Wedding Planning Timeline Checklist

Wedding Planning Timeline Checklist

Congratulations on your engagement. Now it’s time to go to work and plan the wedding of your dreams. With a little preparation (and a sense of Humor!) there is no need to act like a bridezilla.

Here is a checklist to help you keep your sanity.

9-12 Months before the wedding

  • Announce your engagement.
  • Plan what type of wedding you want- formal, informal, day or evening, number of guests
  • Choose a wedding date.
  • Determine your budget- Discuss who is responsible for what expenses before making any plans. You should include your parents and future in-laws in this discussion. Remember to treat them with respect. Any money they provide is a gift!
  • Make guest list – Don’t forget to include your parents and future in-laws in this discussion.
  • Speak to officiant- Priest, Minister, Rabbi, Justice of the Peace etc.
  • Reserve your ceremony and Reception Sites.

6-9 Months Before Wedding

  • Select Bridal Gown
  • Choose your attendants- Maid/Matron of Honor, Best Man, Bridesmaids, Ushers, Flowergirls, and Ring Bearer
  • Choose a Photographer
  • Select bridesmaids dresses & accessories (Remember to be Kind and listen to their suggestions and concerns).
  • Select a caterer (if needed)
  • Hire a band or DJ
  • Book your florist

4-5 Months Before Wedding

  • Schedule fittings for yourself and attendants (don’t forget your flower-girl)
  • Reserve any rental items needed for ceremony and reception
  • Finalize guest list
  • Order Stationery – wedding invitations, thank you notes, and wedding programs
  • Address invitations or hire a professional calligrapher
  • Plan rehearsal dinner – set date, time and location. (This dinner is usually given by the grooms’ parents.)
  • Arrange for accommodations for out-of-town guests.
  • Start planning honeymoon (Groom usually makes these arrangements after you BOTH decide where to go.) Don’t forget to get any passports or travel documents you may need.
  • Register for gifts.
  • Purchase shoes and accessories (Remember to break your shoes in before the wedding)

2-3 Months Before Wedding

  • Order wedding cake
  • Order party favors
  • Order all necessary decorations
  • Book all transportation for wedding day (if necessary)
  • Buy wedding rings
  • Visit lawyer to write any necessary wills or prenuptial agreements

5-8 Weeks Before Wedding

  • Purchase gifts for wedding attendants
  • Mail invitations (A map to assist your guests in finding the ceremony and reception sites is a nice idea).
  • Visit hairstylist to determine what style you want for your hair. (Hint: Never change haircolor or change your style right before your wedding. Any changes should be made at least 3-4 weeks in advance).
  • Have a formal wedding portrait taken
  • Send wedding announcements to newspapers (if necessary)
  • Change name and address on driver’s license, social security cards, insurance policies, and bank accounts
  • Reserve wedding attire for groom, ushers, ring bearer (Usually done by the groom).
  • Mail invitations to rehearsal dinner (if necessary)
  • Obtain marriage license
  • Get blood tests if necessary in your state
  • Plan a bridesmaid luncheon

2-4 Weeks Before Wedding

  • Confirm ceremony details with officiant
  • Arrange final fittings for your gown and bridesmaids dresses
  • Make final floral selections
  • Finalize rehearsal dinner plans
  • Confirm details with all service providers – It is a good idea to give them a written list of your wedding day timeline.
  • Contact guests who have not yet responded to your invitation
  • Pick up wedding rings
  • Meet with your photographer to discuss special photos you want taken.
  • Meet with your DJ or band to confirm the music you want played
  • Remind all attendants (male & female) when to pick up their wedding attire.
  • Purchase any special accessories or make-up you want your attendants to wear.
  • Determine ceremony seating for any special guests (give the list to the ushers).
  • Plan reception seating-write names on place cards.

Hold On….Your Almost Done! Last Week

  • Pick up wedding attire
  • Figure final guest count and notify cater
  • Arrange for “get-a-way” car from the reception
  • Review the schedule of events and last minute arrangements with all service providers.
  • Confirm honeymoon reservations
  • Pack for your honeymoon

Take a Breath…..It’s Finally Here….Your Wedding Day!!!!

  • Give rings to the best man and maid of honor (If no ring Bearer)
  • Give the best man money to pay the officiant after the ceremony
  • Relax and have fun!!! All your hard work and planning has paid off.