Suggested Timeline
You're engaged! Congratulations! ... What's next?
Ten to Twelve Months before your wedding date:
Set a date for the wedding
Set your budget for the wedding
Book a wedding consultant
Start your guest list - you'll want to know an approximate number attending
Choose the members of your wedding party
Choose your color scheme and start planning the wedding decor
Start shopping for your wedding gown
Register at your favorite stores!
Reserve your ceremony site & choose your clergy
Choose and reserve your reception site
Find a caterer and reserve them
Choose DJ or Band and reserve them
Choose your florist and reserve them
Find a photographer / videographer and reserve them
Six to Ten Months before your wedding date:
Finalize the guest list
Send Save-the-Date cards!
Choose and order your bridesmaids' gowns
Choose and order your Groom / Groomsmens' attire
Order Invitations and Stationery / Thank you notes
Choose and finalize Honeymoon plans
Start dance lessons
Reserve equipment (chairs, tents, etc.)
Three to Six months before your wedding:
Make deposits and sign contracts
Refine your guest list
Order your wedding cake
Take time to drive the routes between church and reception
Order your direction cards
Start addressing envelopes or hire a calligrapher
Get passports for your honeymoon... if needed!
Arrange wedding transportation
Arrange out-of-town guest accomodations
Schedule tuxedo fittings
Arrange hair and makeup
Purchase wedding rings
Reserve a rehearsal dinner location
Two to Three months before your wedding:
Decide on rehearsal date and time
Buy postage for your invitations
Finish assembling invitations
Mail all invitations six weeks in advance
Make final music selections
Finalize menu with caterer
Choose wedding favors
Buy gifts for attendants and parents
Order liquor for reception
Select ceremony readings, vows and order Wedding Programs
One to two months before your wedding:
Final fitting for your gown
Get the marriage license
Buy your guest book
Decide on reception seating
Order reception place cards
Reconfirm all reservations
Write thank you notes as you receive gifts
Order and mail Rehearsal Dinner Invitations
Three to four weeks before your wedding:
Make follow up calls to any guests who haven't responded
One to two weeks before your wedding:
Make final confirmations for all reservations
Submit final guest count to your caterer
Pick up your wedding gown
Pack for your honeymoon!
Your wedding day is here!
EAT!You don't want to faint!
Take your veil / headpiece to your hair appointment
Manicure - early in morning
Get dressed at least 1/2 hour before pictures start
RELAX and ENJOY... all of your hard work will be worth it!
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