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.

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

THE DAY PRIOR TO THE WEDDING:

• Manicure and pedicure

• Have a great wedding