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Timeline/Checklist Check the items you have completed then print out the list to check newly completed items later by hand.
TWELVE MONTHS (or more) before the wedding: Decide on wedding date Contract a consultant (if you are using one) Decide on size/style of wedding Work out budget with those who are paying Decide on a wedding style and color scheme Compile guest list Reserve sites for the ceremony and reception Arrange outside catering if it isn't provided at the reception site Reserve officiant for the ceremony Attend a bridal show for ideas
6-12 MONTHS: Choose bridesmaids and other attendants Arrange purchase/hire/making of bridal gown and veil Order attendants' outfits and accessories Order mothers' dresses Select and schedule meetings with: Officiant Coordinators for ceremony and reception sites Caterer Organist, musicians and vocalists Reception entertainment Florist Photographer Videographer Order the wedding cake Reserve a site for the rehearsal dinner Plan the honeymoon Plan your new home
THREE TO SIX MONTHS: Finalize guest list Order printing of invitations, other stationery Prepare text of service sheet and arrange printing Finalize reception details with caterer Choose and reserve tuxedos Pre-shop & finalize gift registry selections (or at least one month before your first shower) Book bridal suite for wedding night Make reservations for honeymoon Arrange transportation for the wedding party Select and order wedding ring(s) Have first fitting of wedding gown Consult lawyer on marriage contract, wills Meet with consultant with regard to life insurance and coverage for new home Block rooms at nearby hotels for out-of-town guests
TWO - THREE MONTHS: Address invitations and announcements, send out 6-8 weeks before wedding Make appointment with hairdresser Organize visas/passports for honeymoon, if needed Choose going-away outfit, purchase honeymoon clothing Select wedding album and guest books Order cake knife, garter, ring pillow, etc. Arrange method of recording gifts as they arrive Check with and finalize arrangements for:
Plan bridesmaid's luncheon, groomsmen's party Schedule final dress fitting Check on marriage license requirements Pick up rings
ONE MONTH: Finalize arrangements for new home Make hairdresser appointment Record replies to invitations Record gifts, promptly mail out thank-you notes Check apparel for whole bridal party Purchase gifts for bride/groom and attendants
TWO WEEKS: Double check with all contracted services Pick up marriage license Arrange seating plan and place cards for reception Arrange name changes on bank accounts, licenses, etc.
ONE WEEK: Phone those who have not responded to your invitation Provide the caterer with the final guest count Pack for your honeymoon Pick up honeymoon tickets, traveler's checks, etc. Pick up wedding gown and attendants' outfits, store properly Break in your wedding shoes at home Have a trial run with hairdresser (with actual headwear) Continue to record and acknowledge gifts
THE DAY BEFORE: Pick up tuxedos Hold wedding rehearsal Give rehearsal dinner Double check that you've packed everything needed for your honeymoon
THE WEDDING DAY!: Have your hair done Dress for the ceremony - allow two hours Have initial photographs taken - alone, with parents, with bridesmaid(s), at least one hour before ceremony. Do you have: The rings? The officiant's fee? Payment for other contracted services? Marriage license? Snacks? (it may be a long time before you get to eat again!)
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