Nine to Twelve Months Before:
Pick out engagement ring with fiancé.
Select a wedding date and time.
Determine if you need the services provided by a wedding coordinator.
Announce your engagement in the newspaper and with engagement announcements by Carlson Craft.
Select the attendants for your wedding party.
Start compiling the guest list (inform your families to do the same).
Determine how many guests may attend.
Determine the type of wedding you want (size, formality, style, color scheme).
Establish a preliminary budget.
Select and secure your reception location.
Select and secure your ceremony location.
Select and secure a photographer.
Select and secure a video professional.
Six to Nine Months Before:
Determine who will officiate at the ceremony.
Shop for wedding dress, headpiece, veil, etc.
Select and order bridesmaids' dresses.
Inform mothers to select their wedding day dresses.
Select a caterer if not already provided by the reception site.
Interview and choose your wedding cake baker, videographer, musicians and florist. Sign necessary contracts.
Choose and reserve DJ or Band for reception.
Schedule Engagement Photo.
Reserve accommodations for guests (block hotel rooms).
Send Save The Dates.
Four to Six Months Before:
Complete the guest lists.
Register with a gift bridal registry in your favorite store(s).
Prepare all maps and directions for the ceremony and reception.
Select and order invitations and stationery.
Start planning for honeymoon.
Select and order the men’s attire.
Confirm dates with bridesmaids and hostesses for Showers.
Finalize the florist details, photographer, videographer, musicians, etc.
Hire the limousine or other forms of transportation for the wedding.
Two to Four Months Before:
Check requirement for blood test and marriage license in your state.
Shop for wedding rings.
Confirm the menu and provide an estimated number of guests to the caterer.
Determine your resources for designing and printing the program for the ceremony.
Buy ceremony and reception accessories, available through Carlson Craft. (Guest Books, Unity Candles, Toasting Flutes, etc.)
Select gifts for all your attendants, parents and each other. Shop Quite Personally!
Choose and reserve location for rehearsal dinner.
Confirm the wedding cake details with the baker.
Set appointments with any hair dressers and/or make-up artists.
Plan the seating for the reception as well as other details for the ceremony and reception.
Start writing placement cards.
See your Invitation Retailer for designing and printing the program for the ceremony.
Six to Eight Weeks Before:
Handle business and legal details such as name changes, address changes, etc.
Prepare the wedding announcement for the newspaper.
Mail invitations and announcements.
Do a rehearsal of your hair and makeup.
Create a wedding day schedule.
Four to Six Weeks Before:
Finalize honeymoon details and make the necessary reservations.
Set the dates and times with the officiate for the rehearsal.
Confirm menu, time & place for rehearsal dinner.
Schedule a final fitting for your gown.
Make sure all bridesmaids’ attire has been fitted.
Get your marriage license and any blood tests which are needed.
Confirm florist details and delivery times.
Make sure all bridesmaids’ attire has been fitted.
Call any guests who have not responded yet.
Select song for father/daughter, mother/son dance.
Two to Three Weeks Before:
Pick up your wedding rings.
Confirm florist details and delivery times.
Make arrangements to have your wedding gifts moved to your home.
Make sure all clothing and accessories for you and the bridal party are ready.
Verify groom's party's measurements and final fittings.
Confirm your honeymoon reservations. Ensure you have any necessary documents.
Review all the final details with your photographer, videographer, etc.
Give a final head count to the caterer.
Confirm the availability of the musicians and vocalists.
Finalize your rehearsal dinner arrangements and other plans.
Prepare speeches for reception.
Write personal wedding vows.
The Week Before:
Start packing for your honeymoon.
Delegate responsibilities to reliable individuals on your wedding day.
Finish all the place cards for the reception.
Get a manicure or massage to relax yourself.
Rehearsal:
Review any seating details with the ushers.
Wrap and present the wedding party gifts. Give Best Man officiant's fee.
Give wedding rings to Best Man/Maid of Honor.
Give Marriage License to officiant.
One Day Before:
Stay with your family the night before and go to sleep early.
Pack bag with personal needs and a change of clothes for after the wedding.
Rest and relax with a good bath.
Be sure to eat properly.
Prepare for your hairdresser and make-up appointments.
Pick up any tuxedos/suits.
The Wedding Day:
Make sure the best man and maid of honor sign the wedding certificate.
Allow yourself plenty of time to get dressed.
Be sure to eat properly.
After the Wedding:
Send thank you notes as soon as possible, after the wedding.
Have bridal gown cleaned and preserved.
Change your name on ID and important documents.
Complete change of address cards.
