8 TO 12 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING
v Select a wedding date and time.
v Decide the type of wedding you would like to have (size, formality, and setting).
v Begin your guest list.
v Consider possible color schemes. Explore pre-marital counseling.
v Start health and fitness plan.
v Select your professional: photographer, caterer, consultant, music, etc.
v Decide upon your budget.
v Determine who will pay what expenses.
v Book your wedding location(s).
v Choose your attendants.
v Determine the sizes of your attendants.
v Select dress and headpiece, and set a date for fittings and delivery.
v Select your bridesmaids’ dresses and accessories.
v Give thought to your honeymoon location.
5 TO 8 MONTHS
v Check the requirements for marriage license.
v Select and discuss your color schemes with the florist and/or balloonist of choice.
v Again consider pre-marital counseling.
v Reserve your wedding day rental equipment (tables, chairs, china, silverware, gazebo, etc.).
v Decide upon a gift registry and select your gift choices.
v Begin your record of gifts received.
v Send thank you notes as soon as possible.
v Order your invitations and related stationery needs.
v Start shopping for the men’s wedding attire.
3 TO 5 MONTHS
v Finalize your guest list.
v Decide upon and order your favors.
v Select your baker, then choose your cake, groom’s cake and mints.
v Help both mothers coordinate and find their wedding day clothing.
v Review your written agreements forms with all of your professionals (photographer, caterer, transportation, etc.).
2 TO 3 MONTHS
v Have engagement portraits taken.
v Place your engagement announcement in the newspaper.
v Mail out invitations and announcements.
v Decide on the men’s wedding attire.
v Arrange and plan your rehearsal dinner.
v Purchase your wedding day accessories.
v Arrange attendants’ parties.
v Prepare accommodations for out-of-town attendants and guests.
v Consider a hairdresser and book appointments.
v Finalize all honeymoon plans.
v Complete marriage counseling
2 TO 4 WEEKS
v Final wedding dress fitting.
v Final fitting for your wedding attendants.
v Obtain marriage license.
v Have your attendants’ parties.
v Purchase your going-away outfit.
v Draw a map to direct your guests to the site(s), if necessary.
v Create a calendar of events for the wedding day.
v Make sure your accessories are in order - consider contingency plans.
1 TO 2 WEEKS
v Finalize arrangements with the musicans and provide a list of music you would like played during a special event such as the bouquet toss.
v Contact the guests who have not responded to your invitations.
1 TO 7 DAYS
v Make sure your marriage license is in order.
v Prepare seating arrangements, if necessary.
v Purchase travelers’ checks, confirm honeymoon reservations.
v Pack your baggage for your honeymoon.
v Have your wedding ceremony rehearsal.
v Instruct your wedding party on what you would like them to do on the day of the wedding.
v Have your rehearsal dinner.
v Make sure all wedding attire fits properly.
v Give the best man the amount the professionals are to be paid on the day of the wedding. (Many professionals have set fees)
v Inform your caterer of the total guest count.
v Confirm out-of-town guests have transportation and sleeping accommodations.
v Check with your florist and/or balloonist to make sure they will arrive when scheduled.
YOUR WEDDING DAY
v Relax, enjoy yourself, and remain calm! Allow at least two hours for dressing.
v Allow plenty of time to apply your makeup and style your hair.
v If professionals are doing your hair, ask them in advance how much time they will need.
v If photographs are to be taken before the ceremony, allow at least one and one-half hours.
v Provide the officiating minister with the marriage license at the rehearsal. Make sure that this was done.
v Seat guests as they arrive. The groom’s parents should be seated about 5 minutes before start time.
v Mother of the bride is normally seated last.
v Take a deep breath, don’t worry, and SMILE!
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