Post by Kathryn Hawk-Bond on Mar 9, 2012 19:04:29 GMT -5
Immediately:
Announce Your Engagement
Begin Thinking About The Type Of Wedding You Want
Select Your Preferred Date For The Wedding. Before You Finalize It, Confirm With Important Guests, Ceremony And Reception Sites, And Officiant
Determine Your Budget And Priorities
9 To 11 Months Before Your Wedding:
Set Date For Engagement Party If You Are Having One
Send Announcement Of Engagement And Engagement Photo, If Desired, To Newspaper
Determine Approximate Wedding Size And Begin Compiling You Guest List
Select An Officiant Who Suits Your Style. Meet With The Officiant To Discuss Your Ceremony, Your Preferred Date, And Any Religious Requirements
Research Possible Ceremony Sites If Not Determined By Officiant Or Reception. Reserve Your Preferred Site As Soon As Possible
Check Out Possible Reception Sites. Reserve Your Preferred Site As Soon As Possible
Choose Attendants And Groomsmen And Ask Them To Do You The Honor
Hire A Wedding Coordinator, If You Choose To Use One
Determine Your Wedding Style And Choose A Color Scheme If You Wish
Investigate Ways To Personalize Your Ceremony And Reception, Identifying Customs And Traditions That You May Want To Include
Begin Interviewing Florists, Photographers, And Videographers
Interview Caterers And Sign A Contract With Your Favorite One. Determine Approximate Price Per Head And Work On Menu
Begin Looking For Musicians/Djs For Your Ceremony And Reception. Make Decision, Sign A Contract, And Send In Your Deposit
Start Shopping For Your Wedding Gown
6 To 8 Months Before Your Wedding:
Contact Out-Of-Town Guests When Wedding Date Is Finalized So They Can Make Plans To Attend
Consider How Your Honor Attendant And Best Man Can Help You And Your Fiancé Prepare For The Wedding And Discuss This With Them
Begin Looking At Invitations, Consider Wording And Design
Order Your Wedding Gown
Select The Attendants’ Dresses. Order The Dresses Or Arrange For Attendants To Place The Order Themselves
Interview Bakers And Sign Contract With Your Favorite
Finalize Reception Menu, Price Per Head, And Service Details With Caterer
Choose Your Florist. Sign A Contract And Pay A Deposit To Reserve The Florist’s Services For Your Date
Make A Final Decision On A Photographer And Videographer, If You Are Using One. Sign Contracts And Pay Deposits
Schedule Premarital Counseling Sessions If Desired Or If Required By Your Officiant.
Begin Discussing Prenuptial Agreement If You Plan To Have One
4 To 5 Months Before Your Wedding:
Look Into Various Registries, And Then Register For Gifts
Provide Rehearsal Dinner Guest List And Contact Information To The Host
Offer To Help Host Locate And Book Site For Rehearsal Dinner
Plan Postwedding Brunch If You Are Having One. If You Want To Host It Somewhere Other Than Your Home, Book The Site
Reserve Tables, Chairs, And Other Equipment Needed For Ceremony And Reception If The Caterer Or Location Manager Is Not Taking Care Of This
Begin Shopping For Attire For Groom And Groomsmen
Plan Your Honeymoon And Begin Making Travel Reservations
If You’re Planning An International Honeymoon, Get Everything That You Need, Such As Passport, Birth Certificate, Visas, International Driver’s Permits, And Inoculations
Book Hotel Room For Wedding Night
Reserve A Block Of Rooms For Out-Of-Town Guests
Gather Information About Local Attractions And Plan Activities. Then Send Information Packets, Including Hotel Information, To Out-Of-Town Guests
Order Invitations. Arrange For Calligrapher To Address Invitations, If Desired
2 To 3 Months Before Your Wedding:
Finalize Decisions On Attire For Groom And Groomsmen And Place The Order At The 3-Month Mark
Research Local Marriage License Requirements. If An Aids Test Is Required, Make Appointment At The 3-Month Mark
Pick Up Invitations
Address Invitations Or Drop Off At The Calligrapher’s. Send Them Out At The 2-Month Mark
Send The Postwedding Brunch Invitations To Out-Of-Town Guests Who Will Be Attending The Wedding
Make Sure Homeowner’s Insurance Covers Your Rings And Gifts
Choose Attendants’ Accessories
Give Groomsmen Information They Need To Buy Or Reserve Their Attire
Groom Locates And Purchases/Rents Accessories
Shop For And Purchase Wedding Rings And Arrange For Them To Be Engraved, If Desired
Make Sure Attendants Have Purchased Their Dresses And Accessories. Confirm Delivery Date
Confirm Delivery Date For Wedding Gown; Schedule Fittings
Determine What Is Needed For Ceremony And Reception Decorations And Purchase Them
Make Or Buy Favors
Arrange Wedding Day Transportation
Invite People To Take Part In Your Ceremony Through Performances Or Readings.
