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
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