenses will be shared
Estimate number of guests from both sides. This estimated number is
very important as it will be required when shopping for a reception
location
Select and book your
reception location. At this time you should also have in mind the
type of menu your would like
Choose your bridal party
Shop for a wedding dress, head piece, shoes and other accessories
Book your Disc Jockey, musicians and other entertainment for ceremony
and reception
Consider hiring a Wedding Consultant
6 to 9 Months Before Your Wedding:
Publish your engagement in your local newspaper
Select and book your mode of transportation to and from ceremony and
reception
Determine final guest list with all parties
Register with shops who offer Bridal Registries
Choose and book your florist
Select and order your invitations
Consult with your travel agent and book honeymoon. At this time, it is
also wise to prepare all passport information
Shop for Bridesmaid dresses and accessories
Shop for your wedding bands.
4 to 6 Months Before Your Wedding:
Decide on your speakers for your reception - Master of Ceremonies etc.
Book men's formal wear
Finalize all guest information and begin to write your invitations
3 Months Before Your Wedding:
Make arrangements to obtain your marriage license
Begin to make arrangements for your hotel room after your reception.
It is also an opportune time to book a block of rooms to accommodate
out of town guests
Complete all wedding invitations
Schedule fittings for all bridal attire. Make sure you bring your
Bridal shoes
Consult with your officiant to plan your wedding ceremony. At this
point, book an appointment with the organist or soloist
Arrange rehearsal details
Order your wedding cake; ring pillow; garter; knives & servers; guest
book and fountain pen
If your reception site does not provide liquor, now is the time to
contact a wine and liquor representative and obtain a liquor license
Book an appointment with hairdresser and make-up artist
1 to 2 Months Before Your Wedding:
Verify all details with all hired professionals, including florist;
limousines; photographers/videographer etc.
2 months before your wedding date
Mail all wedding invitations to your guests
Arrange with someone to house sit
Organize rehearsal dinners
1 month before your wedding
Arrange trial run of Bridal hair and make-up
Finalize honeymoon details with travel agent
Submit a layout of reception to Disc Jockey, Master of Ceremonies;
and any other party who plays a role at a particular time
Select and purchase attendants' gifts
Arrange change of address and all other forms of Identification that
need to be changed
Determine your travel needs - that is, a new suitcase, swimsuit etc.
Bride: Start wearing your wedding shoes on a daily basis to
work them in
1 to 2 Weeks Before Your Wedding:
Finalize guest numbers with caterer or hall. At this time, inform them
of any special exceptions you may require - food allergies, 2
vegetarian meals, etc. This step may require you to contact any guests
who have not yet replied to your invitation
2 weeks before your wedding:
Pick up gown and Bridal party dresses
Pick up airline tickets; travelers cheques
Verify accommodations for out of town guests
Prepare a checklist of details to be assigned to bridal party
Organize your gown preservation and cleaning. This task can be
completed while you are on your honeymoon
Prepare seating plans, seating
cards and master guest list for reception
Pick up wedding bands. Make
sure they fit
Best man should organize final
formal wear fittings the men in the Bridal party. He should also
arrange to return the Groom's attire the next day
2 weeks before Wedding:
book facials, waxing and any
other esthetics that are required
Finish packing for your
honeymoon
Arrange transportation for
Bridal party from ceremony to photos or reception
2 Days Before your Wedding:
Give wedding bands, marriage
license, and payment envelopes for Officiator and musician to Best Man
Rehearsal dinner takes place and
gifts are given to wedding party
Day Before Your Wedding:
Have a manicure and pedicure
Pick up formal wear
Take a trip to your reception
site to ensure that the location is ready for the reception. This will
be your last chance to set up.
Day of Your Wedding:
Transfer your engagement ring to your right hand
Be dressed and ready for photographer/videographer approximately 2
hours before the ceremony or according to your arrangements
Hairdresser and make-up artist will arrive according to your
arrangements
