PLANNING TIMELINE

12+ MONTHS

Announce your engagement Having an engagement party? Set the date, make a guest list, and send out invites. Decide your style + color palette Create your wedding budget Choose a wedding date and time Book your ceremony & reception site Create your guest list Create your wedding website Book any priority vendors Choose a wedding planner

4-5 MONTHS

Finalize the floral proposal Decide on attire for the guys Book a calligrapher Finalize your rentals Make honeymoon reservations and be sure your passports are current Research travel Insurance & purchase it Address the invitations Book your wedding night accommodations Book the rehearsal dinner location and finalize the menu

9-11 MONTHS

Book your ceremony + reception site Book your officiant, priest or minister Choose your wedding party and decide on roles for other important family and friends Book your caterer and begin thinking about your reception menu Say “Yes to the Dress” Finalize your guest list Hire a photographer & videographer Hire Musicans/DJ’s Hire your Florist Book your Rental Company

3-4 MONTHS

Choose accessories & details for your wedding party Schedule facials, haircuts, and root touch ups Attend pre-wedding counseling Browse for and buy wedding rings Decide on wedding favors Book transportation Confirm the delivery date of your dress and schedule fittings Celebrate at your bridal shower Decide on ceremony readings and reach out to those you want involved Start writing your vows Write your reception song lists for must-play & do-not-play songs

6-8 MONTHS

Register for gifts Plan the ceremony with your officiant Take engagement pictures Begin planning your honeymoon Research hair and makeup artists Meet with and book a cake vendor Decide on your bridesmaids’ dresses Block out hotel rooms for guests Order & send save-the-dates Plan the rehearsal dinner Order your invitations Create a menu with your caterer Be sure your bridesmaids have ordered their dresses

2 MONTHS

Send out your wedding invitations Work on the ceremony programs Have your bachelorette party Buy your veil, shoes, & accessories Decide on your something old, new, borrowed, and blue Arrange for child care for reception Figure out what is needed for your marriage license Check on hotel reservations and block out more rooms if needed Attend your first dress fitting Schedule hair and makeup trial appointments for a month before Get started on thank you notes for the gifts already received

Call guests who have not returned their RSVP yet Attend the final tasting and finalize the menu with the caterer Finalize the ceremony Finalize the ceremony programs Send rehearsal dinner invitations Write down a day-of schedule Plan night-before activities Get gifts for parents & each other

1-2 WEEKS BEFORE

Map out the seating chart and give it to the caterer, manager, and planner Provide the caterer, baker and venue with the final head count. Also add vendors who will be attending. Give the venue manager a list of necessities from other vendors such as table for DJ, florist setup area etc. Create escort cards Confirm transportation arrangements for the wedding day Shop and pack for the honeymoon Confirm final payments, details, and delivery times with each vendor Write out wedding toasts Break in your wedding shoes Attend your final dress fitting Pack overnight bag for wedding night Give a honeymoon itinerary to close family and friends Put final payments & tips for vendors in labeled envelopes & give to a designated person to distribute on wedding day Provide a must-take photo & video list to your photographer and videographer Apply for a marriage license together Send song list to the DJ or musician Get final haircut & hair color touch up Arrange airport pickups for close family members and guests who will not be renting a car. Confirm transportation to the airport for your honeymoon Gather your wedding day emergency kit Get your dress steamed Prepare thank you gifts for parents and bridal party with special thank you notes Touch base with ceremony and reception venues Decide on order of bridesmaids and groomsmen Hand of place cards to caterer or whoever will be arranging them Confirm with your florist that they received your correct floral order and knows where and when the flowers will be delivered Confirm the locations and pickup times with the transportation company Confirm the toasts with your bridal party and family

Get your manicure and pedicure Pack ceremony assessories Have your ceremony rehearsal Provide the officiant with your marriage license Have your rehearsal dinner Give the bridal party their gifts at the rehearsal dinner Review hair and makeup schedule with the bridesmaids

Give parents & each other your gifts Give the best man and/or maid of honor your wedding rings Give your father or best man the officiant’s fee envelope to be handed out after the ceremony Give wedding invitation suite, ring box, garter, wedding jewelry and anything special you want in your flat lay to your photographer

DAY BEFORE

WEDDING DAY