12 months before:
|
Bride |
Groom |
Announce your engagement.
|
 |
|
Arrange for both sets of parents to get together.
|
|
|
Decide on a date.
|
|
|
Discuss your budget with everyone contributing to the event.
|
|
|
Interview wedding planners, if you’ll be using one.
|
|
|
Pick the ceremony site and visit the
officiate.
|
|
|
Work on the guest list to get a rough head count.
|
|
|
Visit reception sites and reserve one.
|
|
|
|
|
|
6-9 months before:
|
|
|
Choose your wedding party.
|
|
|
Select a caterer.
|
|
|
Enroll in a bridal gift registry.
|
|
|
Shop for your gown.
|
|
|
Pick the bridal attendants’ dresses.
|
|
|
Choose a photographer and/or videographer.
|
|
|
Hire a florist.
|
|
|
Book the musicians and/or DJ.
|
|
|
|
|
|
4-6 months before:
|
|
|
Buy wedding invitations, envelopes, thank you cards, etc.
|
|
|
Order the wedding gown.
|
|
|
Shop for the cake.
|
|
|
Scout accommodations for your out-of-town guests.
|
|
|
| Complete the guest list--assume 20% won’t attend. |
|
|
Send out “save-the- date” letters.
|
|
|
|
|
|
2-4 months before:
|
|
|
Call County Clerk’s Office for marriage license requirements.
|
|
|
Order the tuxedos for the groom and groomsmen.
|
|
|
Get a blood test, if needed for a license.
|
|
|
Make honeymoon reservations. Compile all the necessary travel documents (passports, visas, etc.)
|
|
|
Meet with the caterer or banquet manager to discuss menus, service style, wine lists, etc.
|
|
|
Order the wedding cake.
|
|
|
Select approved ceremony music.
|
|
|
Pick the reception music.
|
|
|
Buy thank you gifts for the attendants.
|
|
|
Shop for your wedding bands at Diamonds on Fifth.
|
|
|
Meet with party-rental companies, if necessary.
|
|
|
Arrange the rehearsal dinner.
|
|
|
|
|
|
4-8 weeks before:
|
|
|
Mail the invitations eight weeks ahead of the date.
|
|
|
Do a hair and makeup run-through (with headpiece).
|
|
|
Book your favorite beauty pros for the big day.
|
|
|
Make insurance policy changes you’ll need post-wedding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
2-3 weeks before:
|
|
|
Do the seating for the reception.
|
|
|
Confirm details with the photographer, florist, etc.
|
|
|
Give the caterer the final head count.
|
|
|
Have your final dress and tuxedo fittings.
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 week before:
|
|
|
Place the fees due on the wedding day in envelopes.
|
|
|
Appoint a punctual pal to transport the cake knife, toasting glasses or other heirlooms to and from the wedding.
|
|
|
Get last-minute beauty treatments of your choice.
|
|
|
Pack for the honeymoon. (Ask someone to bring your luggage to the reception if you’re leaving from there).
|
|
|
Reconfirm flights and hotel reservation for the honeymoon.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The day before:
|
|
|
Greet your out-of-town guests.
|
|
|
Go to the gym or do some other stress reducing activity.
|
|
|
Schedule time for beauty – a manicure touch up or a hairstyling appointment before the rehearsal dinner.
|
|
|
|
|
|
.
