Wedding Planning Checklist

Wedding Planning Checklist

Nine to Twelve Months Before
Details

• Set a budget.

• Select a wedding date and time.

• Create an engagement announcement for the newspaper.

• Determine the type of wedding you want to have.

Reception

• Research availability of reception locations.
• Select and book your reception location.
• Find a caterer (if not already provided by the reception facility).
• Get a band or DJ

Ceremony

• Select and book your ceremony location.
• Determine who will officiate at the ceremony, if not provided with the ceremony location.
• Decide if you want a bridal party, and if so, then how large

Guests

• Determine how many guests you wish to invite.
• Set aside blocks of hotel/motel rooms for out-of-town guests.
• Determine the size of the bridal party.

Apparel

• Research your bridal gowns.
• Research the grooms formal wear/tuxedo.
• Research bridesmaids' dresses.
• Research formal wear for the groomsmen.

Vendors

• Hire a photographer.
• Hire a videographer.
• Research florists.
• Create a bridal registry, and/or an engagement registry.

Six to Nine Months Before
Guests

• Start putting together a guest list.

Apparel

• Choose your bridal attendants.
• Purchase the bride's gown.
• Purchase the groom's tuxedo.
• Purchase bridesmaids' dresses.
• Reserve groomsmen’s tuxedos.
• Order the headpiece, veil, and other accessories.

Honeymoon

• Plan the honeymoon.

Vendors

• Choose and reserve your florist.
• Order the wedding cake, if it not provided by the caterer or reception hall.
• Arrange for transportation for the wedding – limousines, vans, bus, carriage, etc.

Rehearsal Dinner

• The groom’s parents should begin to plan the Rehearsal Dinner, and reserve a restaurant or make other arrangements.

Four to Six Months Before
Legalities

• Make appointments for a physical exam with your doctor/dentist.
• Check requirements for blood test and marriage license in your state.

Ceremony

• Shop for wedding rings.

Guests

• Complete the guest lists.
• Order the invitations and stationery.

Apparel

• Make sure all the men's attire has been ordered.
• Choose the Mothers’ dresses.
• Select and order the men's attire.

Honeymoon

• Finalize honeymoon details and make the necessary reservations.

Two to Four Months Before
Reception

• Confirm the menu and catering details with the caterer.

Guests

• Prepare all maps and directions for the ceremony and reception.
• Make sure accommodations are made for out-of-town guests.

Ceremony

• Select your wedding rings.
• Buy a wedding guest book.
• Let the ceremony officient know of the rehearsal dinner date.

Vendors

• Determine your resources for designing and printing the program for the ceremony.
• Double-check and finalize details with the florist, photographer, videographer, musicians, baker, and other vendors.

Six to Eight Weeks Before
Guests

• Mail invitations and announcements.

Photography

• Prepare a portrait for the newspaper. Check your local newspaper for details and timing.

• Set appointment with photographer for your formal bridal portrait.

Ceremony

• Select gifts for all your attendants.
• Set appointments with any hairdressers and/or makeup artists.

Vendors

• Finalize the limousine or other forms of transportation for the wedding.

Four to Six Weeks Before
Reception

• Decide on your menu for the reception.
• Estimate the expected number of guests.
• Plan the seating for the reception.
• Make seating cards.
• Choose music for the reception (first dance, father-daughter, etc.)

Miscellaneous

• Buy a gift for the groom.
• Buy a gift for the bride.

Apparel

• Schedule a final fitting for your gown (make sure it will be ready in time for your bridal portrait).
• Purchase a going away outfit.
• Make sure all bridesmaids have been fitted

Ceremony

• Pick up your wedding rings.
• Purchase wedding accessories such as the ring pillow, glasses, garter belt, candles, etc.
• Plan ceremony details.

Vendors

• Confirm florist details and time of delivery.

Two Weeks Before
Legalities

• Handle business and legal details such as name changes, address changes, etc.
• Get marriage license.
• Get blood tests (if needed).

Miscellaneous

• Prepare the wedding announcement for the newspaper.

Guests

• Reconfirm your guests' accommodations.

Apparel

• Make sure all clothing and accessories for you and the bridal party are ready.

One Week Before
Ceremony

• Review any seating details with the ushers.
• Delegate responsibilities to reliable individuals on your wedding day.

Apparel

• Make sure all wedding attire fits.

Reception

• Finalize the seating arrangements.
• Finish all the place cards for the reception.
• Give a final head count to the caterer.
• Delegate responsibilities to reliable individuals on your wedding day.

Honeymoon

• Reconfirm your honeymoon reservations.
• Make sure you have any necessary plane tickets.
• Start packing for your honeymoon.

Guests

• Call any guests who have not responded yet.

• Vendors

• Review all the final details with your photographer, videographer, etc.
  Confirm the musicians and vocalists.

Rehearsal Dinner

• Finalize your rehearsal dinner arrangements.

One Day Before

• Relax by getting a manicure/pedicure or massage.
• Go to sleep early.
• Review and rehearse the details of the wedding day with those participating.

The Big Day

• Make sure the best man and maid of honor sign the wedding certificate.
• Allow yourself plenty of time to get dressed.
• Eat something (try to make it nutritious).
• Prepare for your hairdresser and makeup appointments.

Enjoy one of the most wonderful days of your life!