Six months before the Wedding Date
- Think about the type of wedding you want:
- formal or informal
- big or small
- the time of year
- venue where you want it to take place
- Set your budget
- Hire wedding coordinator, if desired
- Compile guest list, and organize addresses
- Finalize wedding date
- Reserve ceremony and reception sites
- Choose attendants
- Order dress and accessories, including veil and shoes
- Book a wedding officiator
- Book caterer
- Order wedding cake
- Book florist
- Book music for ceremony and reception
- Book photographer and videographer
- Plan and book honeymoon
- Send save-the-date cards, if using
Six months before the Wedding Date
- Reserve rental equipment, such as tables, chairs, and tents
- Arrange transportation for the wedding day
- Order stationery, invitations thank-you notes
- Book a calligrapher, if plan on using this type of service
- Register for gifts
- Purchase wedding rings
- Purchase or reserve groom's attire
- Choose attendants' attire
- Buy stockings and any special lingerie your dress requires
- Choose favors
- Book a room for wedding night
- Choose gifts for wedding party
- Reserve accommodations for out-of-town guests
- Sign up for dance lessons
Two to Four months before the Wedding Date
- Discuss details of menu with caterer
- Discuss service with your officiator
- Choose readings for ceremony
- Write your wedding vows, if you choose
One to Two months before the Wedding Date
- Buy guest book
- Have programs printed
- If your state requires blood tests, make appointments
- Obtain marriage license, and request certified copies
- If you intend to change your name, prepare the necessary documents
- Send change-of-address information to post office.
- Contact local newspapers about publishing wedding announcement.
Two Weeks before the Wedding Date
- Have final dress fitting with shoes, accessories, and lingerie
- Begin seating plan, and write place cards
- Notify caterer of guest count
- Write toasts for rehearsal dinner and wedding reception
- Address announcements
- Break in wedding shoes at home
- Designate a house sitter for while you are on your honeymoon
- Find out where your guests will be staying
- If you plan to deliver welcome notes or gifts to their rooms
One Week before the Wedding Date
- Finalize seating plan
- Assign specific responsibilities:
- Who will be handing out corsages and boutonnieres, to members of your wedding party?
- Pick up dress or have it delivered
- Confirm details with caterer
- Confirm honeymoon arrangements
- Give your itinerary to a friend or family member in case of emergency
- Pack for honeymoon
- Update caterer with final guest and vendor meal counts
One Day before the Wedding
- Confirm transportation arrangements for ceremony and reception
- Give announcements to an attendant for mailing after the wedding
- Have manicure and pedicure
- Rehearse ceremony
- Hold rehearsal dinner
- Give gifts to wedding party
- If you choose, give gifts to parents to thank them for their support
- Prepare tip and payment envelopes for officiator and vendors
- Make arrangements for someone to distribute tips and payments