Select a location this may effect your day and time.
Book the church and reception site.
Discuss your budget and theme of the wedding.
Start shopping around.
Choose who you want to invite to be involved in your big day and ask them now so that they can make proper arrangements.
Decide who will be marrying you and discuss what their guidelines are for premarital duties. Most will require premarital counseling, this is very helpful even for the happiest of couples.
6-12 Months Before Big Day
Pay all deposits that haven’t been taken care of yet.
Meet with the wedding officiate/minister to determine what “type” of ceremony fits you. If you are going to be writing your own vows this would be a good time to start thinking about them.
Choose who will be in charge of music and discuss what your ideas are for the wedding and reception.
Decide exactly who will be doing what in the wedding.
Make a guest list and gather address. This sometimes takes longer than you think.
Order invitations.
If you are sending out “Save the Date” announcements order these now. When they arrive send them out.
Plan your honeymoon.
Book your wedding coordinator if you are using one.
Choose your wedding cake
Choose flowers and where you will be using them.
Hire a photographer.
Hire the caterer.
4-6 Months Before The Big Day
Put your announcement in the local paper.
Buy wedding rings.
Look into accommodations for out of town guests.
Prepare a map and directions to the wedding from an easy to follow starting point. Include these in your invitations.
Make arrangements for a rehearsal dinner.
Buy your wedding gown and attendants dresses. (this is close enough to the big day that they should still fit when it is time.)
Discuss a time for a bridal shower or couples shower.
Reserve any rentals or equipment.
If you are displaying an ice sculpture order this now.
2-4 Months Before The Big Day
Spend quiet time in the evenings addressing invitations.
Buy stamps
Put together a list of shower guests to give to hostess.
Purchase gifts for your attendants
Determine requirements in the state that you will be getting married in so that you can file for your marriage license.
Make all arrangements for transportation. For you and other honored guests. (I.e. attendants, parents, and grandparents.)
Make appointment with a hairstylist. Some book months in advance. Make an appointment for the day of the wedding and a week or so before to try out different styles.
Book a room for the wedding night.
1-2 Months Before The Big Day
Plan for dress fitting.
Plan for parking.
Mail invitations.
Write Thank You cards as gifts come in.
Confirm rehearsal plans.
Purchase any accessories that you have waited on.
3-4 Weeks Before The Big Day
Invite everyone involved to the rehearsal dinner.
As RSVP’s come in start planning your seating chart.
Have a final consultation with photographer, florist, caterer, musician, etc.
Begin wearing your wedding shoes to break them in!!
Arrange for someone to be responsible for gifts after the wedding.
Have wedding rings sized.
Make all final payments so that you are not having to hassle with it on the big day.
1 Week Before The Big Day
Have a final dress fitting.
Meet with hairstylist to decide on your final do.
Have groom get his haircut at least 5 days before wedding day.
Remind men to pick up tuxedo’s.
Make a schedule of the wedding day and give it to everyone involved so that you don’t have to field questions all day.
Give a final head count to caterer and reception facility.
Pack for your honeymoon.
Mail “thank you” cards/gifts to parents that will arrive just after the wedding.
1-2 Days Before The Big Day
Pamper yourself. Get a manicure and pedicure, and a relaxing massage.
Attend the rehearsal and discuss any concerns you may have.
Try to get to bed early.
The Big Day
Eat a good breakfast. You may not eat much the rest of the day.
Take your head piece and veil to your hair appointment.
Start dressing about an hour before pictures so that you can take your time and relax. This isn’t when you want to start sweating.
Try to relax… this is it. You only get to do this once. Enjoy it.
