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!