A Bride's One Year Wedding Planner
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.
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2 to 5 Years Prior to Wedding
- Select a groom (Only Kidding!!)
12 Months or More in Advance
- Decide on approximate size of wedding ceremony and reception
- Determine a budget
- Choose location for ceremony
______________________________________________ Phone #_______________________ - Choose location for reception
______________________________________________ Phone #_______________________ - Select a wedding coordinator
______________________________________________ Phone #_______________________ - Buy wedding rings and order engraving
- Discuss an appointment with clergy and/or premarital counselor
6 to 8 Months in Advance
- Select music/entertainment/DJ for reception ______________________________________________ Phone #_______________________
- Select photographer/videographer ______________________________________________ Phone #_______________________
- Select caterer ______________________________________________ Phone #_______________________
- Select florist ______________________________________________ Phone #_______________________
- Select bridal registry ______________________________________________ Phone #_______________________
- Select and order wedding cake ______________________________________________ Phone #_______________________
- Order wedding gown ______________________________________________ Phone #_______________________
- Reserve transportation (limousine, horse and carriage, taxis, etc.)
- Compile guest list #__________Bride's #__________Groom's
- Choose attendants
- Select veil and accessories
- Select attendants' gowns ______________________________________________ Phone #_______________________
- Select men's formal wear ______________________________________________ Phone #_______________________
- Plan details of reception: balloons, centerpieces, decorations, rice, bubbles, etc.
- Discuss honeymoon plans
4 to 6 Months in Advance
- (If booked Music in Motion) - Return Personal Reception Planner
- Make reservations for rehearsal dinner ______________________________________________ Phone #_______________________
- Order invitations, personal stationery, wedding programs, and thank you notes
- Shop for trousseau
- Decide on new place of residence
- Set appointment for complete physical exam ______________________________________________ Phone #_______________________
- Update immunizations
- Call travel agent and book honeymoon reservations ______________________________________________ Phone #_______________________
- Double check: All deposits should be made and contracts signed
2 Months in Advance
- Address wedding invitations
- Select attendants' gifts
- Check local newspaper(s) for wedding announcement deadline
- Set date with fiancé to go together and get the marriage license
- Reserve rental items for the wedding ceremony and reception
- Arrange lodging for any out of town guests
- Buy garter, cake knife, toasting glasses, ring pillow, and guest book
- Give 2 month notice at old residence
1 Month in Advance
- Mail invitations (remember lodging information for out of town guests)
- Arrange final fitting of your gown
- Call and remind bridesmaids of final gown fittings: Date_________ Time____________
- Test new hair styles and make-up you are considering
- Buy groom a wedding gift
- Have formal wedding portrait taken with fiancé: Date_________ Time____________
- Make reservation for bridesmaids' luncheon: Location_______________________________________ Date_________ Time____________
- Confirm honeymoon trip reservations and check your luggage
- Ask friend or relative to be in charge of and responsible for the guest book
- If you plan to tan, start now to ensure safe even coloring
2 Weeks in Advance
- Record wedding gifts as you receive them and mail thank you notes promptly
- Double check attire and accessories for all members of the wedding party
- Confirm time and date of wedding rehearsal with all members of the wedding party
- Review reception seating plans and prepare place cards if necessary
- Make arrangements to consolidate/move all items/furnishings to new residence
- Schedule appointment with hairdresser and manicurist ______________________________________________ Phone #_______________________
- Arrange name and address change on bank account, ATM cards, credit cards, driver's license, social security card, utilities, etc.
- Complete trousseau shopping
- Prearrange a professional to preserve and heirloom your gown and/or florals
- Contact guests who have not responded
One Week in Advance
- Make a final call to entertainment, florist, caterer, and photographers
- Give a final count to caterer/reception facility ____________
- Host the bridesmaids' luncheon
- Begin packing for honeymoon
- Attempt to get plenty of rest each night and reduce salt and alcohol consumption all week to maximize wedding photos
- Consider a massage and/or facial (These are great stress reducers!)
Wedding Day
- Have hair and make-up done
- Take marriage license and rings to ceremony location site
- Allow at least 2 hours to dress prior to the ceremony
- 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!
Good luck!!
Sean Hearn
Music in Motion
https://www.musicinmotion-dj.com
(479) 461-3539