Wedding Planning Checklist

Wedding planning checklist

10-12 months

• Announce engagement and introduce families officially
• Decide on your wedding budget and determine who pays for what
• Pick a wedding date and time
• Check venues and officiates for availability
• Pick out your wedding attendants
• Hire a wedding planner (if you've chosen to use one)
• Visit and book ceremony and reception sites
• Groom: start thinking about possible honeymoon sites
• Pick out and buy wedding rings
• Ask friends and family to be in your wedding
• Compile the guest list

8-10 months

• Bride: shop for and order your gown
• Start exercise programs so you'll both look fantastic at your wedding
• Decide on your reception type, usually based on time of reception and any themes
• Decide on entertainment
• Decide on flowers and find a florist
• Interview caterers and go over the menu
• Research accommodations for out of town guests
• Register for wedding gifts (at 1 to 2 places is usual)

6-8 months

• Research wedding photographers and videographers
• Select wedding music/band/DJ
• Shop for and select bridesmaid dresses
• Research wedding cake designers if caterer or site does not provide this service
• Finalize contracts with vendors

• Browse for and purchase wedding gown accessories: shoes, lingerie, jewelry and gloves
• Send save-the-date cards

4-6 months

• Decide on traditions to include in your wedding
• View and shop for wedding invitations
• Research tuxedos for the groom, fathers and groomsmen
• Renew or get passports for the honeymoon
• Research and book your wedding rehearsal ceremony and dinner location
• Reserve rental equipment: chairs, tables, tents, wedding decorations, etc

2-3 months

• Discuss ideas for wedding day hair and make-up with your stylist
• Research and order wedding favors

• Purchase wedding accessories and wedding supplies: guest book, ring pillow, baskets, etc.
• Sign up for dance lessons if you plan to have dancing
• Finalize your guest list
• Schedule last tasting and finalize the menu with the caterer
• Interview cake designers and plan your wedding cake
• Rent the tuxedos
• Hire wedding day transportation or make plans to protect your car from "well wisher" decorations
• Mail invitations eight weeks before your wedding date
• Have fittings for bridesmaids

1-2 months

• Write your vows
• Purchase gifts for your parents, attendants and each other
• Rehearse make-up and hairstyles for the big day
• Brides: have gown fittings; you may need more than one fitting to make it perfect. Bring along the maid of honor to learn how to dress you
• Check with the vendors one last time and make any necessary adjustments
• Make sure the bridesmaids' dresses are ready for the wedding
• Apply for a marriage license; check the local bureau in the town where you'll marry for rules and regulations (usually marriage licenses expire 30 days after application)

2-3 weeks

• Have final wedding gown fitting and pick up
• Finalize must-have shots with photographer and videographer

• Finalize the music list: include special song requests and songs you do not want played
• Give the caterer and venue your final guest count: include vendors who will expect a meal (photographer, videographer, band members or DJ)
• Attend wedding-related parties: bridal showers, bachelorette parties or bachelor parties

2-3 days

• Have the gown pressed or steamed if needed
• Groom and groomsmen have final fittings and pick up tuxedos or suits
• Decide on seating arrangements, if necessary, and have place cards, table cards, menus and favors ready
• Reconfirm details with the vendors and transportation
• Arrange for out-of-town guests to be picked up from the airport or train station

1 day

• Prepare payment envelopes for all vendors, if not already paid; remember to include tips
• Make sure everyone knows their tasks
• Assign someone to mail wedding announcement cards or mail them yourself
• Get some final pampering (manicure, pedicure and massage)
• Attend the rehearsal dinner and enjoy yourself

Wedding day

• Present parents and attendants with gifts
• Remember to eat breakfast and drink plenty of water
• Give each other your gifts
• HAVE FUN!

After the wedding

• Prearrange for rentals to be returned
• Prearrange for gown and tuxedo cleaning and return, if applicable
• Write and send thank-you notes to all gift givers and vendors who made your wedding day special