Month By Month Checklist
9 TO 12 MONTH
Reception Faciliy – Decide your reception style and look for a perfect location match. Book it as soon as you agree it’s perfect and available for your date
Reception / Catering Contract – Confirm that your reception / catering contract includes everything that you discussed, sign it, and submit deposit
Menu – Plan your menu with reception facility or caterer
Officiant – Identify and select ceremony officiant and / or premarital counselor who meet your needs and personality
Engagement Party – Set date, guest list, and order invites
Wedding Guest List – Discuss approximate count with parents and request their “guest list”
Finalize Guest List
Ceremony Location – Identify a ceremony site if not already chosen
Bridal Party – Discuss bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girl, ring bearer. Also think about family and friend for ceremony readers, guest book attendants, candle lighters, etc…
Colors & Themes – Lock in wedding colors and themes with regards to ceremony décor, reception space and your wishes
Wedding Dress Thoughts – Start looking at styles in magazines and online
Wedding Dress Shopping – Head out to bridal salons to review options
Customs & Traditions – List and discuss family thoughts and wishes to incorporate into your ceremony or reception
Reception Music – Identify options and begin sampling bands or DJs
Flowers – Schedule appointments to research wedding florists
Rentals – Review your needs (linens, chairs, dance floor, tent, etc…)
Invitations – Review options and ideas
Ceremony Planning – Talk to our officiant about regulations, requirements or counseling
Research Photographers – Discuss your thought and wishes
Hair & Make-Up – Think about styles and select a salon
Registry – Open registries at your favorite locations
6 TO 8 MONTHS
Select Photographer – Decide on Packages, sign contract and submit deposit
Schedule Engagement Photos
Select Florist – Reserve services, sign contract and submit deposit
Bridesmaids Dresses – Search Options and Photos and discuss with your bridesmaids
Buy Wedding Dress – Finalize Options and submit deposit
Cakes & Bakers – Discuss your desires and begin your search
Book the Band or DJ – Sign the contract and submit your deposit
Music – Select Ceremony Music / Musicians
Honeymoon Selection – Discuss, confirm and book
Dress Selection – Finalize Bridesmaids
Out-Of-Town Guest – Select hotel and set aside rooms
Registry Updates – Update and expand the list (bridal party ideas)
Select your Baker – Choose the design, sign the contract and submit your deposit
Send Save-the-Date Notices – Don’t forget to include family and bridal party members
Confirm Bridesmaids Dress Orders – Confirm that all necessary measurements have been submitted and orders have been placed
Finalize Ceremony Music – Confirm and submit deposit
Rehearsal Dinner – Review locations and options for dinner
Invitations – Select wording and designs
Finalize Receptions / Catering Menu
Wedding Insurance – Research and purchase if desired
Floral Centerpieces – Research and place order
Order Invitations and Announcements
4 TO 5 MONTHS
Flower Details – Revisit floral styles, choose wedding flowers and confirm contract
Groomsmen Attire – Decided on style, from formal wear to casual, based on wedding style
Place Groomsmen’s Order – Buy or Rent as necessary and schedule fittings
Finalize items for ceremony and reception
Book Rehearsal Dinner – Provide estimated attendance numbers and special requirements
Wedding Night Hotel Room – Book it now!
Honeymoon Reservations – Book and confirm flights, rooms and plans
Address invitations – Decide on calligraphy or start addressing to avoid crunch
2 TO 3 MONTHS
Send Invitations – Three months before wedding date
Marriage Contract – Select based on religion and culture
Identify Bridesmaid Accessories – Shoes, Jewelry, etc… and share the info
Beauty, Nutrition & Fitness – Make appointments to begin the final preparations. Consider facials, massages, teeth whitening, weight management and tanning
Ceremony / Reception Decorations – Buy or rent last minute items not included in other contracts
Purchase Wedding Bands – Send for engraving
Attire Confirmations – Make sure all attendants have purchased or rented necessary attire and accessories
Wedding Favors – Select items and provide extra time for any customizing
Gather Honeymoon Documents – Organize now for less stress later (passport, birth certificate, visa, vaccinations, etc…)
Visit Tux shop for final measurements
Schedule Three Dress fittings – First should be six weeks before wedding date
Dress Fitting Preparation – Have all under-the-dress garments ready for fitting
Confirm Dress Delivery Date
Parties & Celebrations – Notify maid of honor and best man about pre-wedding party plan
Finalize Ceremony Song – List and Readings with Appropriate Parties
Confirm Bridesmaid Dress Delivery Date
Insurance Policies – Review and prepare health, home, life and auto policies to reflect future marital status
Special Photography – Schedule boudoir, formal portraits, day-after or rock the dress session
Bridal Shower List – Provide guest list to party host
Reception Bar – Identify desired beverage requirements and confirm or stock if it’s not included in contract
Wedding Day Transportation – Make and confirm arrangements for all attendees
6 WEEKS
First Dress Fitting – Six weeks and counting. Have everything you need
Reception Parking – Confirm arrangements
Ceremony Vows – Time to get to work
Wedding Veil – Confirm and purchase veil and shoes prior to next fitting
Ceremony Programs – Time to think about your schedule and what you want to say
Newspaper Announcement – Time to submit if you desire
Marriage License Planning – Know where to get it (Register of Wills), and when (up to two weeks in advance of wedding). Mark your calendar
Confirm Hotel Guest Reservations – Do you need more rooms?
