Dream Wedding Planning Guide & Checklist
The following checklist is an “ideal” timetable. Couples who do not have as much time as shown should plan their wedding in much the same order, using the checklist as a guide. Be sure to check things off as you complete them.
Immediately After the Engagement:
| □ | Discuss a budget, size and style of the wedding with your parents |
| □ | Decide who pays for what |
| □ | Meet with clergy member; schedule pre-marital counseling |
| □ | Reserve your church venue |
| □ | Reserve wedding and reception sites; make initial contact with the reception venue’s weedding and event planner. |
| □ | Register at local bridal registries |
| □ | Contact photographers; hire one |
Six Months or More Before the Wedding:
| □ | Compile the Guest List. It may take several iterations before you finalize your list. |
| □ | Reserve a block of hotel rooms for out of town guests; stay close to minimize driving after the reception |
| □ | Choose engagement and wedding rings |
| □ | Send your engagement announcement to newspapers |
| □ | Select and order wedding gown |
| □ | Select the attendants (bridesmaids and groomsmen). Choose and order bridesmaids’ dresses |
| □ | Select one usher for every 50 guests |
| □ | Check out videographers; hire one |
| □ | Make arrangements for the music at the wedding and reception |
| □ | Check out bakers for the wedding cake. Get estimates. Choose one |
| □ | BOOK THE DATE – make sure this date works for both the church and reception venue |
| □ | Plan beauty preparations (nails, diet, hair, skin care and makeup) |
Four Months or More Before the Wedding:
| □ | Complete the guest list and confirm final details with the reception venue’s wedding and event planner |
| □ | Order invitations (25 extra) and personal stationary or ‘‘Thank You’’ notes |
| □ | Order napkins and purchase any other items needed for the ceremony and reception |
| □ | Check with the reception venue’s wedding and event planner to see what he/she includes |
| □ | Visit the photographer again to discuss specifics |
| □ | Get estimates and order flowers and floral arrangements for wedding and reception |
| □ | Get estimates and order balloons, decorations and favors for wedding and reception |
| □ | Make all transportation arrangements to and from the wedding and reception |
| □ | Consider hiring a limousine, party bus, trolley or horse drawn carriage |
| □ | Book room for wedding night (nice if in the same place as your reception – no driving) |
| □ | Make honeymoon plans |
Three Months or More Before the Wedding:
| □ | Order wedding rings. Allow time for any final engraving |
| □ | Order tuxedos for the groomsmen and fathers |
| □ | Complete all honeymoon plans. If traveling outside the country, check on visas, passports and inoculations |
Two Months or More Before the Wedding:
| □ | Mail invitations (six weeks before the wedding; eight weeks to out-of-town guests) |
| □ | Order tuxedos for the groomsmen and fathers |
| □ | Make appointments with the hair dresser for the bride and attendants or out-of-town guests |
| □ | Buy a wedding gift for your future spouse and gifts for attendants and helpers |
| □ | Finalize arrangements of accommodations for out-of-town attendants and guests |
One Month or More Before the Wedding:
| □ | Choose all accessories, shoes, and lingerie for bridal gown |
| □ | Have final fitting for bridal gown and bridesmaid’s dresses |
| □ | Have a beauty consultant do a trial run with bride’s hair and makeup. Schedule this appointment on the day the bridal portrait is taken and/or a party is planned |
| □ | Have bridal portrait taken |
| □ | Register all tuxedo sizes with the formal wear store |
| □ | Check with the newspapers on wedding announcement requirements |
| □ | Finalize plans for rehearsal dinner. Often special pricing for this if at the same place as reception |
| □ | Plan seating arrangements for the rehearsal dinner and reception |
| □ | Arrange bridesmaids’ luncheon. Often that is when the bride gives them their gifts |
| □ | Complete name-change documents |
| □ | Complete Change of Address information for post office |
| □ | Get blood tests (if required) |
| □ | Keep current with “Thank You” notes for shower and early wedding gifts |
Two Weeks or More Before the Wedding:
| □ | Get the marriage license. Be sure to bring all needed documents |
| □ | Inform or send invitations including exact time and location to those who will attend the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner |
| □ | Inquire about where you and your attendants will dress for the ceremony |
| □ | Walk through the entire event in your mind. Consider things like parking, access for handicapped guests, etc. |
| □ | Confirm all transportation plans |
| □ | Check in with reception venue’s wedding and event planner, photographer, videographer, musicians, DJ, florist, etc. |
| □ | Confirm all arrangements |
| □ | “Break in” wedding shoes at home |
One Week or More Before the Wedding:
| □ | Appoint someone to act as an “organizer” to handle any last minute problems |
| □ | Give a final guest count to the reception venue’s wedding and event planner |
| □ | Review final details for those in the wedding party |
| □ | Confirm honeymoon arrangements |
| □ | Pack for the honeymoon. Know what you’ll wear from the reception |
| □ | Enjoy a day with your family and friends. Visit the Spa, have a massage, a facial and relax |
One Day or More Before the Wedding:
| □ | Attend the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner |
| □ | Give the rings and clergy member’s fee to the best man |
Wedding Day: ENJOY YOUR DAY!!
Please contact us if you have any questions, or if you would like us to help you plan your special wedding day.
Jan Fiorello - Janice.Fiorello@Cliffbreakers.com
Phone: 815.637.4976