The Wedding Calendar
6 to 24 Months Ahead
Announce your engagement
Determine your budget and the type of wedding you would like:
location
formality
time of day
number of guests etc.
Visit your officiant with your fiancé and select a date.
Hire a wedding consultant.
Develop a system to keep track of all the records and finances.
Choose all the attendants.
Begin the invitation list and consolidate with all the parents.
Begin your bridal registry at your favorite stores.
Select and order the formal wear for the wedding party.
Reserve ceremony location, reception hall, photographer, musicians, florists and
caterer.
Have engagement pictures taken.
Request time off with your employer.
4 to 6 Months Ahead
Send your engagement announcement into the newspapers.
Select and order your rings.
Order legal documents:
birth certificate
passport
religious certificates
Arrange the rehearsal dinner and bridesmaids luncheon.
Shop for your trousseau.
Shop for mothers dresses.
Select honor attendants.
Order wedding invitations and personal stationary.
Reserve transportation for the wedding day.
Reserve lodging for out of town guests.
Schedule fittings for your gown and bridesmaid dresses.
Schedule appointment for pre-bridal portrait.
Begin shopping for each other's wedding gifts.
Reserve rental items for the ceremony and reception.
Go to beautician and practice your hair style for the wedding with your veil.
2 to 4 Months Ahead
Address wedding invitations.
Select music for the ceremony and reception.
Begin planning your honeymoon by talking to a travel agent.
Order your wedding and grooms cakes.
Have your rings engraved.
Purchase gifts for the wedding party.
Order party favors.
Select and order decorations.
Order pre-bridal portrait for the reception.
Plan activities for out of town guests.
Plan the order of the ceremony with the officiant.
1 to 2 Months Ahead
Send out invitations for wedding, rehearsal and luncheon.
Have final dress fittings.
Purchase guest book, unity candles, memory book, garter, cake server etc..
Plan menu for wedding.
Attend parties in your honor and send out thank- you notes.
Record each gift received and promptly write a thank-you.
Obtain marriage license (Note. No more than 30 days in some states).
Attend any marriage classes required by your officiant.
Find " something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue and a penny for
your shoe".
Finalize your menu, beverages and alcohol order with the caterer.
Make a household check for items that will be needed.
Pick up wedding rings.
Keep an accurate record of response cards.
Set up an area at home to display your wedding gifts.
Begin confirming all details with all professionals involved.
2 to 6 Weeks Ahead
Send your wedding announcement to the paper.
Draw up seating plan for the wedding and make place cards for guests.
Contact guest who have not yet responded.
Arrange to move your belongings to your new home.
Make all final selections and confirmations with professionals.
Finalize all payments with professionals.
Obtain forms for name changes on drivers license, bank accounts, social security
employment etc..
Inform the wedding party on their schedule for the week of the wedding.
Purchase make-up and have a manicure.
Address and finalize wedding announcements.
Go over your trousseau and purchase any last minute items.
Get a list of guests arriving by plane and plan to meet them when they arrive .
Confirm rehearsal plans with clergy and distribute scripture readings.
Continue writing thank-you cards as gifts arrive.
Give reception hall, musicians and photographer copy of the seating arrangement.
Arrange for people to help with the closing of the reception and return rental items .
Provide each member of the wedding party with a detailed list of events and
responsibilities for the wedding.
1-Week Ahead
Confirm all honeymoon plans and pick up tickets.
One last confirmation with all wedding professionals.
Review schedule of events.
Do final guest count and give this to the caterer.
Finish packing for the honeymoon.
Organize all of your personal things for the wedding
Put all last minute fees, payments, and tips in individual envelopes and select
someone to distribute the payments on the wedding day.
Have the gentlemen try-on and pick-up their tuxedos.
Enjoy this week with your friends and family.
Relax!!!!!!!
The Wedding Day
Enjoy every second of this day you have been planning for!!
Just Remember: if something goes wrong, go with the flow...none of your guests
know how things are supposed to be.
