12 months

 

Announce your engagement

Choose a wedding theme and style

Work out a basic wedding budget; research reception venues

Determine number of guests

Look through bridal magazines for attire ideas

Meet potential wedding consultants; obtain bids

Research wedding pros (photographers, videographers, reception bands or DJ’s, ceremony musicians).

Setup appointments, and review portfolios, tapes and recordings.

 

11 months

Select a wedding consultant and meet to discuss wedding planning details

Determine theme/decorations for your reception

Meet with several caterers; arrange for tastings

Select and book a caterer

Reserve musicians/DJ for reception

Determine wedding ceremony musicians and make musical selections

Book wedding videographer and photographer; make a list of photos-bridal ceremony and reception shots

Research and interview florists

Select and reserve your ceremony venue and schedule a rehearsal time

Choose reception venue; negotiate contract; leave a deposit

Secure parking and/or transportation for your guests at the reception location

Visit local bridal stores to browse their selection of gowns

Choose your wedding-party members and ask them to participate in your celebration

Meet with your officiant to discuss the wedding ceremony

Determine your honeymoon budget

Mail save-the-date notices for a destination wedding

 

10 months

Select and order your wedding gown

If your ceremony or reception will be held in a park or recreational area, obtain necessary permits

Discuss attendants’ duties with your maid of honor and bridesmaids

9 months

Register for wedding gifts

Coordinate with vendors to incorporate your theme/style into all aspects of your wedding

Decide on the food and drinks to be served at your reception

Prepare a playlist of wedding / reception musical selections

Select and order your headpiece, veil, gloves and shoes

Confirm orders of and delivery dates for your wedding attire

Research airline, hotel and rental-car reservations for guests

 

8 months

Go to first gown fitting; invite your maid of honor to attend

Choose and order bridesmaid dresses and accessories

Research a variety of wedding ring styles

Select florist; discuss wedding ideas, theme and style

 

7 months

Review and finalize your wedding details with consultant

Notify bridesmaids about dress fittings

Discuss attire with groomsmen and make referrals to local formalwear store

Select attire for flower girl and/or ring bearer

Determine design, wording, font & paper stock for: wedding invitations, stationery, table cards, thank-yous.

Finalize all arrangements on orders above.

Arrange a printer or hire a calligrapher for table cards

Determine order of ceremony events and choose appropriate wording for your programs

Negotiate rates and book a block of hotel rooms for guests

Select and order your wedding rings

Purchase bridal accessories: jewelry, lingerie and so on

Choose and order something fun for guests to throw after ceremony (rose petals, confetti or birdseed)

 

6 months

Review and approve proofs of wedding invitations and stationery

Discuss the type of honeymoon you want, start reading up on potential destinations.

Consult a travel agent or favorite internet travel site for ideas and suggestions.

 

5 months

Order table cards; place print order for programs

Finalize choice of honeymoon destination

Taste a variety of wedding cakes and select a baker; place cake order and arrange for delivery

Secure reservations for rehearsal dinner and select menu

 

4 months

Determine method of addressing wedding invitations and hire a calligrapher, if applicable

Print labels, and hand-address—or have a calligrapher address—wedding invitations

Write or choose your wedding vows

Have groom visit formalwear shops and try on tuxedos

Purchase or rent groom’s wedding accessories, including tuxedo, cuff links, shoes, socks and so on

Make honeymoon reservations and place all deposits

 

3 months

Review and approve wedding announcement and printed program proofs

Book venue or secure reservations for post-wedding brunch

Discuss bachelorette party plans with your attendants

Plan your bridesmaids’ luncheon or dinner

Make appointment with stylist and/or hairdresser to discuss your wedding hairstyle

Take another look at your registry and update or add items

Create hotel information cards and maps to include with your wedding invitations

 

2 months

Secure a wedding-day dressing room for your bridesmaids

Weigh, purchase postage for and mail wedding invitations

Go to final gown fitting; arrange for pickup or delivery

Have groom’s formalwear fitted

If you plan to have a prenuptial agreement, meet with your attorney to discuss it

Purchase gifts for all wedding-party members

Arrange transportation for bride and groom from the ceremony site to the reception

Purchase ceremony accessories (Unity candle, wineglasses and so on)

 

6 weeks

Purchase a new camera, if needed

Send rehearsal dinner invitations

Write thank you notes as you receive gifts

Confirm music selections (“playlist”) with musicians/DJ

Select menu for post-wedding brunch

Write newspaper announcement and gather photos

Purchase a gift for your spouse-to-be

Shop for wedding favors

Purchase honeymoon clothing, luggage and accessories

Go in for a practice hairstyling and make day-of-wedding hair appointment

 

4 weeks

Confirm floral order and arrange for delivery times

Meet with ushers and assign duties for the ceremony and reception

Discuss the details of your wedding ceremony with your officiant

Determine the placement or distribution of programs at the ceremony venue

Arrange for preparation, storage and break areas for musicians/DJ at the reception venue

Determine seating arrangements for guests

If you color your hair, make appointment for a touch-up the week before your wedding

Go in for a dry run with a professional makeup artist and make a day-of-wedding appointment

Schedule an appointment for a manicure and/or pedicure the day before your wedding

Finalize details with wedding photographer and videographer, determining arrival times at each nuptial venue

Arrange for preparation/storage area for photographer and videographer at each nuptial venue

Sign your prenuptial agreement, if applicable

Finalize honeymoon plans/itinerary and confirm all travel and hotel reservations

Arrange for transportation to and from the airport

Make all necessary arrangements for care of pet(s), plants and mail while you’re away on honeymoon

Post announcement and photo on your wedding website

Arrange for table card setup at reception venue

Schedule pickup/return of groom’s formalwear

 

3 weeks

Finalize list of reception guests

Give the final head count to the caterer and review details

Arrange for delivery and placement of wedding flowers, candles and other decorations on the day of the ceremony

Call anyone who has not responded to his or her wedding invitation

 

1 week

Confirm your honeymoon travel arrangements

Start packing bags for your honeymoon

Get traveler’s checks and/or a small amount of foreign cash

Pick up your wedding dress

 

Wedding day

Eat a good breakfast

Attend hairstyle appointment

Give yourself plenty of time to get ready

Remember to bring the rings and marriage license

Take a deep breath, don’t worry, be happy and smile.

 

Post-wedding: 3 days

Arrange for transport of gifts

Have family or friends mail wedding announcements

 

After the honeymoon

Take wedding gown and veil to a dry cleaner who specializes in gown preservation

Submit name change forms for driver’s license, passport, Social Security card, banks, credit cards and so on

Remember to send out the rest of the thank you cards