Wedding Planning Timeline Checklist

Congratulations on your engagement. Now it's time to go to work and plan the wedding of your dreams. With a little preparation (and a sense of Humor!) there is no need to act like a bridezilla.

Here is a checklist to help you keep your sanity.

9-12 Months before the wedding

• Announce your engagement.
• Plan what type of wedding you want- formal, informal, day or evening, number of guests
• Choose a wedding date.
• Determine your budget- Discuss who is responsible for what expenses before making any plans. You should include your parents and future in-laws in this discussion. Remember to treat them with respect. Any money they provide is a gift!
• Make guest list - Don't forget to include your parents and future in-laws in this discussion.
• Speak to officiant- Priest, Minister, Rabbi, Justice of the Peace etc.
• Reserve your ceremony and Reception Sites.

6-9 Months Before Wedding

• Select Bridal Gown
• Choose your attendants- Maid/Matron of Honor, Best Man, Bridesmaids, Ushers, Flowergirls, and Ring Bearer
• Choose a Photographer
• Select bridesmaids dresses & accessories (Remember to be Kind and listen to their suggestions and concerns).
• Select a caterer (if needed)
• Hire a band or DJ
• Book your florist

4-5 Months Before Wedding

• Schedule fittings for yourself and attendants (don't forget your flower-girl)
• Reserve any rental items needed for ceremony and reception
• Finalize guest list
• Order Stationery - wedding invitations, thank you notes, and wedding programs
• Address invitations or hire a professional calligrapher
• Plan rehearsal dinner - set date, time and location. (This dinner is usually given by the grooms' parents.)
• Arrange for accommodations for out-of-town guests.
• Start planning honeymoon (Groom usually makes these arrangements after you BOTH decide where to go.) Don't forget to get any passports or travel documents you may need.
• Register for gifts.
• Purchase shoes and accessories (Remember to break your shoes in before the wedding)

2-3 Months Before Wedding

• Order wedding cake
• Order party favors
• Order all necessary decorations
• Book all transportation for wedding day (if necessary)
• Buy wedding rings
• Visit lawyer to write any necessary wills or prenuptial agreements

5-8 Weeks Before Wedding

• Purchase gifts for wedding attendants
• Mail invitations (A map to assist your guests in finding the ceremony and reception sites is a nice idea).
• Visit hairstylist to determine what style you want for your hair. (Hint: Never change haircolor or change your style right before your wedding. Any changes should be made at least 3-4 weeks in advance).
• Have a formal wedding portrait taken
• Send wedding announcements to newspapers (if necessary)
• Change name and address on driver's license, social security cards, insurance policies, and bank accounts
• Reserve wedding attire for groom, ushers, ring bearer (Usually done by the groom).
• Mail invitations to rehearsal dinner (if necessary)
• Obtain marriage license
• Get blood tests if necessary in your state
• Plan a bridesmaid luncheon

2-4 Weeks Before Wedding

• Confirm ceremony details with officiant
• Arrange final fittings for your gown and bridesmaids dresses
• Make final floral selections
• Finalize rehearsal dinner plans
• Confirm details with all service providers - It is a good idea to give them a written list of your wedding day timeline.
• Contact guests who have not yet responded to your invitation
• Pick up wedding rings
• Meet with your photographer to discuss special photos you want taken.
• Meet with your DJ or band to confirm the music you want played
• Remind all attendants (male & female) when to pick up their wedding attire.
• Purchase any special accessories or make-up you want your attendants to wear.
• Determine ceremony seating for any special guests (give the list to the ushers).
• Plan reception seating-write names on place cards.

Hold On....Your Almost Done! Last Week

• Pick up wedding attire
• Figure final guest count and notify cater
• Arrange for "get-a-way" car from the reception
• Review the schedule of events and last minute arrangements with all service providers.
• Confirm honeymoon reservations
• Pack for your honeymoon

Take a Breath.....It's Finally Here....Your Wedding Day!!!!

• Give rings to the best man and maid of honor (If no ring Bearer)
• Give the best man money to pay the officiant after the ceremony
• Relax and have fun!!! All your hard work and planning has paid off.