12 Months Before: 

¨     Choose a wedding date.

¨     Choose and reserve a location for your ceremony and reception.

¨     Set your budget

¨     Choose clergy or justice of the peace to be your officiate.

¨     Interview and choose vendors and services (baker, photographer, etc).

¨     Hire a wedding consultant if desired.

9-11 Months Before:

¨     Order your gown and accessories.

¨     Book photographer or videographer and band or DJ.

¨     Order dresses for your bridesmaids.

¨     Create the guest list.

¨     Work with officiate on tone and style of ceremony.

¨     Start researching honeymoon destinations.

¨     Submit your newspaper engagement announcement.

6-8 Months Before: 

¨     Register for your wedding gifts at la-T-da.

¨     Get first fitting for wedding gown.

¨     Order invitations and announcements.

¨     Confirm florist and floral arrangements.

¨     Confirm baker and cake design.

¨     Reserve accommodations for out-of-town guests.

¨     Finalize your honeymoon plans.

3 Months Before: 

¨     Shop for and purchase wedding bands.

¨     Finalize orders and details with all your vendors.

¨     Finalize quest list and send invitations to out of town guests.

¨     Schedule appointments for hair and makeup.

¨     If traveling abroad for your honeymoon, renew passports and visas.

¨     Reserve site for rehearsal dinner.

¨     Purchase or rent groom’s tuxedo and matching groomsmen’s outfits.

2 Months Before: 

¨     Send out invitations.

¨     Get your final dress fittings.

¨     Order or make ceremony programs.

¨     Confirm all party attendants’ duties.

¨     Arrange for wedding day transportation.

¨     Send thank-you notes as you receive gifts.

¨     Purchase or make reception favors at la-T-da.

¨     Follow up on local marriage license requirements.

6 Weeks Before: 

¨     If writing your own vows, start now.

¨     Buy gifts for the wedding party.

¨     Buy wedding gift for your fiancé.

¨     Plan bridesmaids’ party.

¨     Submit your newspaper engagement announcement.

¨     If you’re taking a married name, contact the necessary offices.

¨     Wrap wedding party gifts and reception favors if necessary.

4 Weeks Before: 

¨     Pick up wedding bands.

¨     Finalize vows, readings and other ceremony details.

¨     Send rehearsal dinner invitations.

¨     Confirm wedding-night and honeymoon reservations.

¨     Plan reception seating chart.

¨     Discuss special requests with photographer.

¨     Submit special requests to band or DJ.

1-2 Weeks Before: 

¨     Get marriage license.

¨     Pick up dress, veil and tuxedo.

¨     Finalize guest list and seating chart. Make place cards.

¨     Confirm final guest count with reception hall and/or caterers.

¨     Confirm location, date and time with all vendors and attendants.

¨     Prepare toasts.

¨     Pack for honeymoon.

 The Day Before: 

¨     Put final payments and tips into marked envelopes to distribute on wedding day.

¨     Make a last-minute emergency kit for wedding dress (sewing kit, etc.).

¨     Confirm bride’s beauty appointment for wedding day.

¨     Rehearse the ceremony.

¨     Relax and enjoy the rehearsal dinner.

¨     Prepare to have the biggest and best day of your life!