Decide Who Will Host And Plan The Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties And Shower
Schedule Wedding Day Beauty Appointments
Sit For Bridal Portrait If You Decide To Get One
4 To 6 Weeks Before Your Wedding:
Confirm Reservations For Out-Of-Town Guests
Work With Florist To Finalize Floral Scheme And Order. Make Sure All Details Are Recorded On Your Contract
Update And/Or Add Items To Your Registry As You Receive Presents
Write Thank You Notes For Gifts Received
Write Ceremony Program If You’re Having One. If You Plan To Order Programs From Your Stationer, Allow 1-Month For Printing
Write Your Own Vows, If Desired
Buy A Guest Book And Nice Pen
Order Liquor, Wine, And Champagne If Not Included In Catering Contract
Arrange Parking For The Ceremony And Reception, If Necessary
Arrange For Babysitting At The Reception If Necessary
Attend Gown Fittings
Meet With Your Stylist To Finalize Your Hairstyle. Take Your Veil Or Headpiece With You
Submit Your Wedding Announcement To Newspapers
Send Rehearsal Dinner Invitations
Confirm Times And Date With All Vendors
Shop For Attendants’ Gifts And Gifts For Each Other
If Purchasing A Tuxedo, Groom Arranges For Fitting
2 To 3 Weeks Before Your Wedding:
Get Marriage License And Make Appointments For Medical Exam And Tests If Necessary. Check Expiration Date Of License
Do Paperwork For Official Documents If You Are Changing Your Name
Submit Your Change Of Address Cards To The Post Office And All Other Necessary Parties
Arrange For Your Automobile And Homeowner’s Insurance Policies To Include You And Your Future Spouse, With The Wedding Day As Your Start Date.
Check With Your Employer Or Insurance Agent To Determine When Changes To Your Life And Health Insurance Policies Can Be Made, If Applicable
Confirm Wedding Night And Honeymoon Reservations
Get Final Prewedding Haircuts, If Necessary
Finalize Wedding Day Timeline And Details. Write Up A Schedule
Call Or E-Mail Wedding Party To Relay Critical Information Related To The Rehearsal And Wedding
If You Are Having A Receiving Line, Determine Where You Want Everyone To Stand
Pick Up Your Wedding Rings
Schedule Final Fitting For Your Gown At The 2-Week Mark. Pick Up Your Gown, Veil, And Headpiece Or Make Arrangements For The Bridal Salon To Deliver Them
Provide A Playlist For Your Dj Or Band, Including Songs That You Do Not Want To Have Played
Call Guests Who Haven’t Rsvp’d For The Wedding Or The Rehearsal Dinner So You Can Provide A Final Head Count
Confirm Head Count, Delivery Time, And Location With The Baker
Give Final Head Count To Caterer; Confirm Setup Instructions And Menu Items
Contact Ceremony And Reception Location Managers To Make Sure Vendors Have Access To The Site When They Need It
Provide Site Contact And Parking Information To All Vendors
Meet With Officiant By Phone Or In Person To Finalize Ceremony Details. Finalize Any Special Preferences, Readings Or Other Ceremony Details In Writing And Provide Rehearsal And Wedding Day Schedules
Plan A Bridal Luncheon, Tea, Party, Or Cocktail Hour To Thank Your Attendants For Their Help
Put Together A Seating Plan If You Are Having A Sit-Down Reception Meal
