Here is a rough list of what needs to be done and when. Of course, everyone
is going to have a different amount of time between the engagement and the
marriage, so you'll have to work out a schedule of your own based on these
guidelines.
12 months +
Announce your engagement
Decide on a budget
Pick a wedding date
Find a wedding consultant (if desired)
9-11 months
Get a folder or binder for organizing info and receipts
Start looking at reception sites (book one as soon as possible)
Interview caterers and pick one
Start looking for an officiant
Decide on how many guests you want
Choose your attendants/groomsmen early so that you can delegate tasks
Find a ceremony site
Choose a theme for your wedding/reception (colors, style, etc.)
Start looking for a wedding gown
Finalize the guest list with full names, addresses, etc.
Start looking for a band/DJ and book them as soon as possible
Look into any rentals you need for your reception site
Decide on an officiant and meet with them
Interview photographers (and videographer)
Make a final decision on your gown
6-8 months
Reserve your photographer (and videographer)
Choose a florist and tell them what you have in mind for your flowers
Give your bridesmaids/groomsmen lists of tasks
Decide on where you are going to register and pick what you want
Find dresses for your bridesmaids
Send out "Save the Date" cards or contact out-of-town guests
Select a baker and choose your wedding cake style
Get your bridesmaids' measurements, or have them order their dresses
themselves
Find ceremony musicians (if desired)
Order your wedding gown
Start planning the rehearsal dinner
Figure out what style and wording you want for your invitations
Finalize menu and service details with your caterer
Order your invitations (make sure you get extra, just in case!)
4-5 months
Groom should decide on what he and his groomsmen will wear
Rent what you need for your reception (tables, chairs, etc.) unless they
provide it
Start planning the honeymoon and book as soon as possible
Book a calligrapher or printer for your invitations
Reserve a site for your rehearsal dinner
Book hotel room for your wedding night
Finalize your decision on a floral scheme and tell the florist
2-3 months
Choose your accessories and have the bridesmaids coordinate
Want to try out different beauty ideas (hair dye, tanning, etc)? Do it now
Find and purchase your wedding rings
Schedule bridal portraits or engagement pictures (if desired)
Groom should have his attire ordered or rented
Make sure bridesmaids and groomsmen have bought their attire
Make or buy your favors
Talk to your attendants about a bridal shower and bachelor party
Buy wedding day lingerie and shoes in time for your first dress fitting
Get passports, vaccinations, etc. if you are having an international
honeymoon
Pick up your invitations or make sure they have been shipped to you
already
Start taking better care of yourself- exercise, eat right, etc.
Talk to people who you'd like to do something at your wedding
Start addressing your invitations
Confirm delivery date of your gown and schedule your fitting appointments
Talk to your insurance provider and have your spouse included after the
wedding
Get wedding bands engraved (if not done when purchased)
Groom should buy all necessary accessories
Make a guest list for your bridal shower and give it to the host
Begin your dress fitting appointments
Decide on wedding day transportation and reserve, if necessary
Send out your invitations
5-6 weeks
Order any drinks not included in the catering contract
Purchase your veil before your final fitting
Begin working on your vows if you are writing your own
Update your registry as you receive gifts
Research local marriage license requirements
Go to your final gown fitting
Start using whitening toothpaste and other products
Finalize your vows
Write "Thank-you" notes for bridal shower gifts
Buy a guestbook and matching pen
Visit with your hairstylist to decide on the best hairdo to go with your
veil
3-4 weeks
Send rehearsal dinner invitations
Schedule appointments to get your hair and make-up done on your wedding
day
Get marriage license
Work on a song list for your band/DJ
Pick out the jewelry and other accessories you don't have yet
Meet with or call your officiant to finalize details
Confirm wedding night and honeymoon reservations
Do the necessary paperwork if your are changing your name
Pick up your gown and make sure it fits right
Pick up your veil and/or headpiece
Get your bridal portrait or other pictures (if desired)
Work out wedding day timing issues and make sure attendants know the info
Call guests who haven't RSVP'd yet to get a final headcount
Confirm headcount with caterer and other vital information
Determine your receiving line order (if necessary)
Figure out wedding day assignments for attendants and family members
Practice walking in your wedding dress
Call reception site to make sure all vendors will be able to get inside
1-2 weeks
Put together a seating plan (if you're having one)
Give the plan to the caterer, or whoever will be in charge of the tables
Contact your officiant and give them final details about the rehearsal/
wedding
Confirm delivery time, location, and final arrangement count with florist
Groom should pick up tux and make sure it fits right
Shop and pack for the honeymoon
Confirm all final payment amounts with vendors
Confirm location, date and time with photographer (and videographer)
Groom should get a final hair cut (don't wait till last minute!)
Prepare your toasts and ask close friends and family to work on theirs
Contact transportation providers with a list of times and locations
Distribute wedding day directions, schedule, and tasks to wedding party
Designate someone to meet with and handle the vendors on the wedding day
Pack an overnight bag for your wedding night
Put final payments and tips for vendors in envelops to hand out after the
wedding
Confirm location, date and time with band/DJ
Designate someone to collect the wedding gifts
Day Before
Get a manicure and pedicure (plus any waxing or final tanning)
Put wedding gown and all accessories in one place so you don't lose
anything
Confirm all honeymoon travel plans
Drop off favors, guestbook and pen to reception site
Rehearse the ceremony with officiant and wedding party
Have fun and relax at the rehearsal dinner
Set your alarm clock and get some sleep!
Day Of
Confirm with people who you asked to give toasts
Set aside time for a private moment with your new spouse
Smile, relax, and enjoy the day!
Bridal Warehouse Louisville
We outfit brides, bridesmaids, flower girls and Mother of the Bride.