No matter where you are in your wedding planning, staying organized is important. Part of being organized is to refer to a timeline and checklist to make sure you don't have a last-minute wedding crisis on your hands. If you have a wedding coordinator they should be assisting you with creating an outline of the planning process, and helping you stay on track. There are many wedding planning resources and tools out there, so you don't have to reinvent the wheel. Depending on how far out your wedding date is, you should be able to space out the time-line so that you don't feel overwhelmed. Word of advice: ask your fiance to help you with the parts that he can help you with because it is his wedding too! If he can't help you then look to your friends and family because chances are they are pretty excited for you and would love to help.
Note: timelines are meant as a guide only and may or may not reflect your actual event. If you feel that some of the items do not apply to you; not to worry. Take your check list with you to your vendor meetings so that you have the information as a reference if needed.
Wedding Checklist 9 – 12 Months Determine Your Budget, and set-up a time to talk about who pays for what Select the Date for your wedding Determine the number of guests you expect to invite Start looking at available wedding venues appropriate for your guest count Hire a Wedding Planner/Consultant if needed Browse wedding magazines and websites to see what trends & color schemes appeal to you. Book your engagement Photo Sessions Mail your save-the-dates cards Choose your wedding attendants Set-up Consultations with Caterer, Florist, DJ or band and Photographer
6-8 Months Select your wedding officiant Finalize your agreements with your Caterer, Florist, DJ & Photographer Create a wedding website or blog Select & order your wedding dress Order or create your wedding invitations Select or assist bridesmaids with choosing a gown and over-all style Register for wedding gifts (Ask your wedding vendors about registry options) Start compiling your music selections to review with your DJ Research Cake Decorators and schedule a Tasting Finalize your wedding food menu with Caterer Review your budget to ensure you are on track or make adjustments Arrange for the groomsmen to be fitted for their tuxedos Order your wedding rings Reserve the limo or make transportation arrangements Research Honeymoon destinations
4-5 Months Finalize Honeymoon arrangements Reserve rental equipment Review your guest list Have the Bridesmaids order their dresses, and groomsmen order their tuxedos Check-in with your travel agent and finalize honeymoon details including flight information & passports Shop for a wedding gift for each other and for the wedding party Schedule the wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner Set-up room blocks at nearby hotels, do this early to ensure your guests will have no problem finding a place to stay during a busy weekend or event.
2-4 Months Check your states requirements for marriage licenses Meet with your photographer to determine your must-have shots & do a walk- through of your venue and timeline Send out the invitations Enjoy your bachelorette party Print or order your ceremony programs Decide if you will be writing your own vows, and begin preparing or researching your vows Send your wedding announcement information to the local newspaper Purchase wedding accessories such as guest book, flower girl baskets & ring bearer pillows or signs, toasting flutes & cake knife. Order or start creating your wedding favors 2-4 Weeks Assemble the favors & programs if needed Think about rehearsal dinner speeches Check your RSVP’s against your list of invitations, call the guests who have not yet responded Attend your last dress fittingSend out final payments if possible Confirm Hair & Make-up appointments Confirm all groomsmen have completed fittings and ordered their tuxedo’s Meet with Wedding Planner and vendors to ensure all plans are satisfactory
Week of the wedding Make sure to confirm special readings for your ceremonySubmit your final guest count to your caterer Confirm arrival times with vendorsPrint/Email directions and locations for drivers of transport vehicles Pick up your dress, or make specific arrangements with bridal shop for pick-up Send a timeline to the bridal party & parents Pack for your honeymoon if you are leaving soon after your wedding Book Spa appointments for nail treatments Break in your shoes Delegate any other tasks such as bringing your purse, camera and/or night bag to a family member or close friend
Day before your wedding Attend wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner Get lots of rest & Stay HydratedCharge camera and cell phone batteriesSend your hubby to be a love note, to bring the focus back to where it should be..You and him!
Wedding Day Eat a light meal & hydrate Appoint a bridesmaid or family member to do a time check with your coordinator while you are getting ready, to ensure you stay on schedule Do your hair & make-up applications before you get dressed Get dressed 30 minutes before you leave to allow for photographs Enjoy your day and take in every moment, you will always remember this day!