Purchase Or Make Place Cards And Give To Caterer Or Location Manager
1 To 2 Weeks Before Your Wedding:
Confirm Delivery Locations, Times, And Final Arrangement Count With Florist
Confirm All Payment Amounts With Your Vendors
Confirm Location, Date, And Time With Photographer And Videographer And Give Them A Must-Take Photos Checklist
Confirm Date, Location, Time, And Playlist With Musicians For Ceremony, Cocktail Hour, And Reception
Give Transportation Providers A Schedule And Addresses For Pickups On Wedding Day
Designate Someone To Meet And Work With Each Vendor On The Wedding Day If You Don’t Have A Wedding Coordinator
Designate Someone To Collect Personal Belongings From The Bride’s And Grooms Dressing Rooms After The Wedding/Reception
Arrange For Someone To Collect The Wedding Gifts Including Any Cash Gifts That Are Brought To The Reception
Ask Your Parents Or A Close Friend To Take The Top Layer Of Your Wedding Cake Home After The Reception And Freeze It For You
Arrange For Someone To Collect The Disposable Cameras At The Reception, If You Are Planning To Use Them
Put Final Payments And Cash Tips In Marked Envelops And Give To A Designated Family Member Or Friend To Distribute On The Wedding Day
Arrange For A Bridesmaid Or Your Parents To Pick Up Your Wedding Clothes And Other Personal Belongings At The Hotel After You Depart
Prepare Toasts And Thank Yous To Friends And Family
If Renting A Tuxedo, Groom Picks Up The Tux And Any Necessary Accessories At Least 1-Week Before The Wedding. He Should Try The Tuxedo On Before Leaving The Shop
If Purchasing A Tuxedo, Groom Picks Up The Tux And Any Necessary Accessories At Least 1-Week Before The Wedding. He Should Try The Tuxedo On Before Leaving The Shop
Groom Reminds Attendants To Pick Up Their Tuxedos And Accessories 2 To 3 Days Before The Wedding
Bride Confirms Wedding Day Beauty Appointments
Schedule Massages For The Morning Of The Wedding If Desired
Pack An Overnight Bag For Your Wedding Night
Confirm All Specific Honeymoon Travel Plans Including Transportation To Airport, Etc.
Purchase Travelers Checks For Honeymoon. Convert A Small Amount Of Cash Into Foreign Currency If You’ll Be Traveling Out Of The Country
Leave A Copy Of Your Honeymoon Itinerary, Traveler’s Check Numbers, Passport Numbers, And Other Important Information With Someone Incase Of Emergency
Pack For Honeymoon
Drop Off Favors, Guest Book, And Pen At The Reception Site
Put Together Or Order Gift Baskets For Out-Of-Town Guests’ Hotel Rooms, If Desired
Day Before Your Wedding:
Each Of You Gathers Everything You’ll Need For Your Wedding Day.
Bride Gets Manicure And Pedicure
Rehearse The Ceremony With Officiant And Wedding Party
Enjoy Your Rehearsal Dinner
If You Are Having A Morning Wedding, Arrange For A Backup Wakeup Call In Case Your Alarm Doesn’t Work
Your Wedding Day:
Set Aside A Quiet Time To Relax With Family Or Have A Massage Before Your Day Gets Hectic
Eat A Snack Or A Small Meal Before The Ceremony
Thank Your Parents For Their Love And Support, Knowing That The Joy They Feel For You And Your Fiancé Is Tinged With A Little Sadness
Relax, Smile, And Bask In The Beauty And Joy Of Your Day!
