Here is a rough list of what needs to be done and when. Of course, everyone is going to have a different amount of time between the engagement and the marriage, so you’ll have to work out a schedule of your own based on these guidelines.
12 months +
- Announce your engagement
- Decide on a budget
- Pick a wedding date
- Find a wedding consultant (if desired)
9-11 months
- Get a folder or binder for organizing info and receipts
- Start looking at reception sites (book one as soon as possible)
- Interview caterers and pick one
- Start looking for an officiant
- Decide on how many guests you want
- Choose your attendants/groomsmen early so that you can delegate tasks
- Find a ceremony site
- Choose a theme for your wedding/reception (colors, style, etc.)
- Start looking for a wedding gown
- Finalize the guest list with full names, addresses, etc.
- Start looking for a band/DJ and book them as soon as possible
- Look into any rentals you need for your reception site
- Decide on an officiant and meet with them
- Interview photographers (and videographer)
- Make a final decision on your gown
6-8 months
- Reserve your photographer (and videographer)
- Choose a florist and tell them what you have in mind for your flowers
- Give your bridesmaids/groomsmen lists of tasks
- Decide on where you are going to register and pick what you want
- Find dresses for your bridesmaids
- Send out “Save the Date” cards or contact out-of-town guests
- Select a baker and choose your wedding cake style
- Get your bridesmaids’ measurements, or have them order their dresses themselves
- Find ceremony musicians (if desired)
- Order your wedding gown
- Start planning the rehearsal dinner
- Figure out what style and wording you want for your invitations
- Finalize menu and service details with your caterer
- Order your invitations (make sure you get extra, just in case!)
4-5 months
- Groom should decide on what he and his groomsmen will wear
- Rent what you need for your reception (tables, chairs, etc.) unless they provide it
- Start planning the honeymoon and book as soon as possible
- Book a calligrapher or printer for your invitations
- Reserve a site for your rehearsal dinner
- Book hotel room for your wedding night
- Finalize your decision on a floral scheme and tell the florist
2-3 months
- Choose your accessories and have the bridesmaids coordinate
- Want to try out different beauty ideas (hair dye, tanning, etc)? Do it now
- Find and purchase your wedding rings
- Schedule bridal portraits or engagement pictures (if desired)
- Groom should have his attire ordered or rented
- Make sure bridesmaids and groomsmen have bought their attire
- Make or buy your favors
- Talk to your attendants about a bridal shower and bachelor party
- Buy wedding day lingerie and shoes in time for your first dress fitting
- Get passports, vaccinations, etc. if you are having an international honeymoon
- Pick up your invitations or make sure they have been shipped to you already
- Start taking better care of yourself- exercise, eat right, etc.
- Talk to people who you’d like to do something at your wedding
- Start addressing your invitations
- Confirm delivery date of your gown and schedule your fitting appointments
- Talk to your insurance provider and have your spouse included after the wedding
- Get wedding bands engraved (if not done when purchased)
- Groom should buy all necessary accessories
- Make a guest list for your bridal shower and give it to the host
- Begin your dress fitting appointments
- Decide on wedding day transportation and reserve, if necessary
- Send out your invitations
5-6 weeks
- Order any drinks not included in the catering contract
- Purchase your veil before your final fitting
- Begin working on your vows if you are writing your own
- Update your registry as you receive gifts
- Research local marriage license requirements
- Go to your final gown fitting
- Start using whitening toothpaste and other products
- Finalize your vows
- Write “Thank-you” notes for bridal shower gifts
- Buy a guestbook and matching pen
- Visit with your hairstylist to decide on the best hairdo to go with your veil
3-4 weeks
- Send rehearsal dinner invitations
- Schedule appointments to get your hair and make-up done on your wedding day
- Get marriage license
- Work on a song list for your band/DJ
- Pick out the jewelry and other accessories you don’t have yet
- Meet with or call your officiant to finalize details
- Confirm wedding night and honeymoon reservations
- Do the necessary paperwork if your are changing your name
- Pick up your gown and make sure it fits right
- Pick up your veil and/or headpiece
- Get your bridal portrait or other pictures (if desired)
- Work out wedding day timing issues and make sure attendants know the info
- Call guests who haven’t RSVP’d yet to get a final headcount
- Confirm headcount with caterer and other vital information
- Determine your receiving line order (if necessary)
- Figure out wedding day assignments for attendants and family members
- Practice walking in your wedding dress
- Call reception site to make sure all vendors will be able to get inside
1-2 weeks
- Put together a seating plan (if you’re having one)
- Give the plan to the caterer, or whoever will be in charge of the tables
- Contact your officiant and give them final details about the rehearsal/ wedding
- Confirm delivery time, location, and final arrangement count with florist
- Groom should pick up tux and make sure it fits right
- Shop and pack for the honeymoon
- Confirm all final payment amounts with vendors
- Confirm location, date and time with photographer (and videographer)
- Groom should get a final hair cut (don’t wait till last minute!)
- Prepare your toasts and ask close friends and family to work on theirs
- Contact transportation providers with a list of times and locations
- Distribute wedding day directions, schedule, and tasks to wedding party
- Designate someone to meet with and handle the vendors on the wedding day
- Pack an overnight bag for your wedding night
- Put final payments and tips for vendors in envelops to hand out after the wedding
- Confirm location, date and time with band/DJ
- Designate someone to collect the wedding gifts
Day Before
- Get a manicure and pedicure (plus any waxing or final tanning)
- Put wedding gown and all accessories in one place so you don’t lose anything
- Confirm all honeymoon travel plans
- Drop off favors, guestbook and pen to reception site
- Rehearse the ceremony with officiant and wedding party
- Have fun and relax at the rehearsal dinner
- Set your alarm clock and get some sleep!
Day Of
- Confirm with people who you asked to give toasts
- Set aside time for a private moment with your new spouse
- Smile, relax, and enjoy the day!
