The List The What and When of

Wedding Planning

Start Here

1 year before

□ Imagine yourself on the day of your

wedding

□ Pick a season, not a date

□ Write up two guest lists:

The Absolutes! and The Maybes ?

□ Have the money conversation and

determine who is paying for what

□ Decide the max you would ever want to

spend and then set a lower goal to

shoot for

□ Remember to budget for everything:

most important being a photographer,

the dress, flowers, transportation,

invitations, the venue, food (and

honeymoon!)

□ Hire a wedding planner if you want one

□ Reserve a venue for the ceremony and

reception (BEFORE deciding on a date)

□ Book a stationer for save the dates &

Invitations

10 months before

□ Decide on your officiant

□ Go dress shopping !

□ Look for vendors – meet the

potentials in person

□ Select your bridal party and let each of

them know they’re included

8 months before

□ Hire a florist, musical entertainment, &

photographer

□ Hire a caterer (if your venue does not

supply food)

□ Order your dress

□ Block hotel rooms for out-of-town

guests (be sure to offer a price range)

□ Register for gifts!

6 months before

□ Shop for wedding bands together

□ Order invitations

□ Send save the dates

□ Meet with vendors and confirm details

(start with your venue)

□ Choose a getaway car

□ Secure transportation for bridal party,

parents and other guests if necessary

□ Book a honeymoon

□ Secure any rentals (linen, chairs, etc)

□ Order Bridesmaid dresses

4 months before

□ Go cake tasting and make an order

□ Hire a calligrapher if needed

□ Plan a rehearsal dinner (traditionally

hosted by Grooms Family)

□ Have a Bridal Shower and then send

thank you notes

□ Choose groom’s and groomsmen attire

2 months before

□ Mail invitations

□ Schedule a hair and makeup trial

□ Write the vows if you plan to

personalize them

□ Finalize ceremony details with officiant

□ Accessorize your look

□ Buy gifts for VIPs (Parents, etc.)

6 weeks before

□ Confirm arrival of bridesmaid dresses

□ Apply for a marriage license

□ Print placecards, menus, programs and

any other reception stationery

□ Bachelorette party anyone??

□ Plan welcome baskets for out-of-

towners

4 weeks before

□ Decide which pictures you’d like to take

and submit list to photographer

□ Send playlist to DJ including first dance

song, ceremony playlist, as well as “Do

Not” playlist!

2 weeks before

□ Final dress fitting

□ Procure your marriage license

□ Update the registry

□ Review the RSVPs and chase stragglers

□ Finalize Seating Chart

1 week Before

□ Break in your shoes

□ Provide final head count to venue and

caterer

□ Get Waxing’s or Facials

□ Pick up your Dress

□ Pay Final Bills

48 hours before

□ Drop off welcome baskets (if any) to

hotels

□ Put vendor tips in envelopes & delegate

distribution to MOH or BM

□ Reconfirm transportation pick up times

Day before

□ Do any last minute primping (nails,

tanning)

□ Rehearse the ceremony & go to dinner

□ Give bridal party & parents their gifts

The Big Day!

□ Exchange gifts or cards with the Groom

□ Give rings to the Best Man or MOH

□ Eat Small light meals

□ Sign Marriage License

□ Beautify

□ Get Married

□ Enjoy!