6-12 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING
- Put an engagement announcement in your paper
- Set a wedding date and make preliminary budget
- Determine what size and style wedding you want to have
- Reserve a limousine service
- Consider working with a professional wedding planner
- Reserve ceremony and reception sites
- Select a caterer if your reception does not provide one
- Hire an officiant for your ceremony
- Choose your bridal party
- Start compiling names and addresses for the guest list
- Buy your gown, headpiece, veil, and lingerie
- Decide on attire for bridesmaids and groomsmen
- Select a photographer, videographer, musician, and florist
- 6 months before, develop a personal beauty routine for skin, hair, make-up and fitness
4 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING
- Pay all deposits for the reception
- Set up your registry for gifts
- Order wedding stationery
- Have all bridal party attire ordered
- Select wedding cake
- Start planning the honeymoon
2 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING
- Address and mail all invitations
- Make wedding-day transportation arrangements
- Find accommodations for out-of-town guests
- Confirm any last details with your wedding day professionals
- Plan a bridesmaids party, wedding rehearsal and dinner
- Consider a next-day brunch for out of town guests
- Try out your hair and makeup people
- Have your formal bridal portraits taken
- See your doctor (and dentist) and get a clean bill of health
1 MONTH
BEFORE THE WEDDING
- Have a final gown fitting
- Buy gifts for your attendants
2 WEEKS
BEFORE THE WEDDING
- Pick up your marriage license
- Prepare wedding announcements for the newspaper
- Get any legal information about changing your name
1 WEEK
BEFORE THE WEDDING
- Call any guest that has not responded
- Tell your caterer the final head count
- Set up your seating arrangement
- Give your band or DJ a list of songs that must be played
- Start sending out those thank-you notes
- Organize your wedding-day attire, and try everything on
- Pack your honeymoon suitcase
1 DAY
BEFORE THE WEDDING
- Get a manicure and pedicure
- Attend the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
- Get a good night sleep
YOUR WEDDING DAY
- Get your hair and make-up done (wear a shirt that doesn’t need to come over your head)
- Have your ceremony music start half an hour before you make your entrance
ONCE YOU’RE BACK
FROM THE HONEYMOON
- Send your wedding announcement out
- Get your wedding gown and flowers preserved
- Write thank-you notes
- Update your car insurance, address, license, social security records, as needed
