Wedding table with places set

12-18 MONTHS PRIOR TO WEDDING:

  • Which type of wedding – formal, informal, indoors, outdoors etc.

  • Gather ideas from weddings you have attended, bridal magazines, bridal shows

  • Determine your budget – Remember to include even the smallest detail. It all adds up quickly.

  • Choose your location and date for both wedding and reception. Will you be married in a different location than the reception? Secure at this point. Be prepared to pay a deposit fee.

  • Do you want/need a wedding planner? If so, secure their services.

  • Who will officiate? Do you have a religious affiliation? Do you want to have a friend or relative be the officiant?

  • Choose and request Maid of Honor.

  • Choose and request your attendants if any.

  • Determine colors and theme for the wedding and reception.

  • Create tentative invitation list.

  • Register with desired bridal registries.

  • Select caterer and create menu

  • Plan rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. Where will it be held? Will the caterer be hired for this as well?

  • Select florist or floral supplier.

  • Select your entertainment; DJ, band? Secure date.

  • Select photographer and/or videographer. Secure date.

  • Select wedding dress. Allow time for alterations and fittings.

  • Select wedding shoes and accessories.

  • Select Bridesmaids dresses. Have Bridesmaids attend a fitting. Purchase dresses. If they are selecting their own within the color range and style of your choosing give them a final date for approval.

  • Groom: Determine his attire. Consult with formal wear specialist if necessary.

  • Groom: Select Bestman and Groomsmen if any.

  • Groom: Arrange for attire of Bestman and Groomsmen.

  • Bride and Groom: Choose location for honeymoon if you so choose. Secure location and date.

  • Apply for passports and any other necessary proof of citizenship if necessary.

FOUR TO SIX MONTHS PRIOR TO WEDDING:

  • Select and order invitations, announcements and thank you notes.

  • Choose Wedding rings

  • Order napkins and personalized favors

  • Plan accommodations for out-of-town guests

  • Select location for rehearsal dinner. Decide upon timeline.

  • Arrange for caterer for rehearsal dinner

  • Select baker and decide upon wedding cake. Place order.

  • Secure airfare and hotel reservations for the honeymoon

  • Fine tune the guest list

  • Shop for and order wedding favors

  • Determine time line for the wedding reception

  • Arrange for bridal portrait with photographer

  • Arrange for bride and groom transportation on wedding day

  • Secure chairs, tents, tablecloths etc.. through an event rental company

  • Place order for catering and flowers.

Closeup of a yellow wedding cake with pink and yellow flowers on top

TWO TO FOUR MONTHS AHEAD OF THE WEDDING:

  • Address wedding invitations and/or announcements

  • If so desired, draw up seating plan for invited guests

  • Select music for wedding

  • Select and purchase gifts for wedding party

  • Set date to secure marriage license – double check with county regarding time frame

  • Mail wedding announcements to any guests living abroad

ONE TO TWO MONTHS PRIOR TO WEDDING:

  • Buy wedding gift for your future spouse

  • Make appointments with hairstylist, manicurist, etc…

  • Have final dress fitting; bride and bridesmaids

  • Groom verify all groomsmen have been fitted for their attire

  • Mail all invitations

  • Schedule appt. with photographer to have formal wedding portrait taken if you choose

  • Pick up wedding rings

  • Confirm with all hired professionals regarding correct dates, times and menu with caterer

  • Discuss with officient the specifics of the wedding ceremony

  • Set a date and time for rehearsal dinner

  • Make final alterations for the wedding gown

  • Make necessary hotel reservations for out of town guests

TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO THE WEDDING:

  • Review seating plan for reception

  • Confirm honeymoon arrangements

  • Meet with DJ or band to select music during the reception

  • Make reservations for bridesmaids luncheon if desired

  • Send reminders to the rehearsal dinner attendees about location and time

  • Fill out and submit application for marriage license if not already done

ONE WEEK PRIOR TO WEDDING:

  • Final consultation with caterer and florist

  • See to payment for all hired professionals

  • Confirm honeymoon arrangements

  • Pack for honeymoon

  • Final guest count to necessary hired service professionals

Groom kisses bride's hand with wedding ring

THE DAY PRIOR TO THE WEDDING:

  • Manicure and pedicure

  • Have a great wedding