6 - 12 Months
before wedding
date |
- set a wedding date
- discuss wedding budget with both sets of parents
- determine the size and style of your ceremony
- make a list of possible sites for the ceremony
- select the size and style of your reception
- make a list of possible sites for the reception
- arrange to meet with your ceremony officiant to discuss
service
- visit reception sites to check availability, prices, and
menus
- select your wedding attendants
- comparison shop, and order your bridal gown (6 - 9 months)
- comparison shop, and order gowns and accessories for attendants
(4 - 6 months)
- begin your guest lists (Bride, Groom, and parents' lists
combined)
- comparison shop, and hire your florist, photographer,
videographer, musicians, and wedding consultant
- begin planning new home
- begin making notes for bridal registry choices
|
3 - 6 months
before wedding
date |
- complete your index card files for guest lists
- check zip codes
- order invitations, announcements, napkins, place cards, and
thank you notes
- begin shopping for your honeymoon trousseau
- address your invitations and announcements/hire
calligrapher
- register with bridal registries
- plan honeymoon with your fiance; make reservations
- get copy of Social Security Name Change Form
- visit reception site during a wedding to see how things are
done
- review menu details with caterer; arrange for sample tasting if
possible
- order wedding cake; order box for top tier
- assist with selecting mother's gowns
- select wedding rings; have bands engraved
|
2 - 3 months
before wedding
date |
- finalize flower order; finalize colors for corsages
- mail out-of-state (8 weeks) and out-of-country invitations (10
weeks)
- assist Groom's mother with rehearsal party details
- purchase accessories: garter, guest book, ring pillow, bride's
bag, toasting glasses, etc.
- find and order favors, or make them yourself
- assist Groom with tuxedo selection, and ordering; mail
measurement cards to out-of-town attendants, and fathers (don't forget to order
tux for Father of Groom)
|
1 - 2 months
before wedding
date |
- mail local invitations (6 - 8 weeks)
- finalize photography list; review reception events time
schedule
- sit for bridal portrait, and newspaper photo
- finalize with videographer; review reception events time
schedule
- finalize song list with musicians; review reception events time
schedule
- finalize with caterer; review reception events time
schedule
- request and return newspaper announcement form with
picture
- begin writing gift thank-you's
- make plans for bridesmaid's and groomsmen parties, if any.
- have fittings for bridal gown alterations
- arrange fittings for bridesmaid's gowns
- purchase wedding gift for Groom
- verify tuxedo store has received all measurements for men (4
weeks)
- do trial run for wedding day hair and make-up (try to
coordinate this with the day you have portrait made)
|
2 - 4 weeks
before wedding
date |
- apply for marriage license; order 2 extra certified copies
- complete your honeymoon trousseau
- make appointment for hair, make-up and nails for wedding
day
- have fun at bridal showers
- send shower thank-you notes
- arrange seating chart for reception
- assist Groom's mother with seating arrangements for rehearsal
party
- send rehearsal reminders to wedding party and parents
- contact and confirm arrangements and times with all
retailers
- Make sure bridal gown and veil are out of storage bag and not
folded in half; hang in closet, or on high curtain rod, unfolded; place white
sheet on floor, and spread train on it
|
1 - 2 weeks before wedding
date
|
- begin your honeymoon packing
- give final head count to caterer
- check on final details with florist, caterer, musicians,
photographer, videographer, and wedding consultant; review arrival and
departure times, and event schedule
- arrange for caterer to put out favors on guest tables
- arrange for someone to take reception items to site the day
before
- arrange to pay any balances
- make a list of what you need to take to ceremony and reception
sites
- make arrangements for someone to take care of your items during
ceremony and reception
- make arrangements for honeymoon luggage to be delivered to
hotel room
- make arrangements for a "secure" gift table, or storage area at
reception
- arrange for someone to take your gown and his tuxedo home after
reception
- keep up with your wedding gift thank-you notes
- take a deep breath, calm down, keep your sense of humor, and
remember to be patient with your parents, attendants, and especially the
groom.
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