Wedding Checklist & Timetable

Checklist* & Timetable

Timing

Task
12-18 Months
  • Announce your engagement.
  • Discuss the framework/style for a celebration that suits your families & budget.
10-15 Months
  • Research providers for the key services you will need, such as venues, musicians, caterers, florists, photographer and/or videographer.
8-14 Months
  • Secure providers of the key services you will need such as: wedding consultant, venues, musicians, caterers, florists, photographer and videographer.

Almost all will require non-refundable deposits.

  • Select attendants.
6-10 Months
  • Select and order bridal gown, bridesmaids’ dresses and accessories.
  • Arrange for out-of-town guest accommodations.
4-8 Months
  • Develop a guest list with current addresses.
  • Design and order invitations and thank you notes.
  • Consider decorations, reception favors, napkins, and menus with caterers.
  • Select music and flowers.
  • Consider transportation needs for out-of-town guests.
  • Plan rehearsal dinner.
  • Plan new home & complete bridal registry.
  • Plan honeymoon.
3-6 Months
  • Select and order: reception favors, napkins, guest book, menus, decorations, religious accessories, and transportation needs.
  • Select and order wedding rings.
  • Select and order mother’s dresses.
  • Research legal requirements for marriage where your ceremony will take place.
  • Obtain any immunizations you will need for the honeymoon.
2-4 Months
  • Address and mail invitations.
  • Arrange for final fittings for all wedding apparel.
  • Develop a coordinated timetable for your reception that includes formalities, musicians and food service.
  • Arrange for a “hotel” welcome for out-of-town guests that could include itinerary, directions, brochure of things to do, and treats.
  • Write vows and create wedding program.
  • Determine gifts for attendants, parents, each other.
  • Book hairstylist, makeup artist, manicurist and go for a trial run.
  • Arrange formal wear for men.
  • Arrange to get marriage license.
  • Take wedding portrait and place wedding announcement in local paper.
3-8 weeks
  • Reconfirm all service providers and honeymoon plans.
  • Call guests who have not responded and develop a seating plan.
  • Change name and/or beneficiary on all legal documents.
7-21 days
  • Confirm final guest count with caterer.
  • Adjust seating arrangements as necessary.
2-6 days
  • Pack an “emergency kit” for your wedding day. Consider including thread & needle, refresher for make-up, hairbrush, stockings, etc.

*This checklist is meant to serve as a guide for the different elements you should consider (to include or exclude) as you plan your celebration.

28th May 2015

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