Wedding Party Gifts – Buy gifts for all wedding party participants
Bridal Shower Thank-You Notes – Get started to stay ahead of the crunch
Hair Appointment – Visit salon to run through desired wedding day look
3 TO 4 WEEKS
Second Dress Fitting – Bring shoes, veil and undergarments
Finalize Ceremony Vows
Guest Book – Decide how you want to collect memories
Rehearsal Dinner Invitations – Send them to all desired guests
Finalize Ceremony Programs – Send to printer
Wrap Wedding Party Gifts
Wedding Night & Honeymoon Final Confirmation
Accessorize for Final Look
Wedding Rings – Pick up an confirm inscriptions
Finalize Ceremony – Cover any last details or changes
Ceremony Music Confirmation – Review and confirm with participants
Confirm Wedding Day Schedule – Confirm who is responsible for transportation, return of items, gown pick-up, etc…
Select Customs to Include
Paperwork for Name Change
Start Thank-you Notes – Saves time later
Bride’s Final Haircut – Give it time to grow just right
Communicate with Wedding Party – Cover duties, dates, times andother details for researsal and wedding
Reception Seating – Begin arrangements
1 TO 2 WEEKS
Final Wedding Dress Fitting – Pick it up two weeks before wedding
Get Marriage License
Organize Receiving Line – Determine your order
Guest Confirmation – Call those who have not yet responded for the wedding or rehearsal dinner
Reception Communication – Confirm access details for all wedding vendors and party members
Wedding Day Assignments – Confirm responsibilities with bridal party and others
Pick up Veil or Headpiece
Walk in Your Bridal Shoes
Confirm Vendor Instructions – Place final call to baker, caterer, florist, decorator, photographer, DJ, musicians, transportation contacts and others to confirm head count, delivery times, pick-up schedules and other critical details
Prepare Wedding Toasts
Wedding Day Photo List – Create list of VIPs for your photographer
Honeymoon Preparations – Be sure to have everything you’ll need. Shop and pack now
Confirm Final Vendor Payments – Make sure you’re still on budget
Groom’s Final Haircut – Plan two weeks prior so you’re looking good
Wedding Day Directions – Distribute directions, schedules and cotact list to parents and bridal party
Designate Vendor Contacts – Assign coordinator or close friend to manage all vendors on wedding day
Pack Overnight Bag – Be prepared. Gather clothing, tooth brush, hair essentials and miscellaneous items that you’ll need for the morning after your wedding and ask one of your close friends to deliver it to the hotel for you.
Wedding Day Gifts – Make plans for receipt and transportation of cash and gifts delivered at the wedding
Confirm Reception Music Play List
Honeymoon Itinerary – Leave it with your parents for emergency contact
Manicure & Pedicure – Plan a day or two in advance of wedding and enjoy
Final Vendor Payments – Prepare final payments and tips and designate bridal party or family member to take care of this business wedding day
Wedding Day Eve Plans – Make specific plans to enjoy your evening with friends and family
DAY BEFORE
Re-confirm Honeymoon Travel Plans – Including transportation
Pack for Wedding – While still fresh, gather all wedding day attire
Ceremony Rehearsal – Have run-through with officiant and bridal party
Rehearsal Dinner – Have fun, enjoy family and friend and relax
Guest Book – Make plans for someone to deliver guest book and pen to reception facility
Set Alarm Clock – You don’t need any additional stress
WEDDING DAY
Confirm Reception Toasts – A friendly reminder never hurts
First Dance – Have bridal party member bring back-up of your cherished songs. It wouldn’t be the first time a DJ forgot it
Private Time – Set aside 10-15 minutes between the ceremony and reception to savor the moment together as husband and wife
DAY AFTER
Wedding Cake – Make plans for your anniversary celebration. Have a friend retrieve your wedding cake layer and get it to the freezer
Wedding Dress Retrieval – Make plans for family or friends to gather your gown and assorted bridal items from the hotel
Tux Return – Make plans to have your family or friends return your tuxedo and assorted rentals
Family Time – Be certain to thank all who helped you make your wedding day memorable
Now…Get going!
