Article - WEDDING PLANNING TIMELINE
SIX MONTHS BEFORE:
Buy a wedding planner and memory album.
Discuss wedding budget with your parents; if you'll share expenses, include
fiancé and his parents.
Together decide on the wedding style -- everything from flowers to food.
Decide on wedding and reception sites.
Determine the number of guests you can accommodate at both sites.
Plan color scheme for wedding and reception.
See officiant with fiancé.
Plan reception, make reservations.
Choose and order your dress, accessories.
Select and register china, silver, etc.
Begin guest list, have fiancé do his.
Choose attendants.
Plan new home, begin shopping for it.
Send money for honeymoon brochure; consult a travel agent for ideas.
THREE MONTHS BEFORE:
Complete your guest list.
Order invitations and announcements (allow four weeks for printing). Start
addressing them upon receipt.
Shop for trousseau.
Set date to order attendants' dresses; confirm delivery date for your dress.
Select a portrait photographer.
Make your honeymoon reservations.
Plan ceremony, reception details with organist, caterer, etc.
Consult with florist and order flowers that match wedding color scheme, season
too.
ONE MONTH BEFORE:
Buy groom's wedding gift.
Mail your invitations.
Have final dress and headpiece fitting.
Have portrait taken.
Choose gifts for your attendants.
Order groom's ring.
Arrange lodging for out-of-town guests.
Plan your bridesmaids' luncheon.
Make plans for the rehearsal dinner.
Write thank-you notes for gifts.
Arrange for announcement in newspaper.
TWO WEEKS BEFORE:
Go with your fiancé for marriage license.
Arrange to transport attendants to church.
Send announcements to newspapers.
Make an appointment with hairdresser.
Buy luggage; check honeymoon reservations.
ONE WEEK BEFORE:
Begin your honeymoon packing.
Finish writing your announcements to mail on your wedding day.
Give a final estimate of the number of reception guests to the caterer.
Give and/or attend bridesmaids' luncheon.
Arrange rehearsal, tell the wedding party.
Check on final details with florist, photographer, musicians, etc.
Arrange to move belongings to new home.
Keep up with gift acknowledgements.
Another Checklist:
- 12 months before the big day.
Decide on a date.
Make an appointment with Officiant.
Determine a budget.
Compose a guest list.
Set time, location of Ceremony, Rehearsal & Reception Venue.
Choose Professional Photographer / Videographer.
Shop for wedding gown: Several fittings will be required.
Obtain Floral & Music estimates; book services if possible.
Register with gift registry.
Select brides maids.
Pick a honeymoon destination: (renew passports & inoculations.)
Begin selection of a Caterer.
Set a date to order dresses for bridesmaids.
5 months before the big day.
Finalize guest lists.
Order invitations & announcements.
Order personal stationary & thank you notes.
Plan reception.
Choose florist.
Men choose attire.
Make honeymoon reservations.
Choose caterer.
Confirm delivery of bridal gown.
Make appointment for bridal portrait.
Order wedding cake.
Arrange transportation for the bridal party to & from ceremony/reception.
Go over details of reception with caterer / hotel manager.
If you are renting any equipment, reserve now. (arch, floral pillars etc.)
2 months before the big day.
Inform officiant of all the details of your ceremony.
Keep a gift diary - send thank you notes as gifts arrive.
Fine tune guest list.
Plan rehearsal dinner.
Select attendants' gifts, grooms gift.
Check all services.
Make moving arrangements.
Final gown fitting.
Bridal portrait setting.
1 month before the big day.
Choose wedding music.
Mail invitations.
Make room reservations for out of town guests.
Check wedding party apparel.
Confirm music arrangements & check selections.
Make reservations for bridesmaids' luncheon.
Discuss rehearsal dinner with hosts.
Attend showers.
Apply for marriage licence.
2 weeks before the big day.
Plan your wedding day hair style.
Schedule hair appointment for day of wedding.
Final check on bridal party clothing.
Notify newspapers.
Arrange for name & address change.
Check with caterer / reception venue with last minute changes.
1 week before the big day.
Remind rehearsal dinner guests of time / location.
Start honeymoon packing.
Wrap groom's & attendants' gifts.
Check wedding announcements, ready to mail day after wedding.
Bridesmaids' luncheon.
Schedule rehearsal for 1 - 2 days prior to wedding.
Remind wedding party of exact time & place.
Go over final details of ceremony & reception with all parties involved.
1 day before the big day.
RELAX !
Have manicure & pedicure done.
Attend wedding rehearsal & dinner.
Give ushers guest list.
Wedding Day
Eat!
Hair & make-up.
Check wedding dress (pressing/steaming).
Have family member check ceremony/reception for left behind items.
Change of clothes. (if leaving for honeymoon).
Breathe! Enjoy your day.
Helpful hint: Make an emergency kit: Include. . . .
Make-up, extra panty hose, bobby pins, safety pins, clear nail polish, comb,
hair spray, hanky or tissues, needle & thread (white), aspirins, saltine
crackers, band aid, toothpaste & brush, dental floss, breath mints.
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