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.

First steps

¨ 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.

9 to 12 months

¨ 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.

5 to 8 months

¨ 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.

3 to 4 months

¨ 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.

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.

Flowers, Page 56

4 weeks

¨ Pick up wedding bands. ¨ Apply for your marriage license. ¨ Create a day-of schedule with your planner or photographer. ¨ Begin determining seating chart.

2 weeks

¨ 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!