Your Wedding Timeline Check List

9 to 12 Months Before

• Select a wedding date and time
• Discuss a wedding budget with both of your families
• Determine who will officiate at the ceremony
• Determine how may guests may attend
• Determine the type of wedding (size, formality, style)
• Decide on a color scheme for your wedding
• Select attendants and order bridesmaids’ dresses
• Select and secure a photographer
• Select and secure a reception location
• Select and secure a caterer if not already provided
• Select and secure your ceremony location
• Select and secure musicians and DJ
• Begin choosing you wedding cake, baker, florist and videographer. Sign necessary contracts.

6 to 9 Months Before

• Start compiling the guest list (inform families to do the same)
• Shop for the wedding dresses, headpiece, veil, etc.
• Start planning for honeymoon
• Register with a gift bridal registry store

4 to 6 Months Before

• Check requirements for marriage license in your state
• Shop for wedding rings
• Select and order the invitations and stationery
• Decide where to live after the wedding
• Complete the guest list
• Send you engagement announcement to the newspaper
• Inform mothers to select their dresses
• Select and order the men’s attire
• Finalize honeymoon details and make necessary reservations

2 to 4 Months Before

• Confirm menu and catering details with caterer
• Prepare all maps and directions for the ceremony and reception
• Buy a wedding guest book
• Set the dates and times with the officiant for the rehearsal
• Plan the bridesmaids’ luncheon and any other parties
• Determine your resources for designing and printing the program for the ceremony
• Finalize the florist details, photographer, DJ, videographer, etc.
• Arrange the necessary accommodations for the out-of-town guests
• Plan a rehearsal dinner, time and place
• Confirm the wedding cake details with the baker

6 to 8 Weeks Before

• Mail invitations and announcements
• Prepare a portrait for the newspaper. Check with local newspaper for details and timing.
• Set appointment with photographer for your formal bridal portrait
• Set appointments with hairdressers and make-up artist
• Hire the limousine or other forms of transportation for the wedding.

4 to 6 Weeks Before

• Decide menu for reception and exact number of guests
• Buy a gift for the groom
• Schedule final fitting for your gown to be ready for portrait
• Purchase a going away outfit
• Pick up wedding rings
• Purchase or rent wedding accessories, such as the ring, pillow, goblets, garter belt, candles, etc.
• Confirm florist details and delivery times
• Plan seating for the reception. Start writing placement cards
• Make sure all bridesmaids’ attire has been fitted
• Buy a gift for the bride

2 Weeks Before

• Set up final consultation for your music
• Make arrangements to have your wedding gifts moved to your new home
• Handle business and legal details such as name change, address change, etc.
• Prepare wedding announcement for newspaper
• Reconfirm the quests’ accommodations
• Make sure all clothing and accessories for you and your bridal party are ready
• Practice run on wedding hair-do with headpiece
• Get your marriage license

The Week Before

• Review any seating details with the ushers
• Make sure all wedding attire fits
• Finalize the seating arrangements
• Reconfirm honeymoon reservations and airline tickets
• Start packing for honeymoon
• Review all the final details with your photographer, videographer, etc.
• Give a final head count to the caterer
• Delegate responsibilities to reliable individuals on your wedding day
• Wrap and present the wedding party gifts
• Finalize rehearsal dinner arrangements and other plans

The Day before

• Get a manicure or massage to relax yourself
• Stay with family the night before and go to sleep early
• Review and rehearse all the details of your participants

The Big Day

• Make sure best man and maid of honor sign the wedding certificate
• Allow yourself plenty of time to get dressed
• Be sure to eat properly
• Rest and relax with a good bath
• Prepare for your hairdresser and makeup appointments

Enjoy your wonderful wedding and cherish each and every moment!