12 Months before 

Announce Engagement  

Brainstorm together on what type of wedding you want to have and choose date

Set a Real Budget

Reserve location for your wedding and reception

Make appointment with clergy if ceremony will occur at religious facility

Consider hiring a wedding consultant.

12 - 16 Months before

Choose Attendants  

Select Music, Flowers, Photographer & Videographer (Review portfolio’s & check References)  

Select wedding color scheme

Select and Order Wedding Dress, Attendant’s, Mother’s Dresses & Accessories

Plan New Home  

6 - 4 Months 

Check state and local regulations for obtaining marriage license where ceremony will be held.

Compile & Finalize Guests List  

Select & Order Invitations, Thank You Notes & Personal Stationery

Plan Honeymoon Trip (Don’t Forget Your Passports!)

Shop for Wedding Trousseau

Order Rings

Set up gift registry

If personalizing your ceremony, write vows or select readings, etc… 

3 Months before

Confirm Delivery Date for Wedding Dress & Bridal Party Dresses  

Purchase Wedding Party Gifts  

Select and Order Formal Wear for Men  

Plan Luncheon for Bridal Attendants at the restaurant or hotel  

Formally announce your engagement

Finalize reception site, caterer, photographer, and other services; pay required deposits

Select rings

Finalize honeymoon plans

2 Months before

Address & Mail Wedding Invitations  

Organize transportation for yourselves and the wedding party

Purchase wedding gifts for each other

Arrange to get Marriage License

Contact Local Newspapers for Wedding Announcement

Final Menu Consultation with the restaurant or hotel

Send Thank You Notes for gifts as you receive them

Make hotel and transportation arrangements for out-of-town guests

1 Month before 

Arrange for Final Fitting of all Gowns  

Have Wedding Portrait Taken

Make Hair, Makeup & Manicure Appointments

Confirm Arrangements with Band or DJ

Confirm Photographer & Videographer

Confirm details with Florist

Make Rehearsal Dinner Reservation  

Organize Name and address change, if any, by getting forms from postal delivery, driver’s license, social security cards, credit cards, banks, etc…

Plan ceremony and reception decorations and discuss with proper contacts

Arrange for trusted friend or family member to oversee signing of guest book

Two Weeks before

Check fittings of all wedding raiment, including groom’s

Arrange to move Belongings to New Home  

Arrange Seating Plan for Reception

Pick Up Wedding Rings

Reconfirm honeymoon plans with travel agent and Pick Up Honeymoon Tickets

Give caterer final count for reception

1 Week before

Confirm details with Caterer, Photographer, Florist, Videographer, musicians, Band or DJ 

Pack for Honeymoon, placing all important documents together

Purchase Travelers Checks

Check fit of wedding rings, and pick them up if you haven’t already

Ask family member or hired consultant to handle all errands on your big day

4 Days before

Pick Up Men’s Formal Wear

Rehearsal

Attend Rehearsal Dinner

Present Gifts to Attendants

Check your Luggage

3 Days before

Call the restaurant or hotel with your Final Guest Count  

Bring Place Cards, Favors, Toast Glasses, Cake Knife and Seating

Diagram to the restaurant or hotel

Wedding Day

Relax and Enjoy Your Special Day!