Plan your wedding

9 - 24 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING

ANNOUNCE YOUR ENGAGEMENT TO FRIENDS & FAMILY
START PLANNING AN ENGAGEMENT PARTY/CELEBRATION
DISCUSS & SET YOUR WEDDING DATE
DISCUSS AND SET A BUDGET & DECIDE HOW EXPENSES WILL BE SHARED
DISCUSS LEVEL OF FORMALITY, # OF GUESTS AND COLOR SCHEME
DISCUSS PRENUPTIAL AGREEMENT AND RELATED ISSUES
HIRE A WEDDING CONSULTANT (optional)
MAKE A NEAT FILE FOR CONTRACTS, FORMS, IMPORTANT PAPERS, ETC.
SELECT YOUR BRIDAL PARTY
SELECT READERS FOR CEREMONY (optional)
START COMPILING AN INVITATION LIST
ATTEND BRIDAL SHOWS/EXPOS
TAKE AN ENGAGEMENT PHOTO
SEND ENGAGEMENT ANNOUNCEMENT AND PHOTO TO LOCAL NEWSPAPER(S)
CHOOSE AND BOOK YOUR RECEPTION SITE
HIRE A CATERER (if necessary)
SELECT A SITE FOR THE CEREMONY
SPEAK TO AND RESERVE AN OFFICIANT
DISCUSS APPAREL FOR THE BRIDE, GROOM AND BRIDAL PARTY
DISCUSS HEADPIECE & OTHER ACCESSORIES FOR THE BRIDE
ORDER BRIDAL GOWN, HEADPIECE AND OTHER ACCESSORIES
ORDER BRIDESMAIDS' DRESSES & TUXEDOS
SCHEDULE FITTINGS FOR THE BRIDE, GROOM AND BRIDAL PARTY
SEND THANK YOU NOTES FOR ENGAGEMENT GIFTS
CHOOSE AND HIRE A PHOTOGRAPHER
CHOOSE AND HIRE A VIDEOGRAPHER
CHOOSE AND HIRE A DJ/BAND/OTHER ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE RECEPTION
CHOOSE AND HIRE CEREMONY MUSICIAN(S) (optional

6 - 9 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING
SCHEDULE SPECIAL EVENTS

• Rehearsal and Rehearsal Dinner
• Bachelor Party (optional)
• Bridesmaids' or Bachelorette Party (optional)

RESERVE ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR THE CEREMONY & RECEPTION (if necessary)

• Tents
• Tables, Chairs and Linens
• Dishes, Glasses and Utensils
• Arches
• Balloons
• Additional Decorations
• Other Items

HIRE A FLORIST AND CHOOSE FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS
CONFIRM DELIVERY DATE OF GOWNS AND DRESSES
MAKE NECESSARY ARRANGEMENTS FOR TIME OFF FROM WORK
MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO TAKE DANCING LESSONS IF NECESSARY (optional)
MAKE HONEYMOON PLANS AND RESERVATIONS
RESERVE A BRIDAL SUITE FOR THE WEDDING NIGHT

3 - 6 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING
PURCHASE OTHER NECESSARY ITEMS FOR THE CEREMONY & RECEPTION

• Toasting Glasses
• Cake Knife, Server Set & Cake Top
• Guest Book & Pen
• Ring Pillow
• Flower Girl Basket
• Aisle Runner (optional)
• Candelabras (optional)
• Wishing Bubbles (optional)
• Rice or Confetti (optional)
• Wedding Bells (optional)
• Candle(s) for Ceremony (optional)
• Candle Holder(s) (optional)

FINALIZE HONEYMOON PLANS

• Be sure to find out about passports, photo identification and other documents required if you will be leaving the country.

ORDER INVITATIONS & THANK YOU NOTES
ORDER CEREMONY PROGRAMS (optional)
HIRE A CALLIGRAPHER (optional)
FINALIZE YOUR INVITATION LIST
START ADDRESSING INVITATIONS
HIRE A LIMOUSINE OR TRANSPORTATION SERVICE
HIRE A MAKE-UP ARTIST AND/OR HAIR STYLIST (optional)
SET UP AT LEAST TWO BRIDAL REGISTRIES
HELP BOTH MOTHERS SHOP FOR THEIR DRESSES
PURCHASE SHOES, GARTER AND OTHER ACCESSORIES FOR THE BRIDE
BUY YOUR WEDDING RINGS
GROOM BUYS A WEDDING GIFT FOR THE BRIDE
BRIDE BUYS A WEDDING GIFT FOR THE GROOM
BUY GIFTS FOR THE BRIDAL PARTY
SELECT A SONG FOR YOUR FIRST DANCE
SELECT SONGS FOR PARENT DANCES
SELECT OTHER SPECIAL SONGS (Cake Cutting, etc.)

