i do the list
What to Do, When Fiancé: Check. Now it’s all about the attire, the flowers, the DJ and so much more. Take a deep breath and use this guide as a basic outline to help you prepare for your big day. Make sure you nail every last detail by downloading our wedding-planning workbook, too. It’s free for our Countdown Club members; join now at cbuswedmag.com/Countdown. Flowers, Page 56
First steps
9 to 12 months
3 to 4 months
4 weeks
¨¨Announce your engagement verbally to those closest to you, then make it Facebook official. ¨¨Arrange for your families to meet if they haven’t already. ¨¨Decide on your overall theme and other big details, like time of year and general location. ¨¨Begin researching vendors and attire inspiration.
¨¨Make a rough guest list. ¨¨Choose a date. (Visit cbuswedmag.com/Forecast for help picking the perfect one.) ¨¨Set your budget and determine who’s paying for what. ¨¨Begin booking vendors. ¨¨Choose your bridal party. ¨¨Create a wedding website. ¨¨Choose a color palette. ¨¨Reserve hotel blocks.
¨¨Give your guest list and envelopes to your calligrapher. ¨¨Schedule hair and makeup trials. ¨¨Schedule bride’s and groom’s alterations as needed. ¨¨Make sure wedding party alterations are scheduled as needed. ¨¨Order wedding bands. ¨¨Order or make favors and a guest book. ¨¨Request time off work. ¨¨Send invitations to out-of-country guests.
¨¨Pick up wedding bands. ¨¨Apply for your marriage license. ¨¨Create a day-of schedule with your planner or photographer. ¨¨Begin determining seating chart.
¨¨Select and order attire for you and your partner. ¨¨Create a registry. ¨¨Take engagement photos. ¨¨Finalize your guest list and confirm mailing addresses. ¨¨Order and send save-the-dates. ¨¨Research ceremony traditions, potential readings, etc. ¨¨Book your honeymoon. ¨¨Make sure wedding party attire is ordered. ¨¨Finalize and order invitations.
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COLUMBUS WEDDINGS SPRING/SUMMER 2020
2 months ¨¨Send invitations to out-of-town guests. ¨¨Buy gifts for your wedding party, parents, etc. ¨¨Finalize flower arrangements, rental items, etc.
6 weeks ¨¨Send invitations to local guests. ¨¨Order ancillary stationery like place cards and programs. ¨¨Finalize ceremony with your officiant. ¨¨Start breaking in your shoes.
¨¨Assemble guest bags for the hotel. ¨¨Send final guest count to caterer. ¨¨Finalize seating chart. ¨¨Touch up haircut/color.
1 week ¨¨Make a day-of emergency kit. (Get tips on what to include at cbuswedmag.com/Kit). ¨¨Make sure you and your partner’s attire fits and is picked up. ¨¨Make sure your wedding party’s attire fits and is picked up. ¨¨Confirm day-of details with all vendors. ¨¨Pack for the honeymoon.
Day before ¨¨Drop off stationery, ceremony pieces and favors at venue(s). ¨¨Drop off guest bags at hotel. ¨¨Organize tip envelopes and assign someone to hand them out during the reception. ¨¨Attend the rehearsal and dinner. ¨¨Get a great night’s sleep!
PHOTOS: TIM JOHNSON
5 to 8 months
2 weeks
