Some couples prefer a long engagement, and others rush to make their wedding plans in a few short weeks. No matter how long you have to plan your wedding, organization is the key. Forgetting important details or leaving vital decisions to the last minute will make your planning process all the more difficult.
We’ve compiled a timeline to help keep you on track when organizing the most important day of your life. Take a look below, and use our suggestions to help you plan the wedding of your dreams.
Nine-12 Months
- Announce your engagement.
- Set the date and time for your ceremony.
- Reserve locations for your ceremony and reception.
- Make a budget, and determine who will pay for which services or items.
- Hire a wedding coordinator, if desired.
- Book the photographer, caterer, florist, videographer and band/DJ.
- Shop for a baker if your caterer is not baking your cakes.
- Find out if your church requires premarriage counseling or classes, and determine when you and your fiance should begin.
- Choose your color scheme, and begin shopping for your dress and your attendants? dresses.
- Begin researching honeymoon options.
Six-Nine Months
- Start gathering names and addresses for your guest list.
- Arrange hotel accommodations and transportation for out-of-town guests.
- Make final decision on bridesmaids? dresses.
- If the groom and groomsmen are renting tuxedos, have them fitted.
Four-Six Months
- Finalize your guest list.
- Send “Save the Date” cards to guests.
- Order invitations, napkins, programs, etc.
- Choose your wedding rings.
- Register for gifts.
- Finalize honeymoon accommodations.
- Work with groom’s family on rehearsal dinner plans, or make sure plans have been made.
Two-Four Months
- Finalize plans with photographer, caterer, florist, videographer and band or DJ.
- Make appointments for hair, manicure and makeup.
- Coordinate attendants? luncheon.
- Have final dress fitting.
- Schedule wedding portrait with photographer.
- Address invitations.
- Mail invitations about six weeks before wedding date.
- Apply for marriage license no more than 60 days before the ceremony.
- Write announcement for local and/or statewide newspaper.
Two Weeks
- Purchase attendants’ gifts.
- Finish any accessories, birdseed bags or party favors that you are making.
- Purchase welcome bag goodies for out-of-town guests.
- Confirm date to send announcement to newspaper.
- Type up a schedule of events for attendants.
One Week
- Provide caterer with total guest count.
- Confirm last-minute details and requests with all vendors. Make sure payments are ready.
- Put together an emergency kit including safety pins, bobby pins, breath mints, a sewing kit, pain- reliever, Band-aids, spot remover and anything else you might need in a pinch.
- Begin packing for your honeymoon.
- If you don?t have a wedding coordinator, designate a family member or close friend to help out with unexpected occurrences. Make sure she has the names, phone numbers and copies of contracts for all vendors.
- Ask a trustworthy friend or relative to take home any gifts you receive at the reception.
Wedding Day
- Allow plenty of time to get ready.
- Relax and enjoy!
After the Honeymoon
- If you are taking your new husband?s last name, immediately start the process of updating your Social Security card, driver’s license, credit cards, passport, etc.
- Have gown cleaned and/or preserved.
- Write and mail thank-you notes.
