Wedding Check List

Start your wedding planning with an easy-to-use wedding checklist that will keep you organized and on top of things!

Twelve months before
___ Set date and time

___ Gather information from bridal books and other resources

___ Discuss the formality, size and location of the ceremony and reception with both families

___ Decide on a budget and the division of expenses

___ Determine the size of the guest list

___ Confirm date and time with officiant

___ Book ceremony and reception sites

___ Choose and contact attendants

___ Shop for wedding gown and accessories

___ Select dresses for bridesmaids

___ Select and book a wedding consultant, photographer, videographer, caterer, florists and musicians or DJ.

___ Announce engagement in the newspaper

___ Discuss where you will live after the wedding
Nine months before

___ Start a guest list

___ Decide on honeymoon destination

___ Plan music for the ceremony and reception

___ Select and order wedding rings and arrange for engraving

___ Register for china, linens, etc.
Six months before
___ Order invitations, announcements, napkins, thank-you notes and programs

___ Order party favors

___ Finalize honeymoon plans

___ Plan wedding decorations

___ Register at gift and department stores

___ Finalize guest list

___ Pay all deposits for any services reserved and get all contracts signed

___ Reserve all rental equipment needed for reception and wedding

___ Meet with caterer, florist, photographer, baker

___ Select and order wedding cake
Five months before
___ Purchase rings

___ Have the groom, groomsmen and any others fitted for their formal attire

___ Check on marriage license; sometimes there are requirements

___ Ask friends or family members to help with the guest book, reception, etc.
Three months before
___ Plan the ceremony rehearsal

___ Plan the rehearsal dinner

___ Mail invitations four to six weeks in advance

___ Shop for trousseau

___Confirm final fitting and delivery date for dresses and gown

___ Select hair and makeup stylist

___ Select going-away outfit

___ Select gifts for attendants

___ Buy wedding album and guest books

___ Schedule a wedding portrait

___ Contact photographer, reception site, florist and caterer to verify dates and all details of what is ordered

___ Contact the rental equipment company and ask for a printout so you can verify the date and number of items is correct

___ Arrange transportation for the wedding day

___ Send thank-you notes for any gifts received early and/or bridal showers
Two months before
___ Reserve accommodations for out-of-town guests

___ Finalize arrangements for music and wedding cake
One month before
___ Notify the wedding party of rehearsal time and invite guests to the rehearsal dinner

___ Obtain your marriage license

___ Contact caterer with final count of guests

___ Delegate all last-minute items

___ Make sure groomsmen have been fitted for their attire, and that bridesmaids have been fitted and have all the accessories

___ Provide in writing to your consultant the order of events for the ceremony
One to two weeks before
___ Have final fittings for all attire

___ Record each gift as it is received and write thank-you notes promptly

___ Provide photographer with a list of desired photos

___ Pack for the honeymoon

___ Pick up wedding rings

___ Verify all honeymoon arrangements
The day before
___ Have your hair and nails done

___ Give gifts to attendants

___ Hold rehearsal and rehearsal dinner

___ Place all attire and accessories in one place
The wedding day
___ Allow plenty of time to get ready

___ Thank everyone who helped along the way

___ Eat a good breakfast

___ Have Fun, It's Your Wedding!

Jenniene