1 - 3 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING
DISTRIBUTE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS TO BRIDAL PARTY

• Wedding Day (Time & Place To Meet and Other Details)
• Rehearsal and Rehearsal Dinner
• Bachelor Party (if available)
• Bridesmaids' or Bachelorette Party (if available)
• Final Fittings and Pick-Up Dates for Tuxedos and Dresses

CHECK MARRIAGE LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

• Blood Tests
• Medical Exams
• Birth Certificates
• Other

SEND OUT INVITATIONS (AT LEAST 6 WEEKS IN ADVANCE)
MAKE A LIST AND RECORD RSVP's AND GIFTS RECEIVED
SCHEDULE FINAL GOWN/HEADPIECE & DRESS FITTINGS
SCHEDULE FINAL TUXEDO FITTINGS
ORDER FAVORS FOR THE RECEPTION
ORDER YOUR WEDDING CAKE & CAKE TOP
ARRANGE FOR MOVING BELONGINGS TO NEW RESIDENCE
GET THE MARRIAGE LICENSE
MAKE APPOINTMENT(S) WITH HAIR/BEAUTY SALON (optional)
MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO HAVE YOUR TEETH CLEANED OR BLEACHED (optional)
CONFIRM HONEYMOON RESERVATIONS
ARRANGE FOR TRANSPORTATION TO THE AIRPORT
START PACKING AND PREPARING FOR THE HONEYMOON
PLAN TO TAKE A FORMAL WEDDING PORTRAIT
PLACE WEDDING ANNOUNCEMENT IN LOCAL NEWSPAPER(S)

3 - 4 WEEKS BEFORE THE WEDDING
FINAL CONSULTATION/CONFIRMATION WITH ALL SERVICES
(Discuss arrival times, locations, special details and payments due.)

• DJ/Band/Other Entertainment (don't forget SPECIAL SONGS you want played)
• Ceremony Musician(s) (don't forget to discuss any SPECIAL DETAILS)
• Photographer (don't forget to discuss any SPECIAL PICTURES you want taken)
• Videographer (notify them about any SPECIAL FOOTAGE you want on the tape)
• Limousine Service (don't forget to discuss TIMES, LOCATIONS & DIRECTIONS)
• Florist (don't forget to discuss ARRIVAL TIMES at ceremony/reception sites)
• Baker (don't forget to discuss any SPECIAL DETAILS)
• Tuxedos (don't forget to discuss FITTING & PICK-UP dates)
• Bridal Gown & Dresses (don't forget to discuss FITTING & PICK-UP dates)
• Clergyman/Judge (don't forget to discuss CEREMONY & REHEARSAL DETAILS)
• Rehearsal Dinner Site (don't forget to discuss MENU & OTHER DETAILS)
• Make-Up Artist (don't forget to discuss any SPECIAL DETAILS)
• Hair Stylist (don't forget to discuss any SPECIAL DETAILS)
• Other Service(s)

ARRANGE FOR NAME AND ADDRESS CHANGES

• Bank Accounts & Loans
• Credit Cards
• Driver's License
• Social Security
• Passport
• Other Important Documents

CONTACT GUESTS WHO HAVE NOT RESPONDED
MAKE SEATING PLANS FOR THE RECEPTION
PREPARE RECEPTION PLACE CARDS
MAKE SEATING PLANS FOR THE CEREMONY (optional)
FINALIZE YOUR MENU WITH CATERER AND/OR RECEPTION SITE
MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO HAVE THE GOWN CLEANED AND PRESERVED
MAKE ACCOMMODATIONS FOR OUT-OF-TOWN GUESTS
REMIND BRIDAL PARTY OF SPECIAL EVENTS AND OBLIGATIONS
WRAP GIFTS FOR THE BRIDAL PARTY

1 WEEK BEFORE THE WEDDING
DISCUSS ANY LAST MINUTE DETAILS WITH ALL SERVICES (if necessary)

• DJ/Band/Other Entertainment
• Ceremony Musician(s)
• Reception Site
• Caterer
• Photographer
• Videographer
• Limousine Service
• Florist
• Baker
• Tuxedos
• Bridal Gown & Dresses
• Clergyman/Judge
• Rehearsal Site
• Rehearsal Dinner Site
• Make-Up Artist
• Hair Stylist
• Other

PREPARE CHECKS/PAYMENT FOR ALL SERVICES

• DJ/Band/Other Entertainment
• Ceremony Musician(s)
• Ceremony Site
• Reception Site
• Caterer
• Rehearsal Dinner Site
• Photographer
• Videographer
• Limousine Service
• Florist
• Baker
• Tuxedos
• Bridal Gown & Dresses
• Clergyman/Judge
• Make-Up Artist
• Hair Stylist
• Other

GET EVERYTHING READY FOR REHEARSAL AND WEDDING DAY

• Wedding Rings
• Ring Pillow
• Flower Girl Basket
• Wedding Gown & Accessories
• Groom's Tuxedo
• Attire for Rehearsal/Rehearsal Dinner
• Bride & Groom Gifts
• Gifts for the Bridal Party
• Reception Place Cards
• Favors for the Reception
• Toasting Glasses
• Cake Knife, Server Set & Cake Top
• Guest Book & Pen
• Payments for ALL SERVICES
• Wishing Bubbles (optional)
• Rice or Confetti (optional)
• Wedding Bells (optional)
• Candle for Reception (optional)
• Candle Holder (optional)
• Tapers (optional)
• Taper Holders (optional)
• CD(s) or Cassette(s) for the DJ or Band (if required)

PREPARE AN EXTRA BAG WITH THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:

• Aspirin
• Breath Mints or Gum
• Safety Pin
• Extra Lipstick & Make-up
• Brush and Comb
• Hair Spray and Gel
• Mini Sewing Kit
• Stain-Fighting Spray or Cleaning Solution
• Extra Pairs of Pantyhose

DISCUSS ANY LAST MINUTE DETAILS WITH THE BRIDAL PARTY (if necessary)
FINALIZE GUEST COUNT WITH CATERER/RECEPTION SITE
FINISH PACKING AND PREPARING FOR THE HONEYMOON
PICK UP TICKETS & TRAVELER'S CHECKS FOR THE HONEYMOON