Plan Your Wedding With Our Wedding Timeline

Your Wedding Planning Time Line

Nine to Twelve Months Before:

• Pick out engagement ring with fiance′.
• Determine who will officiate at the ceremony.
• Select a wedding date and time.
• Announce your engagement in the newspaper.
• Determine how many guests may attend.
• Determine the type of wedding you want (size, formality, style, color scheme).
• Select and order the bridesmaids’ dresses.
• Establish a preliminary budget.
• Select and secure a photographer.
• Select a caterer if not already provided by the reception.
• Select and secure your reception location.
• Select and secure you ceremony location.
• Begin choosing your wedding cake baker, videographer, musicians and florist.
• Sign necessary contracts.

Six to Nine Months Before:

Start compiling the guest list (inform your families to do the same).

• Select the attendants for your wedding party.
• Shop for wedding dress, headpiece, veil, etc.
• Start planning for honeymoon.
  Register with a gift bridal registry in your favorite store(s).

Four to Six Months Before:

• Make appointment for a physical exam with your doctor/dentist.
• Check requirements for blood test and 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 lists.
• Begin shopping for trousseau.
• Send your engagement announcement to the newspaper.
• Inform mothers to select their dresses.
• Select and order the men’s attire.
• Finalize honeymoon details and make the necessary reservations.

Two to Four Months Before:

• Confirm the menu and catering details with the caterer.
• Prepare all maps and directions for the ceremony and reception.
• Select your wedding rings.
• Buy a wedding guest book.
• Set the dates and times with the officiate 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, videographer, musicians, etc.
• Arrange the necessary accommodations for out-of-town guests.
• Plan a rehearsal dinner, time and place.
• Confirm the wedding cake details with the baker.

Six to Eight Weeks Before:

• Mail invitations and announcements.
• Prepare a portrait for the newspaper. Check your local newspaper for details and timing.
• Set appointment with photographer for your formal bridal portrait.
• Select gifts for all your attendants.
• Set appointments with any hair dressers and/or make-up artists.
• Hire the limousine or other forms of transportation for the wedding.

Four to Six Weeks Before:

• Decide what your menu is going to be for the reception. Estimate the expected number of guests.
• Buy a gift for the groom.
• Schedule a final fitting for your gown so it can be ready for your formal bridal portrait.
• Purchase a going away outfit.
• Pick up your wedding rings.
• Purchase (borrow) all wedding accessories such as the ring pillow, goblets, garter belt, candles, etc.
• Confirm florist details and delivery times.
• Plan the seating for the reception as well as other details for the ceremony and reception.
• Start writing placement cards.
• Make sure all bridesmaids’ attire has been fitted.
• Buy a gift for the bride.

Two Weeks Before:

• Make arrangements to have your wedding gifts moved to your new home.
• Handle business and legal details such as name changes, address changes, etc.
• Prepare the wedding announcement for the newspaper.
• Reconfirm your guests’ accommodations.
• Make sure all clothing and accessories for you and the bridal party are ready.
• Get your marriage license and any blood tests which are needed.

One Week Before:

• Make sure all wedding attire fits.
• Review any seating details with the ushers.
• Finalize the seating arrangements.
• Reconfirm your honeymoon reservations. Ensure you have any necessary plane tickets.
• Start packing for your honeymoon.
• Call any guests who have not responded yet.
• Finish all the place cards for the reception.
• Review all the final details with your photographer, videographer, etc.
• Give a final head count to the caterer.
• Confirm the availability of the musicians and vocalists.
• Delegate responsibilities to reliable individuals on your wedding day.
• Wrap and present the wedding party gifts.
• Finalize your rehearsal dinner arrangements and other plans.

One Day Before:

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

The Big Day:

• Make sure the best man and maid of honor sign the wedding certificate.
• Allow yourself plenty of time to get dressed.
• Enjoy your wonderful wedding and cherish each and every moment.
• Be sure to eat properly.
• Rest and relax with a good bath.
• Prepare for your hairdresser and make-up appointments.

After the Wedding:

• Send thank you notes as soon as possible after the wedding.
• Have bridal gown cleaned and preserved.
• Change your name on ID and important documents.
• Complete change of address cards.

Brought to you by our Partner