9 to 12 Months Before Your Wedding: |
| Choose your wedding date and time |
| Reserve the date, time, and location of your Wedding with your Officiant |
| Set tentative wedding budget and decide how the expenses will be shared |
| Estimate number of guests from both sides. This estimated number is very important as it will be required when shopping for a reception location |
| Select and book your reception location. At this time you should also have in mind the type of menu your would like |
| Choose your bridal party |
| Shop for a wedding dress, head piece, shoes and other accessories |
| Book your photographer, disc jockey, musicians, and other entertainment for ceremony and reception |
| Consider hiring a Wedding Consultant |
6 to 9 Months Before Your Wedding: |
| Publish your engagement in your local newspaper |
| Select and book your mode of transportation to and from ceremony and reception |
| Determine final guest list with all parties |
| Register with shops who offer Bridal Registries |
| Choose and book your florist |
| Select and order your invitations |
| Consult with your travel agent and book honeymoon. At this time, it is also wise to prepare all passport information |
| Shop for Bridesmaid dresses and accessories |
| Shop for your wedding bands. |
4 to 6 Months Before Your Wedding: |
| Decide on your speakers for your reception - Master of Ceremonies etc. |
| Book men's formal wear |
| Finalize all guest information and begin to write your invitations |
3 Months Before Your Wedding: |
| Make arrangements to obtain your marriage license |
| Begin to make arrangements for your hotel room after your reception. It is also an opportune time to book a block of rooms to accommodate out of town guests |
| Complete all wedding invitations |
| Schedule fittings for all bridal attire. Make sure you bring your Bridal shoes |
| Finalize details of your wedding ceremony - choose ceremony option. At this point, book an appointment with the organist or soloist |
| Arrange rehearsal details |
| Order your wedding cake; ring pillow; garter; knives & servers; guest book and fountain pen |
| If your reception site does not provide liquor, now is the time to contact a wine and liquor representative and obtain a liquor license |
| Book an appointment with hairdresser and make-up artist |
1 to 2 Months Before Your Wedding: |
| Verify all details with all hired professionals, including florist; limousines; photographers/videographer etc. |
| Mail all wedding invitations to your guests |
| Arrange with someone to house sit |
| Organize rehearsal dinners |
| Arrange trial run of Bridal hair and make-up |
| Finalize honeymoon details with travel agent |
| Submit a layout of reception to Disc Jockey, Master of Ceremonies; and any other party who plays a role at a particular time |
| Select and purchase attendants' gifts |
| Arrange change of address and all other forms of Identification that need to be changed |
| Determine your travel needs - that is, a new suitcase, swimsuit etc. |
| Bride: Start wearing your wedding shoes on a daily basis to work them in |
1 to 2 Weeks Before Your Wedding: |
| Finalize guest numbers with caterer or hall. At this time, inform them of any special exceptions you may require - food allergies, 2 vegetarian meals, etc. This step may require you to contact any guests who have not yet replied to your invitation |
| Pick up gown and Bridal party dresses |
| Pick up airline tickets; travelers cheques |
| Verify accommodations for out of town guests |
| Prepare a checklist of details to be assigned to bridal party |
| Organize your gown preservation and cleaning. This task can be completed while you are on your honeymoon |
| Prepare seating plans, seating cards and master guest list for reception |
| Pick up wedding bands. Make sure they fit |
| Best man should organize final formal wear fittings the men in the wedding party. He should also arrange to return the Groom's attire the next day |
| Book facials, waxing and any other esthetics that are required |
| Finish packing for your honeymoon |
| Arrange transportation for Bridal party from ceremony to photos or reception |
2 Days Before your Wedding: |
| Give wedding bands and marriage license to Best Man or other designated person |
| Rehearsal dinner takes place and gifts are given to wedding party |
Day Before Your Wedding: |
| Have a manicure and pedicure |
| Pick up formal wear |
| Take a trip to your reception site to ensure that the location is ready for the reception. This will be your last chance to set up. |
Day of Your Wedding: |
| Transfer your engagement ring to your right hand |
| Be dressed and ready for photographer/videographer approximately 2 hours before the ceremony or according to your arrangements |
| Hairdresser and make-up artist will arrive according to your arrangements |