Step-by-step wedding planning guide

Step-by-step wedding planning guide

9 – 24 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING
ANNOUNCE YOUR ENGAGEMENT TO FRIENDS & FAMILY
DISCUSS & SET YOUR WEDDING DATE
DISCUSS AND SET A BUDGET & DECIDE HOW EXPENSES WILL BE SHARED
DISCUSS LEVEL OF FORMALITY, # OF GUESTS AND COLOR SCHEME
DISCUSS PRENUPTIAL AGREEMENT AND RELATED ISSUES
HIRE A WEDDING CONSULTANT (optional)
MAKE A NEAT FILE FOR CONTRACTS, FORMS, IMPORTANT PAPERS, ETC.
START COMPILING AN INVITATION LIST
ATTEND BRIDAL SHOWS/EXPOS
TAKE AN ENGAGEMENT PHOTO
SEND ENGAGEMENT ANNOUNCEMENT AND PHOTO TO LOCAL NEWSPAPER(S)
CHOOSE AND BOOK YOUR RECEPTION SITE
HIRE A CATERER (if necessary)
SELECT A VENUE
SPEAK TO AND RESERVE AN OFFICIANT
DISCUSS ATTIRE FOR THE BRIDE, GROOM AND BRIDAL PARTY
DISCUSS HEADPIECE & OTHER ACCESSORIES FOR THE BRIDE
ORDER BRIDAL WEAR
ORDER BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES & TUXEDOS
SCHEDULE FITTINGS FOR THE BRIDE, GROOM AND BRIDAL PARTY
CHOOSE AND HIRE A PHOTOGRAPHER AND / OR VIDEOGRAPHER
CHOOSE AND HIRE A DJ/BAND/OTHER ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE RECEPTION
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6 – 9 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING
SCHEDULE BACHELOR / BRIDESMAIDS PARTY
RESERVE ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR THE CEREMONY & RECEPTION (if necessary)
Tents
Tables, Chairs and Linens
Dishes, Glasses and Utensils
Arches
Balloons
Additional Decorations
Other Items
HIRE A FLORIST AND CHOOSE FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS
CONFIRM DELIVERY DATE OF GOWNS AND DRESSES
MAKE NECESSARY ARRANGEMENTS FOR TIME OFF FROM WORK
MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO TAKE DANCING LESSONS IF NECESSARY (optional)
MAKE HONEYMOON PLANS AND RESERVATIONS
RESERVE A BRIDAL SUITE FOR THE WEDDING NIGHT
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6 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING
PURCHASE OTHER NECESSARY ITEMS FOR THE CEREMONY & RECEPTION
Toasting Glasses
Cake Knife, Server Set & Cake Top
Guest Book & Pen
Ring Pillow
Flower Girl Basket
Aisle Runner (optional)
Candelabras (optional)
Wishing Bubbles (optional)
Rice or Confetti (optional)
Wedding Bells (optional)
Candle(s) for Ceremony (optional)
Candle Holder(s) (optional)
FINALIZE HONEYMOON PLANS
Be sure to find out about passports, photo identification and other documents required if you will be leaving the country.
ORDER INVITATIONS & THANK YOU NOTES
FINALIZE YOUR INVITATION LIST
START ADDRESSING INVITATIONS
HIRE A LIMOUSINE OR TRANSPORTATION SERVICE
HIRE A MAKE-UP ARTIST AND/OR HAIR STYLIST (optional)
HELP BOTH MOTHERS SHOP FOR THEIR DRESSES
PURCHASE SHOES, GARTER AND OTHER ACCESSORIES FOR THE BRIDE
BUY YOUR WEDDING RINGS
GROOM BUYS A WEDDING GIFT FOR THE BRIDE
BRIDE BUYS A WEDDING GIFT FOR THE GROOM
BUY SOUVENOIRS FOR GUESTS
SELECT A SONG FOR YOUR FIRST DANCE
SELECT OTHER SPECIAL SONGS (Cake Cutting, etc.)
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1 – 3 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING
DISTRIBUTE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS TO BRIDAL PARTY
Wedding Day (Time & Place To Meet and Other Details)
Rehearsal and Rehearsal Dinner
Bachelor Party (if available)
Bridesmaids’ or Bachelorette Party (if available)
Final Fittings and Pick-Up Dates for Tuxedos and Dresses
CHECK MARRIAGE LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
Blood Tests
Medical Exams
Birth Certificates
Other
SEND OUT INVITATIONS (AT LEAST 6 WEEKS IN ADVANCE)
MAKE A LIST AND RECORD RSVP’s AND GIFTS RECEIVED
SCHEDULE FINAL GOWN/HEADPIECE & DRESS FITTINGS
SCHEDULE FINAL TUXEDO FITTINGS
ORDER YOUR WEDDING CAKE & CAKE TOP
ARRANGE FOR MOVING BELONGINGS TO NEW RESIDENCE
GET THE MARRIAGE LICENSE
MAKE APPOINTMENT(S) WITH HAIR/BEAUTY SALON (optional)
MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO HAVE YOUR TEETH CLEANED OR BLEACHED (optional)
CONFIRM HONEYMOON RESERVATIONS
ARRANGE FOR TRANSPORTATION TO THE AIRPORT
START PACKING AND PREPARING FOR THE HONEYMOON
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3 – 4 WEEKS BEFORE THE WEDDING
FINAL CONSULTATION/CONFIRMATION WITH ALL SERVICES
(Discuss arrival times, locations, special details and payments due.)
DJ/Band/Other Entertainment (don’t forget SPECIAL SONGS you want played)
Ceremony Musician(s) (don’t forget to discuss any SPECIAL DETAILS)
Photographer (don’t forget to discuss any SPECIAL PICTURES you want taken)
Videographer (notify them about any SPECIAL FOOTAGE you want on the tape)
Limousine Service (don’t forget to discuss TIMES, LOCATIONS & DIRECTIONS)
Florist (don’t forget to discuss ARRIVAL TIMES at ceremony/reception sites)
Baker (don’t forget to discuss any SPECIAL DETAILS)
Tuxedos (don’t forget to discuss FITTING & PICK-UP dates)
Bridal Gown & Dresses (don’t forget to discuss FITTING & PICK-UP dates)
Clergyman/Judge (don’t forget to discuss CEREMONY & REHEARSAL DETAILS)
Rehearsal Dinner Site (don’t forget to discuss MENU & OTHER DETAILS)
Make-Up Artist (don’t forget to discuss any SPECIAL DETAILS)
Hair Stylist (don’t forget to discuss any SPECIAL DETAILS)
Other Service(s)
ARRANGE FOR NAME AND ADDRESS CHANGES
Bank Accounts & Loans
Credit Cards
Driver’s License
Social Security
Passport
Other Important Documents
CONTACT GUESTS WHO HAVE NOT RESPONDED
MAKE SEATING PLANS FOR THE CEREMONY
FINALIZE YOUR MENU WITH CATERER AND/OR RECEPTION SITE
MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO HAVE THE GOWN CLEANED AND PRESERVED
MAKE ACCOMMODATIONS FOR OUT-OF-TOWN GUESTS
WRAP GIFTS FOR THE BRIDAL PARTY