After Your Wedding:
Write And Mail All Thank You Notes Within 1-Month Of Your Wedding Day
Write Letters To Your Parents Thanking Them For All Their Help And Support. You May Want To Send A Gift As Well
Make Sure All Bills Have Been Paid In Full
Arrange For Gown And Veil To Be Cleaned And Preserved Within 6-Months Of Your Wedding Day
Take Any Personal Film Or Disposable Cameras From The Wedding To Be Developed
Check With Videographer To Find Out When You Can Expect Your Edited Wedding Video
Move The Frozen Top Layer Of Your Wedding Cake From Your Parents’ Or Friend’s House To Your Freezer. Plan To Eat It As Part Of Your First Anniversary Celebration
Make Any Necessary Insurance Policy Changes
Announce Your Engagement
Begin Thinking About The Type Of Wedding You Want
Select Your Preferred Date For The Wedding. Before You Finalize It, Confirm With Important Guests, Ceremony And Reception Sites, And Officiant
Determine Your Budget And Priorities
9 To 11 Months Before Your Wedding:
Set Date For Engagement Party If You Are Having One
Send Announcement Of Engagement And Engagement Photo, If Desired, To Newspaper
Determine Approximate Wedding Size And Begin Compiling You Guest List
Select An Officiant Who Suits Your Style. Meet With The Officiant To Discuss Your Ceremony, Your Preferred Date, And Any Religious Requirements
Research Possible Ceremony Sites If Not Determined By Officiant Or Reception. Reserve Your Preferred Site As Soon As Possible
Check Out Possible Reception Sites. Reserve Your Preferred Site As Soon As Possible
Choose Attendants And Groomsmen And Ask Them To Do You The Honor
Hire A Wedding Coordinator, If You Choose To Use One
Determine Your Wedding Style And Choose A Color Scheme If You Wish
Investigate Ways To Personalize Your Ceremony And Reception, Identifying Customs And Traditions That You May Want To Include
Begin Interviewing Florists, Photographers, And Videographers
Interview Caterers And Sign A Contract With Your Favorite One. Determine Approximate Price Per Head And Work On Menu
Begin Looking For Musicians/Djs For Your Ceremony And Reception. Make Decision, Sign A Contract, And Send In Your Deposit
Start Shopping For Your Wedding Gown
6 To 8 Months Before Your Wedding:
Contact Out-Of-Town Guests When Wedding Date Is Finalized So They Can Make Plans To Attend
Consider How Your Honor Attendant And Best Man Can Help You And Your Fiancé Prepare For The Wedding And Discuss This With Them
Begin Looking At Invitations, Consider Wording And Design
Order Your Wedding Gown
Select The Attendants’ Dresses. Order The Dresses Or Arrange For Attendants To Place The Order Themselves
Interview Bakers And Sign Contract With Your Favorite
Finalize Reception Menu, Price Per Head, And Service Details With Caterer
Choose Your Florist. Sign A Contract And Pay A Deposit To Reserve The Florist’s Services For Your Date
Make A Final Decision On A Photographer And Videographer, If You Are Using One. Sign Contracts And Pay Deposits
Schedule Premarital Counseling Sessions If Desired Or If Required By Your Officiant.
Begin Discussing Prenuptial Agreement If You Plan To Have One
4 To 5 Months Before Your Wedding:
Look Into Various Registries, And Then Register For Gifts
Provide Rehearsal Dinner Guest List And Contact Information To The Host
Offer To Help Host Locate And Book Site For Rehearsal Dinner
Plan Postwedding Brunch If You Are Having One. If You Want To Host It Somewhere Other Than Your Home, Book The Site
Reserve Tables, Chairs, And Other Equipment Needed For Ceremony And Reception If The Caterer Or Location Manager Is Not Taking Care Of This
Begin Shopping For Attire For Groom And Groomsmen
Plan Your Honeymoon And Begin Making Travel Reservations
If You’re Planning An International Honeymoon, Get Everything That You Need, Such As Passport, Birth Certificate, Visas, International Driver’s Permits, And Inoculations
Book Hotel Room For Wedding Night
Reserve A Block Of Rooms For Out-Of-Town Guests
Gather Information About Local Attractions And Plan Activities. Then Send Information Packets, Including Hotel Information, To Out-Of-Town Guests
Order Invitations. Arrange For Calligrapher To Address Invitations, If Desired
2 To 3 Months Before Your Wedding:
Finalize Decisions On Attire For Groom And Groomsmen And Place The Order At The 3-Month Mark
Research Local Marriage License Requirements. If An Aids Test Is Required, Make Appointment At The 3-Month Mark
Pick Up Invitations
Address Invitations Or Drop Off At The Calligrapher’s. Send Them Out At The 2-Month Mark
Send The Postwedding Brunch Invitations To Out-Of-Town Guests Who Will Be Attending The Wedding
Make Sure Homeowner’s Insurance Covers Your Rings And Gifts
Choose Attendants’ Accessories
Give Groomsmen Information They Need To Buy Or Reserve Their Attire
Groom Locates And Purchases/Rents Accessories
Shop For And Purchase Wedding Rings And Arrange For Them To Be Engraved, If Desired
Make Sure Attendants Have Purchased Their Dresses And Accessories. Confirm Delivery Date
Confirm Delivery Date For Wedding Gown; Schedule Fittings
Determine What Is Needed For Ceremony And Reception Decorations And Purchase Them
Make Or Buy Favors
Arrange Wedding Day Transportation
Invite People To Take Part In Your Ceremony Through Performances Or Readings.
