Organization
and advanced planning will help to make your wedding and reception
a more pleasurable (and less stressful) experience. You should
begin to do the work for a large formal wedding at least a
year in advance. To follow will be a fairly complete list
of reminders, organized on a time line. While there are no
exact right and wrongs, this should give you a good list to
work from. If you include your fiancé in the planning process
it will create a special bond between you two.
2 to 5 Years Prior
to Wedding ˇ Select a groom (Only Kidding!!)
12 Months or More in Advance ˇ Decide on approximate size of wedding ceremony and reception ˇ Determine a budget ˇ Choose location for ceremony
______________________________________________ Phone #_______________________ ˇ Choose location for reception
______________________________________________ Phone #_______________________ ˇ Select a wedding coordinator
______________________________________________ Phone #_______________________ ˇ Buy wedding rings and order engraving ˇ Discuss an appointment with clergy and/or premarital counselor
6 to 8 Months in Advance ˇ Select music/entertainment/DJ for reception
______________________________________________ Phone #_______________________ ˇ Select photographer/videographer
______________________________________________ Phone #_______________________ ˇ Select caterer
______________________________________________ Phone #_______________________ ˇ Select florist
______________________________________________ Phone #_______________________ ˇ Select bridal registry
______________________________________________ Phone #_______________________ ˇ Select and order wedding cake
______________________________________________ Phone #_______________________ ˇ Order wedding gown
______________________________________________ Phone #_______________________ ˇ Reserve transportation (limousine, horse and carriage, taxis,
etc.) ˇ Compile guest list #__________Bride's #__________Groom's ˇ Choose attendants ˇ Select veil and accessories ˇ Select attendants' gowns
______________________________________________ Phone #_______________________
ˇ Select men's formal wear
______________________________________________ Phone #_______________________ ˇ Plan details of reception: balloons, centerpieces, decorations,
rice, bubbles, etc. ˇ Discuss
honeymoon plans
4 to 6 Months in Advance ˇ (If booked Music in Motion) - Return Personal Reception Planner ˇ Make reservations for rehearsal dinner
______________________________________________ Phone #_______________________ ˇ Order invitations, personal stationery, wedding programs, and
thank you notes ˇ Shop for trousseau ˇ Decide on new place of residence ˇ Set appointment for complete physical exam
______________________________________________ Phone #_______________________ ˇ Update immunizations ˇ Call travel agent and book honeymoon reservations
______________________________________________ Phone #_______________________ ˇ Double check: All deposits should be made and contracts signed
2 Months in Advance ˇ Address wedding invitations ˇ Select attendants' gifts ˇ Check local newspaper(s) for wedding announcement deadline ˇ Set date with fiancé to go together and get the marriage license ˇ Reserve rental items for the wedding ceremony and reception ˇ Arrange lodging for any out of town guests ˇ Buy garter, cake knife, toasting glasses, ring pillow, and guest
book ˇ Give 2 month notice at old residence
1 Month in Advance ˇ Mail invitations (remember lodging information for out of town
guests) ˇ Arrange final fitting of your gown ˇ Call and remind bridesmaids of final gown fittings: Date_________
Time____________ ˇ Test new hair styles and make-up you are considering ˇ Buy groom a wedding gift ˇ Have formal wedding portrait taken with fiancé : Date_________
Time____________ ˇ Make reservation for bridesmaids' luncheon:
Location_______________________________________ Date_________ Time____________
ˇ Confirm honeymoon trip reservations and check your luggage ˇ Ask friend or relative to be in charge of and responsible for
the guest book ˇ If you plan to tan, start now to ensure safe even coloring
2 Weeks in Advance ˇ Record wedding gifts as you receive them and mail thank you notes
promptly ˇ Double check attire and accessories for all members of the wedding
party ˇ Confirm time and date of wedding rehearsal with all members of
the wedding party ˇ Review reception seating plans and prepare place cards if necessary ˇ Make arrangements to consolidate/move all items/furnishings to
new residence ˇ Schedule appointment with hairdresser and manicurist
______________________________________________ Phone #_______________________ ˇ Arrange name and address change on bank account, ATM cards, credit
cards, driver's license, social security card, utilities, etc. ˇ Complete trousseau shopping ˇ Prearrange a professional to preserve and heirloom your gown
and/or florals ˇ Contact guests who have not responded
One Week in Advance ˇ Make a final call to entertainment, florist, caterer, and photographers ˇ Give a final count to caterer/reception facility ____________ ˇ Host the bridesmaids' luncheon ˇ Begin packing for honeymoon ˇ Attempt to get plenty of rest each night and reduce salt and
alcohol consumption all week to maximize wedding photos ˇ Consider a massage and/or facial (These are great stress reducers!)
Wedding Day ˇ Have hair and make-up done ˇ Take marriage license and rings to ceremony location site ˇ Allow at least 2 hours to dress prior to the ceremony ˇ Don't forget to enjoy the day! This is YOUR Wedding!
Your planning is complete, so try to relax and get plenty of rest because
the fun is about to begin!