9 to 12 Months Before Wedding... Set the date.
There's much involved with planning a wedding, but that doesn't mean it has to be overwhelming. Not everything has to be done all at once – here you'll find an organized list of important "to-dos" to accomplish before saying the "I dos."
Find this list helpful? Visit the home page for a downloadable PDF version of the "Wedding Check List." Located under the Featured Weddings.
9 to 12 Months Before Wedding
* Set the date. Holiday weekends may be difficult to book and expensive for out-of-town guests.
* Send engagement announcement to newspapers.
* Set a budget and discuss financial and planning responsibilities.
* Select and reserve wedding ceremony and reception sites. Wedding sites in major cities can book up to a year or more in advance.
* Book officiant.
* Select and reserve bridal consultant.
* Choose attendants.
* Begin shopping for dress and accessories.
6 to 9 Months Before Wedding
* Begin compiling guest list.
* Shop for wedding rings.
* Purchase dress and schedule fittings.
* Order invitations, announcements and thank-you notes.
* Select and reserve principal vendors: caterer, baker, photographer/videographer, florist, entertainment for ceremony and reception.
* Book transportation service to/from ceremony and reception.
* Select and order bridesmaids’ and groomsmen’s attire.
* Consult with travel agent for honeymoon trip. Apply for passports if necessary.
* Reserve accommodations for out-of-town guests.
4 to 6 Months Before Wedding
* Register for gifts.
* Complete guest list.
* Purchase additional wedding day apparel accessories: veil, shoes, lingerie, jewelry, gloves, going-away outfit, etc.
* Help mothers select dresses.
* Schedule rehearsal and select and book location for rehearsal dinner.
* Schedule vacation time from work.
2 to 4 Months Before Wedding
* Purchase ceremony and reception accessories: wedding favors, guest book, toasting glasses, ring pillow, etc.
* Check marriage license requirements.
* Choose readings for ceremony.
* Revise legal documents if taking your fiance’s name: driver’s license, voter’s card, Social Security card, leases, bank, credit card issuers, insurance policies, wills, etc. You might also need to update your name change with your employer.
* Get ceremony programs printed.
1 Month Before Wedding
* Mail invitations.
* Pick up dress.
* Finalize reception seating chart.
* Confirm all bookings and reservations, including attire rental and honeymoon details.
* Obtain marriage license.
* Notify caterer of final guest count.
* Write toasts for rehearsal dinner and wedding reception.
The Week Before Wedding
* Break in shoes. Scuff the soles to avoid slipping.
* Organize emergency kit. Pack things like Band Aids, pain relievers, needle and thread and even dryer sheets to remove static cling.
* Attend rehearsal and dinner.
Your Wedding Day
* Eat breakfast.
* Mail announcements.
* Enjoy! This is a day for celebration with family and friends, and above all, with your new husband!