Reception Faciliy – Decide your reception style and look for a perfect location match. Book it as soon as you agree it’s perfect and available for your date
Reception / Catering Contract – Confirm that your reception / catering contract includes everything that you discussed, sign it, and submit deposit
Menu – Plan your menu with reception facility or caterer
Officiant – Identify and select ceremony officiant and / or premarital counselor who meet your needs and personality
Engagement Party – Set date, guest list, and order invites
Wedding Guest List – Discuss approximate count with parents and request their “guest list”
Finalize Guest List
Ceremony Location – Identify a ceremony site if not already chosen
Bridal Party – Discuss bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girl, ring bearer. Also think about family and friend for ceremony readers, guest book attendants, candle lighters, etc…
Colors & Themes – Lock in wedding colors and themes with regards to ceremony décor, reception space and your wishes
Wedding Dress Thoughts – Start looking at styles in magazines and online
Wedding Dress Shopping – Head out to bridal salons to review options
Customs & Traditions – List and discuss family thoughts and wishes to incorporate into your ceremony or reception
Reception Music – Identify options and begin sampling bands or DJs
Flowers – Schedule appointments to research wedding florists
Rentals – Review your needs (linens, chairs, dance floor, tent, etc…)
Invitations – Review options and ideas
Ceremony Planning – Talk to our officiant about regulations, requirements or counseling
Research Photographers – Discuss your thought and wishes
Hair & Make-Up – Think about styles and select a salon
Registry – Open registries at your favorite locations
6 TO 8 MONTHS
Select Photographer – Decide on Packages, sign contract and submit deposit
Schedule Engagement Photos
Select Florist – Reserve services, sign contract and submit deposit
Bridesmaids Dresses – Search Options and Photos and discuss with your bridesmaids
Buy Wedding Dress – Finalize Options and submit deposit
Cakes & Bakers – Discuss your desires and begin your search
Book the Band or DJ – Sign the contract and submit your deposit
Music – Select Ceremony Music / Musicians
Honeymoon Selection – Discuss, confirm and book
Dress Selection – Finalize Bridesmaids
Out-Of-Town Guest – Select hotel and set aside rooms
Registry Updates – Update and expand the list (bridal party ideas)
Select your Baker – Choose the design, sign the contract and submit your deposit
Send Save-the-Date Notices – Don’t forget to include family and bridal party members
Confirm Bridesmaids Dress Orders – Confirm that all necessary measurements have been submitted and orders have been placed
Finalize Ceremony Music – Confirm and submit deposit
Rehearsal Dinner – Review locations and options for dinner
Invitations – Select wording and designs
Finalize Receptions / Catering Menu
Wedding Insurance – Research and purchase if desired
Floral Centerpieces – Research and place order
Order Invitations and Announcements
4 TO 5 MONTHS
Flower Details – Revisit floral styles, choose wedding flowers and confirm contract
Groomsmen Attire – Decided on style, from formal wear to casual, based on wedding style
Place Groomsmen’s Order – Buy or Rent as necessary and schedule fittings
Finalize items for ceremony and reception
Book Rehearsal Dinner – Provide estimated attendance numbers and special requirements
Wedding Night Hotel Room – Book it now!
Honeymoon Reservations – Book and confirm flights, rooms and plans
Address invitations – Decide on calligraphy or start addressing to avoid crunch
2 TO 3 MONTHS
Send Invitations – Three months before wedding date
Marriage Contract – Select based on religion and culture
Identify Bridesmaid Accessories – Shoes, Jewelry, etc… and share the info
Beauty, Nutrition & Fitness – Make appointments to begin the final preparations. Consider facials, massages, teeth whitening, weight management and tanning
Ceremony / Reception Decorations – Buy or rent last minute items not included in other contracts
Purchase Wedding Bands – Send for engraving
Attire Confirmations – Make sure all attendants have purchased or rented necessary attire and accessories
Wedding Favors – Select items and provide extra time for any customizing
Gather Honeymoon Documents – Organize now for less stress later (passport, birth certificate, visa, vaccinations, etc…)
Visit Tux shop for final measurements
Schedule Three Dress fittings – First should be six weeks before wedding date
Dress Fitting Preparation – Have all under-the-dress garments ready for fitting
Confirm Dress Delivery Date
Parties & Celebrations – Notify maid of honor and best man about pre-wedding party plan
Finalize Ceremony Song – List and Readings with Appropriate Parties
Confirm Bridesmaid Dress Delivery Date
Insurance Policies – Review and prepare health, home, life and auto policies to reflect future marital status
Special Photography – Schedule boudoir, formal portraits, day-after or rock the dress session
Bridal Shower List – Provide guest list to party host
Reception Bar – Identify desired beverage requirements and confirm or stock if it’s not included in contract
Wedding Day Transportation – Make and confirm arrangements for all attendees
6 WEEKS
First Dress Fitting – Six weeks and counting. Have everything you need
Reception Parking – Confirm arrangements
Ceremony Vows – Time to get to work
Wedding Veil – Confirm and purchase veil and shoes prior to next fitting
Ceremony Programs – Time to think about your schedule and what you want to say
Newspaper Announcement – Time to submit if you desire
Marriage License Planning – Know where to get it (Register of Wills), and when (up to two weeks in advance of wedding). Mark your calendar
Confirm Hotel Guest Reservations – Do you need more rooms?
