Wedding checklist The question was popped and the proposal joyfully accepted. Now it’s time to plan the wedding. Here’s a month-by-month checklist to make sure you don’t forget a thing. 12 months before
4 months before
(civil or religious, big or small) m Choose a date m Determine the number of guests m Establish a budget m Pick venues for the ceremony and reception (it’s best to reserve early)
3 months before
m Decide on the type of wedding you’d like
11 months before
m Make your guest list m Choose a caterer (meet with a few first) m Select your wedding party m Hire a wedding planner
m Reserve wedding day transportation for the wedding party m Select alcohol and other drinks for the reception m Taste and choose your wedding cake m Buy wedding bands m Shop for and order the groomsmen’s attire
m Purchase wedding favors for your guests m If you’d like your loved ones to say or read something
during the ceremony, let them know
m Write down your vows m Decide on activities for the reception
(photo booth, dancing, games, etc.)
10 months before
2 months before
9 months before
1 month before
m Start shopping for a wedding dress m Decide on a theme for your wedding m Choose an officiant if you haven’t already done so
m Book a photographer m Reserve a block of hotel rooms for your out-of-town guests m Purchase a wedding gown m Shop for the groom’s attire and purchase it
8 months before
m Meet with your officiant to plan your ceremony m Book your entertainment (DJ, band, MC, etc.) m Shop for and purchase your bridesmaids’ dresses m Design and order the wedding invitations and
save-the-date cards
7 months before
m Create a gift registry m Hire a florist m Plan your honeymoon
6 months before
m Send out the save-the-date cards m Book your hair and makeup appointments for the day of
(also schedule trial runs for both)
m Book a hotel room for the wedding night if necessary
5 months before
m Create a schedule for the big day m Decide on dates for bachelor and bachelorette parties m Shop for and purchase shoes, jewelry and accessories
8 | UPSTATE BRIDE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2020
m Send out your wedding invitations m Do trial runs for both hair and makeup m Give your music selections to the DJ or MC
m Finalize the schedule for the big day m Choose a seating plan for the reception m Break in your shoes
1 week before
m Visit the desired beauty professionals
(hair colorist, esthetician, etc.)
m Practice reading your vows m Write out checks to pay your vendors
1 day before
m Get your nails done m Give the checks to someone you trust to pay the vendors
Day of
m Enjoy!