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DISCUSS ANY LAST MINUTE DETAILS WITH ALL SERVICES (if necessary)
DJ/Band/Other Entertainment
Ceremony Musician(s)
Reception Site
Caterer
Photographer
Videographer
Limousine Service
Florist
Baker
Tuxedos
Bridal Gown & Dresses
Clergyman/Judge
Rehearsal Site
Rehearsal Dinner Site
Make-Up Artist
Hair Stylist
Other
PREPARE CHECKS/PAYMENT FOR ALL SERVICES
DJ/Band/Other Entertainment
Ceremony Musician(s)
Ceremony Site
Reception Site
Caterer
Rehearsal Dinner Site
Photographer
Videographer
Limousine Service
Florist
Baker
Tuxedos
Bridal Gown & Dresses
Clergyman/Judge
Make-Up Artist
Hair Stylist
Other
GET EVERYTHING READY FOR REHEARSAL AND WEDDING DAY
Wedding Rings
Ring Pillow
Flower Girl Basket
Wedding Gown & Accessories
Groom’s Tuxedo
Attire for Rehearsal/Rehearsal Dinner
Bride & Groom Gifts
Gifts for the Bridal Party
Reception Place Cards
Favors for the Reception
Toasting Glasses
Cake Knife, Server Set & Cake Top
Guest Book & Pen
Payments for ALL SERVICES
Wishing Bubbles (optional)
Rice or Confetti (optional)
Wedding Bells (optional)
Candle for Reception (optional)
Candle Holder (optional)
Tapers (optional)
Taper Holders (optional)
CD(s) or Cassette(s) for the DJ or Band (if required)
PREPARE AN EXTRA BAG WITH THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
Aspirin
Breath Mints or Gum
Safety Pin
Extra Lipstick & Make-up
Brush and Comb
Hair Spray and Gel
Mini Sewing Kit
Stain-Fighting Spray or Cleaning Solution
Extra Pairs of Pantyhose
DISCUSS ANY LAST MINUTE DETAILS WITH THE BRIDAL PARTY (if necessary)
FINALIZE GUEST COUNT WITH CATERER/RECEPTION SITE
FINISH PACKING AND PREPARING FOR THE HONEYMOON
PICK UP TICKETS & TRAVELER’S CHECKS FOR THE HONEYMOON