Wedding Timeline

Six to twelve months before the wedding

  • Announce engagement
  • Set a date for the wedding
  • Arrange a meeting between parents
  • Conduct discussion concerning the wedding budget
  • Determine who will be in the wedding party
  • Meet with wedding consultant
  • Shop for and decide upon a gown
  • Schedule fittings
  • Interview and all vendors (photographer, florist, caterer, and baker)
  • Sign all contracts regarding selected vendors
  • Consider the purchase of wedding insurance  
  • Choose bridesmaid/bridesmaids’ attire  

Three to six months before the wedding

  • Discuss wedding ceremony needs and desires with Wedding Celebrant
  • Select music for the ceremony (recorded music, DJ, or musicians)
  • Compile the guest list with both sides of the family  
  • Place wedding cake order
  • Order invitations, announcements, and personal stationery
  • Contact travel agent to plan honeymoon
  • Make honeymoon reservations
  • Arrange the rehearsal dinner (place, food, time, etc.)
  • Sign up for a wedding registry  
  • Look into marriage license requirements for your area.
  • If you are having a “destination wedding,” plans should be in place to comply with any special requirements.

Two to three months before the wedding

  • Address invitations and announcements
  • Reserve any rental formalwear
  • Purchase attendants’ gifts
  • Recruit friends and family to help during the ceremony (seating, greeting, parking, presentations of special readings, etc.)
  • Decide if a bridesmaids’ luncheon and/or bachelor’s dinner is appropriate
  • Arrange for babysitting if needed during the wedding and/or weekend
  • Formalize menu details with the caterer
  • Schedule a time for the rehearsal
  • Purchase wedding extras (guest book, ring pillow, favors, etc.)
  • Arrange limousine transportation from the ceremony to the reception

Four to six weeks before the wedding  

  • Mail invitations and send out of town guests information on local accommodations
  • To stay on-target, write thank-you notes as wedding gifts arrive  
  • Design and print ceremony programs
  • Have a legal discussion with partner (life insurance, will, etc.)  
  • Purchase bride’s gift to groom (not required)
  • Purchase groom’s gift to the bride (not required)
  • Submit wedding announcements to local newspapers
  • Take a few dance lessons to improve dancing techniques
  • Are professional make-up artist and hairstylist are needed?  Decide what will give the best results to compliment a bridal headpiece. Schedule appointments with all beauty professionals (hair, make-up, manicure, pedicure, etc.)

Seven days before the wedding

  • Obtain a final count of reception guests and notify caterer  
  • Finalize all plans with florists, baker, photographers, musicians, etc.  
  • Begin packing for honeymoon  
  • Confirm honeymoon reservations
  • Pick up or have your gown delivered  
  • Finalize all details (accommodations, transportation, wedding schedule, and wedding ceremony) with attendants
  • Confirm rehearsal dinner arrangements
  • Pack an “emergency kit” for the day of the wedding (extra hosiery, nail polish, safety pins, aspirin, needle and thread, hairspray, curling iron, scissors, etc.)  
  • Secure the marriage license according to state laws

One day before the wedding

  • Out-of town guest should be welcomed as they arrive
  • Get all wedding items packed and ready to go
  • Pamper yourself with a massage, manicure, and pedicure


Enjoy your wedding day!