The List The What and When of Wedding Planning □ Start Here
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1 year before □ □ □ □ □
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Imagine yourself on the day of your wedding Pick a season, not a date Write up two guest lists: The Absolutes! and The Maybes ? Have the money conversation and determine who is paying for what Decide the max you would ever want to spend and then set a lower goal to shoot for Remember to budget for everything: most important being a photographer, the dress, flowers, transportation, invitations, the venue, food (and honeymoon!) Hire a wedding planner if you want one Reserve a venue for the ceremony and reception (BEFORE deciding on a date) Book a stationer for save the dates &
Invitations
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6 months before □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □
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Decide on your officiant Go dress shopping ! Look for vendors – meet the potentials in person Select your bridal party and let each of them know they’re included
8 months before □
Hire a florist, musical entertainment, & photographer
Shop for wedding bands together Order invitations Send save the dates Meet with vendors and confirm details (start with your venue) Choose a getaway car Secure transportation for bridal party, parents and other guests if necessary Book a honeymoon Secure any rentals (linen, chairs, etc) Order Bridesmaid dresses
4 months before
10 months before □ □ □
Hire a caterer (if your venue does not supply food) Order your dress Block hotel rooms for out-of-town guests (be sure to offer a price range) Register for gifts!
Go cake tasting and make an order Hire a calligrapher if needed Plan a rehearsal dinner (traditionally hosted by Grooms Family) Have a Bridal Shower and then send thank you notes Choose groom’s and groomsmen attire
2 months before □ □ □ □ □ □
Mail invitations Schedule a hair and makeup trial Write the vows if you plan to personalize them Finalize ceremony details with officiant Accessorize your look Buy gifts for VIPs (Parents, etc.)
6 weeks before □ □ □ □ □
Confirm arrival of bridesmaid dresses Apply for a marriage license Print placecards, menus, programs and any other reception stationery Bachelorette party anyone?? Plan welcome baskets for out-oftowners
4 weeks before □ □
Decide which pictures you’d like to take and submit list to photographer Send playlist to DJ including first dance song, ceremony playlist, as well as “Do Not” playlist!
2 weeks before □ □ □ □ □
Final dress fitting Procure your marriage license Update the registry Review the RSVPs and chase stragglers Finalize Seating Chart
1 week Before □ □ □ □ □
Break in your shoes Provide final head count to venue and caterer Get Waxing’s or Facials Pick up your Dress Pay Final Bills
48 hours before □ □ □
Drop off welcome baskets (if any) to hotels Put vendor tips in envelopes & delegate distribution to MOH or BM Reconfirm transportation pick up times
Day before □ □ □
Do any last minute primping (nails, tanning) Rehearse the ceremony & go to dinner Give bridal party & parents their gifts The Big Day!
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Exchange gifts or cards with the Groom Give rings to the Best Man or MOH Eat Small light meals Sign Marriage License Beautify Get Married Enjoy!