Wedding Party Gifts – Buy gifts for all wedding party participants
Bridal Shower Thank-You Notes – Get started to stay ahead of the crunch
Hair Appointment – Visit salon to run through desired wedding day look
3 TO 4 WEEKS
Second Dress Fitting – Bring shoes, veil and undergarments
Finalize Ceremony Vows
Guest Book – Decide how you want to collect memories
Rehearsal Dinner Invitations – Send them to all desired guests
Finalize Ceremony Programs – Send to printer
Wrap Wedding Party Gifts
Wedding Night & Honeymoon Final Confirmation
Accessorize for Final Look
Wedding Rings – Pick up an confirm inscriptions
Finalize Ceremony – Cover any last details or changes
Ceremony Music Confirmation – Review and confirm with participants
Confirm Wedding Day Schedule – Confirm who is responsible for transportation, return of items, gown pick-up, etc…
Select Customs to Include
Paperwork for Name Change
Start Thank-you Notes – Saves time later
Bride’s Final Haircut – Give it time to grow just right
Communicate with Wedding Party – Cover duties, dates, times andother details for researsal and wedding
Reception Seating – Begin arrangements
1 TO 2 WEEKS
Final Wedding Dress Fitting – Pick it up two weeks before wedding
Get Marriage License
Organize Receiving Line – Determine your order
Guest Confirmation – Call those who have not yet responded for the wedding or rehearsal dinner
Reception Communication – Confirm access details for all wedding vendors and party members
Wedding Day Assignments – Confirm responsibilities with bridal party and others
Pick up Veil or Headpiece
Walk in Your Bridal Shoes
Confirm Vendor Instructions – Place final call to baker, caterer, florist, decorator, photographer, DJ, musicians, transportation contacts and others to confirm head count, delivery times, pick-up schedules and other critical details
Prepare Wedding Toasts
Wedding Day Photo List – Create list of VIPs for your photographer
Honeymoon Preparations – Be sure to have everything you’ll need. Shop and pack now
Confirm Final Vendor Payments – Make sure you’re still on budget
Groom’s Final Haircut – Plan two weeks prior so you’re looking good
Wedding Day Directions – Distribute directions, schedules and cotact list to parents and bridal party
Designate Vendor Contacts – Assign coordinator or close friend to manage all vendors on wedding day
Pack Overnight Bag – Be prepared. Gather clothing, tooth brush, hair essentials and miscellaneous items that you’ll need for the morning after your wedding and ask one of your close friends to deliver it to the hotel for you.
Wedding Day Gifts – Make plans for receipt and transportation of cash and gifts delivered at the wedding
Confirm Reception Music Play List
Honeymoon Itinerary – Leave it with your parents for emergency contact
Manicure & Pedicure – Plan a day or two in advance of wedding and enjoy
Final Vendor Payments – Prepare final payments and tips and designate bridal party or family member to take care of this business wedding day
Wedding Day Eve Plans – Make specific plans to enjoy your evening with friends and family
DAY BEFORE
Re-confirm Honeymoon Travel Plans – Including transportation
Pack for Wedding – While still fresh, gather all wedding day attire
Ceremony Rehearsal – Have run-through with officiant and bridal party
Rehearsal Dinner – Have fun, enjoy family and friend and relax
Guest Book – Make plans for someone to deliver guest book and pen to reception facility
Set Alarm Clock – You don’t need any additional stress
WEDDING DAY
Confirm Reception Toasts – A friendly reminder never hurts
First Dance – Have bridal party member bring back-up of your cherished songs. It wouldn’t be the first time a DJ forgot it
Private Time – Set aside 10-15 minutes between the ceremony and reception to savor the moment together as husband and wife
DAY AFTER
Wedding Cake – Make plans for your anniversary celebration. Have a friend retrieve your wedding cake layer and get it to the freezer
Wedding Dress Retrieval – Make plans for family or friends to gather your gown and assorted bridal items from the hotel
Tux Return – Make plans to have your family or friends return your tuxedo and assorted rentals
Family Time – Be certain to thank all who helped you make your wedding day memorable
Now…Get going!