The Wedding Planning Checklist

Get to Your Special Day with your sanity intact by following this recommended
12-Month Checklist
Bride
Groom
______
______
12 Months Before:
______
______
Announce your engagement.
______
______
Arrange for both sets of parents to get together.
______
______
Decide on a date.
______
______
Discuss your budget with everyone contributing to the event.
______
______
Interview wedding planners, if you be using one.
______
______
Pick the ceremony site and visit the officiant.
______
______
Work on the guest list to get a rough head count.
______
______
Visit reception sites and reserve one.
______
______
______
______
6 - 9 Months Before
______
______
Choose your wedding party.
______
______

Select a caterer.

______
______
Enroll in a bridal-gift-registry.
______
______
Shop for your gown.
______
______
Pick the bridal attendants' dresses.
______
______
Choose a photographer and/or videographer.
______
______
Hire a florist.
______
______
Book the musicians and/or DJ.
______
______
4 - 6 months before:
______
______
Buy wedding invitations, envelopes, thank-you cards, etc.
______
______
Order the wedding gown.
______
______
Shop for the cake.
______
______
Scout accommodations for your out-of-town guests.
______
______
Complete the guest list (assume 20% won't attend).
______
______
Send out "save-the-date" letters.
______
______
2-4 Months Before:
______
______
Call County Clerk's Office for Marriage License requirements.
______
______
Order the tuxedos for the groom and groomsmen,
______
______
Get a blood test, if needed for a license.
______
______
Make honeymoon reservations. Compile all the necessary travel documents (passports, visas, etc.)
______
______
Meet with the caterer or banquet manager to discuss menus, service style, wine lists, etc.
______
______
Order the wedding cake.
______
______
Select approved ceremony music.
______
______
Pick the reception music.
______
______
Buy thank you gifts for the attendants.
______
______
______
______
Meet with party-rental companies, if necessary.
______
______
Arrange the rehearsal dinner.
______
______
4-8 Weeks Before:
______
______
Mail the invitations eights weeks ahead of the date.
______
______
Do a hair and makeup run-through (with headpiece)
______
______
Book your favorite beauty pros for the big day.
______
______
Make insurance policy changes you'll need post-wedding.
______
______
2-3 Weeks Before:
______
______
Do the seating for the reception.
______
______
Confirm details with the photographer, florist, etc.
______
______
Give the caterer the final head count.
______
______
Have your final dress and tuxedo fittings.
______
______
1 Week Before:
______
______
Place the fees due on the wedding day in envelopes.
______
______

Appoint a punctual pal to transport the cake knife, toasting glasses or other heirlooms to and from the wedding site..

______
______
Get last-minute beauty treatments of your choice.
______
______
Pack for the honeymoon. (Ask someone to bring your luggage to the reception if you're leaving from there).
______
______
Reconfirm flights and hotel reservation for the honeymoon.
______
______
The Day Before:
______
______
Greet your out-of-town guests.
______
______
Go to the gym or do some other stress reducing activity.
______
______
Schedule time for beauty - a manicure touch-up or a hairstyling appointment- before the rehearsal dinner.