Wedding Planning Checklist (print this out for your records X each item as it is completed)
Be sure to schedule reminders for yourself with your FREE planning calendar & Email account - click here
At least 12 months prior to your wedding date
__X_ Announce your engagement.
_____Set the date for the wedding.
_____Decide what type of wedding you want: location, time of day, how many guests, etc..
_____Draw up a guest list.
_____Develop a budget and how expenses will be shared.
_____Create a file for contracts, forms, important papers, etc..
_____Attend Bridal Shows (This is a good place to gather a lot of information, and help with your budget
planning.
_____Select a wedding coordinator (if applicable).
_____Select and reserve the location you wish to have your ceremony.
_____Select and reserve a minister.
_____Select and reserve your reception location.
_____Order your bridal gown.
_____Determine what colors you will go with for your wedding. (dresses, flowers, decorations, etc.)
_____Select and hire a photographer.
_____Meet with your photographer to have engagement photos taken.
_____Send engagement notice and photograph to the local newspaper.
_____Select and hire the DJ or reception musicians.
_____Select the wedding party.
Nine to twelve months prior to wedding date
_____Select flower girl and ring bearer.
_____Reserve wedding night bridal suite.
_____Select wedding party's attire including shoes, and accessories.
_____Select and hire a caterer.
_____Select and hire ceremony musicians.
_____Schedule fittings and deliver dates for yourself and wedding party.
_____Select and book your florist.
Six to Nine months prior to wedding date
_____Start shopping for each other's wedding gifts.
_____Reserve rental items for ceremony and reception (arches, pillars, decorations etc.)
_____Finalize guest list.
_____Select and order wedding invitations, and other stationery such as thank you notes, and wedding
programs.
_____Address your invitations. (save time by addressing thank you card envelopes at the same time)
_____Set a date, time and location for your rehearsal dinner.
_____Arrange accommodations for out-of-town guests.
_____Start planning your honeymoon.
_____Select and book all miscellaneous services.
_____Register for gifts at Bridal Registries.
_____Purchase shoes and accessories.
Four to Six months prior to wedding date
_____Select baker and order cake.
_____Order flowers.
_____Select and order decorations.
_____Purchase honeymoon attire and luggage.
_____Select and book limo or carriage for wedding day.
_____Check marriage license requirements.
_____Shop for wedding rings.
_____Plan entertainment or activities for your out-of-town guests if they arrive days prior to your wedding
date.
_____Purchase gifts for your wedding party.
_____Six to Eight weeks prior to wedding date
_____Mail invitations.
_____Maintain a record of RSVP's and all gifts received. (see printable wedding guest list)
_____Send thank you notes upon receipt of gifts.
_____Determine how you want to wear your hair and makeup for the wedding day.
_____Buy final wedding day accessories (eg. toasting glasses, and guest book)
_____Arrange for name and address changes.
Two Week Count Down
_____Go over final details.
_____Make sure all wedding attire fits correctly.
_____Finalize guest count with caterer and reception location.
_____Gather everything needed for rehearsal and wedding day.
_____Go over schedule of events and last minute arrangements.
_____Contact all service providers and go over last minute details (photographer, DJ, videographer,florist etc.)
_____Confirm honeymoon reservations and accommodations.
_____Finish packing for the honeymoon.
_____Arrange to have your mail held at the post office, and stop your newspapers.
Day Before
_____Give your wedding party any accessories they will need.
_____Give the officiant's fee to the Best Man.
_____Designate someone (close friend, relative) to pay for any remaining services where balances are due, and
entrust them with the checks to pay for the services.
_____Arrange for someone to bring accessories to ceremony and reception.(cake cutting knife, toasting
glasses, guest book etc.)
_____Designate someone to return rented items after the wedding.
_____Provide your wedding party, and immediate family with a schedule of events for the wedding day.
_____Go to bed early.
On The Big Day
_____Eat Breakfast
_____Get your hair, nails and makeup done early.
_____Have wedding attire ready two hours early.
_____Make sure the Best Man has the marriage license and officiant's fee.
_____Make sure the groom has honeymoon tickets, money etc..
_____Have the wedding party arrive one hour prior to the wedding ceremony.(to allow time for pre-ceremony
pictures. Immediate family should arrive close to this time as well.
_____Make sure the Maid of honor has the groom's ring.
_____Try to relax, and let others take care of anything that may come up. Remember this is your day, and
no matter what happens, try to enjoy it, and accept minor imperfections.
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