6 -12 months before the big day
- Decide on a date
- Make an appointment with Clergyman /Officiate Determine a budget.
- Compose a guest list.
- Set time, location of Ceremony, Rehearsal & Reception Venue.
- Choose Professional Photographer /Videographer.
- Shop for wedding gown: Several fittings will be required.
- Obtain Floral & Music estimates; book services if possible.
- Register with gift registry.
- Select bride’s maids.
- Pick a honeymoon destination:(renew passports &inoculations if required.)
- Begin selection of a Caterer.
- Set a date to order dresses for bridesmaids
5 months before the big day
- Finalize guest lists.
- Order invitations & announcements.
- Order personal stationary & thank you notes.
- Plan reception.
- Choose florist.
- Men choose attire.
- Make honeymoon reservations.
- Choose caterer.
- Confirm delivery of bridal gown.
- Make appointment for bridal portrait.
- Order wedding cake.
- Arrange transportation for all members of bridal party to & from ceremony reception locations.
- Go over details of reception with caterer /hotel manager.
- If you are renting any equipment,reserve it now.(Archway,floral pillars etc.)
2 months before the big day
- Inform clergyman of all the details of your ceremony.
- Keep a gift diary-send thank you notes as gifts arrive.
- Fine tune guest list.
- Plan rehearsal dinner.
- Select attendants' gifts, grooms gift.
- Check all services.
- Make moving arrangements.
- Final gown fitting.
- Bridal portrait setting.
1 month before the big day
- Choose wedding bands.
- Mail invitations.
- Make room reservations for out of town guests.
- Check wedding party apparel.
- Confirm music arrangements & check selections.
- Make reservations for bridesmaids' luncheon.
- Discuss rehearsal dinner with hosts.
- Attend showers.
- Apply for marriage license.
2 weeks before the big day
- Plan your wedding day hairstyle.(Bring headpiece & veil).
- Schedule hair appointment for day of wedding.
- Final check on bridal party clothing.
- Notify newspapers.
- Arrange for name & address change.
- Check with caterer / reception venue with last minute changes.
1 week before the big day
- Remind rehearsal dinner guests of time /location.
- Start honeymoon packing.
- Wrap groom & attendants' gifts.
- Check wedding announcements, stamped & ready to mail day after wedding.
- Bridesmaid luncheon.
- Schedule rehearsal for 1-2 days prior to wedding.
- Remind wedding party of exact time & place.
- Go over final details of ceremony & reception with all parties involved.
1 day before the big day
- RELAX!
- Have manicure & pedicure done.
- Attend wedding rehearsal & dinner.
- Give ushers guest list.
Wedding Day
- Eat!
- Hair &make-up.
- Check wedding dress. (Pressing/steaming).
- Appoint family member to check ceremony & reception for left behind items.
- Change of clothes. (If leaving for honeymoon).
- Breathe! Enjoy your day.
Helpful hint: Make an emergency kit
Include: Make-up, extra panty hose, bobby pins, safety pins, clear nail polish, comb, hair spray, hanky or tissues, needle & thread (white), aspirins, saltine crackers, band aid, toothpaste & brush, dental floss, breath mints. Sounds funny, but stranger things have happened ...Congratulations!