Decide Who Will Host And Plan The Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties And Shower
Schedule Wedding Day Beauty Appointments
Sit For Bridal Portrait If You Decide To Get One
4 To 6 Weeks Before Your Wedding:
Confirm Reservations For Out-Of-Town Guests
Work With Florist To Finalize Floral Scheme And Order. Make Sure All Details Are Recorded On Your Contract
Update And/Or Add Items To Your Registry As You Receive Presents
Write Thank You Notes For Gifts Received
Write Ceremony Program If You’re Having One. If You Plan To Order Programs From Your Stationer, Allow 1-Month For Printing
Write Your Own Vows, If Desired
Buy A Guest Book And Nice Pen
Order Liquor, Wine, And Champagne If Not Included In Catering Contract
Arrange Parking For The Ceremony And Reception, If Necessary
Arrange For Babysitting At The Reception If Necessary
Attend Gown Fittings
Meet With Your Stylist To Finalize Your Hairstyle. Take Your Veil Or Headpiece With You
Submit Your Wedding Announcement To Newspapers
Send Rehearsal Dinner Invitations
Confirm Times And Date With All Vendors
Shop For Attendants’ Gifts And Gifts For Each Other
If Purchasing A Tuxedo, Groom Arranges For Fitting
2 To 3 Weeks Before Your Wedding:
Get Marriage License And Make Appointments For Medical Exam And Tests If Necessary. Check Expiration Date Of License
Do Paperwork For Official Documents If You Are Changing Your Name
Submit Your Change Of Address Cards To The Post Office And All Other Necessary Parties
Arrange For Your Automobile And Homeowner’s Insurance Policies To Include You And Your Future Spouse, With The Wedding Day As Your Start Date.
Check With Your Employer Or Insurance Agent To Determine When Changes To Your Life And Health Insurance Policies Can Be Made, If Applicable
Confirm Wedding Night And Honeymoon Reservations
Get Final Prewedding Haircuts, If Necessary
Finalize Wedding Day Timeline And Details. Write Up A Schedule
Call Or E-Mail Wedding Party To Relay Critical Information Related To The Rehearsal And Wedding
If You Are Having A Receiving Line, Determine Where You Want Everyone To Stand
Pick Up Your Wedding Rings
Schedule Final Fitting For Your Gown At The 2-Week Mark. Pick Up Your Gown, Veil, And Headpiece Or Make Arrangements For The Bridal Salon To Deliver Them
Provide A Playlist For Your Dj Or Band, Including Songs That You Do Not Want To Have Played
Call Guests Who Haven’t Rsvp’d For The Wedding Or The Rehearsal Dinner So You Can Provide A Final Head Count
Confirm Head Count, Delivery Time, And Location With The Baker
Give Final Head Count To Caterer; Confirm Setup Instructions And Menu Items
Contact Ceremony And Reception Location Managers To Make Sure Vendors Have Access To The Site When They Need It
Provide Site Contact And Parking Information To All Vendors
Meet With Officiant By Phone Or In Person To Finalize Ceremony Details. Finalize Any Special Preferences, Readings Or Other Ceremony Details In Writing And Provide Rehearsal And Wedding Day Schedules
Plan A Bridal Luncheon, Tea, Party, Or Cocktail Hour To Thank Your Attendants For Their Help
Put Together A Seating Plan If You Are Having A Sit-Down Reception Meal
Purchase Or Make Place Cards And Give To Caterer Or Location Manager
1 To 2 Weeks Before Your Wedding:
Confirm Delivery Locations, Times, And Final Arrangement Count With Florist
Confirm All Payment Amounts With Your Vendors
Confirm Location, Date, And Time With Photographer And Videographer And Give Them A Must-Take Photos Checklist
