Know when and what to do throughout your months and days leading up to your big day!
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12 MONTHS OR MORE
_ Plan and host your engagement party
_ Talk together and all parents or family you choose to involve (regarding budget, style, size of event, location, and attendees).
_ Begin researching and visiting reception sites.
_ Reserve the ceremony site, reception site, and accommodations for out-of-town guests.
_ Book your hotel room for your wedding night and pre-wedding night if needed.
_ If preferred, hire a wedding consultant.
_ Start shopping for your wedding dress.
_ Select your wedding party attendants
_ Send save-the-date cards with hotel information to guests
_ Shop around for photographer, DJ, videographer, decorator, florist, caterer, cake person, and hair and makeup artist
10-12 MONTHS BEFORE
_ Research and choose your officiant
_ Book photographer, DJ, videographer, decorator, florist, caterer, cake, and any other vendors if not already booked yet
_ Discuss any premarital requirements with your officiant
_ Create gift registries at local stores and online
_ Shop for the bridesmaids dresses and accessories
_ Schedule engagement session
8-10 MONTHS BEFORE
_ Discuss plans for your bridal shower
_ Research the honeymoon
_ Order your wedding dress if not done yet
_ Shop for favors and attendants gifts
6 MONTHS BEFORE
_ Shop for invitations
_ Prepare guest list and begin seating chart
_ Call your wedding coordinator or catering director to schedule a menu
4 MONTHS BEFORE
_ Book the honeymoon and all transportation if not done yet.
_ Remember passports if necessary
_ Finalize the guest list and order invitations
_ Make appointment for dress fitting
_ Begin designing with florist flower arrangements and bouquets
_ Purchase any accessories
_ Schedule ceremony rehearsal dinner & departure brunch
_ Take engagement pictures if not done yet
2 MONTHS BEFORE
_ Finalize and confirm all flower arrangements, bouquets, and boutonnieres
_ Write your wedding vows
_ Shop for honeymoon outfits
_ Select gifts for attendants and ushers
_ Mail invitations, being sure to use proper postage
_ Get name-change forms if you plan to change your name
_ Call your wedding coordinator, catering director, and reception facility manager with an estimated guest count.
_ Plan all ceremony events with the officiant
_ Schedule your rehearsal time and rehearsal dinner
_ Secure any necessary rental equipment (chairs, tables, linens, etc.)
_ Purchase wedding bands if not done yet
_ Discuss wedding timeline and family formals list with photographer
_ Discuss cake design and have cake tasting
6 WEEKS BEFORE
_ Print programs for the ceremony
_ Mail rehearsal dinner invitations
_ Pick up the wedding rings and double check fit
_ Try out hairstyle and makeup
_ Log RSVPs as they come in for more choices
_ Confirm hotel reservations for guests
_ Create visitor gift baskets to place in the hotel rooms, and reception bathrooms
_ Schedule final dress fitting, make sure bridesmaids have done the same
30 DAYS BEFORE
_ Most room blocks will no longer be held after this date. Be sure that all visitors have confirmed their room reservations
_ Begin preparing place cards and table cards
_ Apply for marriage license. Different states have different policies. You will get a marriage license in the state you and your fiance actually live in.
_ Confirm schedule, arrival times, and any other arrangements with all vendors. It may be helpful to email directions, contact numbers, and the days itinerary to all vendors.
_ Confirm honeymoon reservations including flights, hotel accommodations, and any rental cars.
_ Contact wedding coordinator, catering manager, and facility manager with initial meal choices.
10 DAYS BEFORE
_ Make final facility rental payment
_ Confirm tuxedo arrangements
_ Begin packing for honeymoon
_ Pick up your dress and break in your shoes
_ Confirm rehearsal arrangements with bridal party
_ Contact wedding coordinator, catering manager, and facility manager with final guest count, entree choices, and clear any outstanding payments.
_ Schedule time to drop off favors, place cards, seating chart, etc..
_Get spray tan if desired
3 DAYS BEFORE
_ Make a checklist of final things to remember
_ Pick up tuxes if available
_ Drop off favors, place cards, seating chart, etc..
_ Get nails and pedicure done
_ Gather together wedding details for photographer
_ Gather and prepare attendants and fiance’s gifts
1 DAY BEFORE
_ Complete packing for honeymoon, prepare to check into your hotel
_ Take some time to relax at some point during the day, and think about something besides the wedding
_ Drink plenty of fluids - especially in the summer - and avoid sodium
_ Attend the rehearsal ceremony and dinner
_ Get to bed early and get some rest
DAY OF THE WEDDING
_ Eat a good breakfast with family and friends
_Relax and enjoy your day!