THE WEDDING PLANNER
Preparing for your wedding day begins with planning the details in a timely manner to ensure things will run smoothly. Avoiding as many pitfalls as possible will make the day pleasant and enjoyable for you and your guests. We’ve provided a checklist to assist you as you make your plans so your day can be as memorable as possible. Click Here for our Wedding Planning Directory.
SIXTEEN TO NINE MONTHS PRIOR
- Start a wedding folder or binder
- Work out your budget
- Pick your wedding party
- Start the guest list
- Hire a planner, if desired
- Reserve your date and venues
- Book your officiant
- Research photographers, bands, florists and caterers
- Throw an engagement party, if you wish
EIGHT MONTHS PRIOR
- Hire a photographer and videographer
- Book the entertainment
- Meet with caterers
- Purchase the dress
- Rent tuxedoes
- Reserve a block of hotel rooms for guests
- Register with gift registries
- Create your wedding website
SEVEN TO SIX MONTHS PRIOR
- Select and purchase invitations
- Start planning the honeymoon
- Shop for bridesmaid’s dresses
- Meet with the officiant
- Send save-the-date cards
- Select a florist
- Arrange/book transportation
- Create timeline of events
FIVE TO FOUR MONTHS OUT
- Book the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner venues
- Select and order the cake
- Send guest list to the host of your bridal shower
- Purchase wedding shoes
- Begin dress fittings
- Schedule hair and makeup & nail appointments
- Choose your music
THREE MONTHS PRIOR
- Finalize the menu
- Finalize floral arrangements
- Order favors
- Finalize toastmaster choices
- Select the ceremony reading
- Purchase your undergarments
- Finalize the order of the ceremony and reception
- Print menu cards and programs
- Send the event schedule to all vendors
TWO MONTHS PRIOR
- Confirm all vendor agreements/plans
- Meet with the photographer
- Review the music with the band or deejay
- Send out invitations
- Submit a newspaper wedding announcement
- Enjoy the bachelorette party
ONE MONTH PRIOR
- Record RSVP’s in your guest list database
- Get your marriage license
- Mail the rehearsal-dinner invitations
- Final dress fitting appointment
- Stock the bar
- Send out final payments for services
- Confirm hair/ makeup/ vendor times
- Email and/or mail directions for vendors
- Assign seating
- Purchase bridesmaid gifts
- Write vows
WEEK OF THE WEDDING
- Confirm time & location details with vendors
- Delegate small wedding-day tasks
- Send a timeline to the bridal party
- Pick up your dress
- Confirm time & location details with photographer
- Set aside payments for vendors
- Book a spa treatment
- Send final guest list to caterer and all venues hosting your events
- Break in your shoes
- Pack for the honeymoon
- Relax and enjoy your special day