Confirm Date, Location, Time, And Playlist With Musicians For Ceremony, Cocktail Hour, And Reception
Give Transportation Providers A Schedule And Addresses For Pickups On Wedding Day
Designate Someone To Meet And Work With Each Vendor On The Wedding Day If You Don’t Have A Wedding Coordinator
Designate Someone To Collect Personal Belongings From The Bride’s And Grooms Dressing Rooms After The Wedding/Reception
Arrange For Someone To Collect The Wedding Gifts Including Any Cash Gifts That Are Brought To The Reception
Ask Your Parents Or A Close Friend To Take The Top Layer Of Your Wedding Cake Home After The Reception And Freeze It For You
Arrange For Someone To Collect The Disposable Cameras At The Reception, If You Are Planning To Use Them
Put Final Payments And Cash Tips In Marked Envelops And Give To A Designated Family Member Or Friend To Distribute On The Wedding Day
Arrange For A Bridesmaid Or Your Parents To Pick Up Your Wedding Clothes And Other Personal Belongings At The Hotel After You Depart
Prepare Toasts And Thank Yous To Friends And Family
If Renting A Tuxedo, Groom Picks Up The Tux And Any Necessary Accessories At Least 1-Week Before The Wedding. He Should Try The Tuxedo On Before Leaving The Shop
If Purchasing A Tuxedo, Groom Picks Up The Tux And Any Necessary Accessories At Least 1-Week Before The Wedding. He Should Try The Tuxedo On Before Leaving The Shop
Groom Reminds Attendants To Pick Up Their Tuxedos And Accessories 2 To 3 Days Before The Wedding
Bride Confirms Wedding Day Beauty Appointments
Schedule Massages For The Morning Of The Wedding If Desired
Pack An Overnight Bag For Your Wedding Night
Confirm All Specific Honeymoon Travel Plans Including Transportation To Airport, Etc.
Purchase Travelers Checks For Honeymoon. Convert A Small Amount Of Cash Into Foreign Currency If You’ll Be Traveling Out Of The Country
Leave A Copy Of Your Honeymoon Itinerary, Traveler’s Check Numbers, Passport Numbers, And Other Important Information With Someone Incase Of Emergency
Pack For Honeymoon
Drop Off Favors, Guest Book, And Pen At The Reception Site
Put Together Or Order Gift Baskets For Out-Of-Town Guests’ Hotel Rooms, If Desired
Day Before Your Wedding:
Each Of You Gathers Everything You’ll Need For Your Wedding Day.
Bride Gets Manicure And Pedicure
Rehearse The Ceremony With Officiant And Wedding Party
Enjoy Your Rehearsal Dinner
If You Are Having A Morning Wedding, Arrange For A Backup Wakeup Call In Case Your Alarm Doesn’t Work
Your Wedding Day:
Set Aside A Quiet Time To Relax With Family Or Have A Massage Before Your Day Gets Hectic
Eat A Snack Or A Small Meal Before The Ceremony
Thank Your Parents For Their Love And Support, Knowing That The Joy They Feel For You And Your Fiancé Is Tinged With A Little Sadness
Relax, Smile, And Bask In The Beauty And Joy Of Your Day!
After Your Wedding:
Write And Mail All Thank You Notes Within 1-Month Of Your Wedding Day
Write Letters To Your Parents Thanking Them For All Their Help And Support. You May Want To Send A Gift As Well
Make Sure All Bills Have Been Paid In Full
Arrange For Gown And Veil To Be Cleaned And Preserved Within 6-Months Of Your Wedding Day
Take Any Personal Film Or Disposable Cameras From The Wedding To Be Developed
Check With Videographer To Find Out When You Can Expect Your Edited Wedding Video
Move The Frozen Top Layer Of Your Wedding Cake From Your Parents’ Or Friend’s House To Your Freezer. Plan To Eat It As Part Of Your First Anniversary Celebration
Make Any Necessary Insurance Policy Changes