Countdown to a Fascinating Wedding

Getting Started

• Share the news of your engagement with your family and friends and announce it in the local newspapers.

• Discuss finances with everyone contributing to the event and set a budget.

• Set the date and ceremony/reception locations. If you’re set on getting married at a certain time of year, choose the date first, then the location. If you have your heart set on a specific venue, let that drive your decision.

• Meet with the officiant or the clergy at your church/temple/mosque.

• Establish a guest list.

• Start interviewing wedding planners/events designers, if you’re thinking of enlisting the help of one.

• Start thinking about the style and theme of your wedding.

• Start shopping for a gown.

• Oh yeah … If your parents haven’t met, now would be a good time for that.

6-9 months

before your wedding:

• Mail out Save-the-Dates

• Interview and book your vendors – and don’t forget to get a signed contract:

• Caterer

• Baker

• Florist

• Photographer/Videographer

• Musicians/DJ

• Transportation

• Choose your attendants and shop for their dresses.

• Order your stationery – invites, envelopes, thank-yous, etc.

• Start looking into honeymoon locales.

• Get your wedding Web site up and running, if you’re having one.

• Schedule any beauty treatments you’re planning on having leading up to the wedding.

• Register for gifts.

4-6 months

before your wedding

• Book your hair/makeup help for the big day.

• Make any final amendments to the guest list.

• Plan the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.

• Help the moms get shop for their wedding-day attire.

• Shop for wedding bands with your fiancé

• Find accommodations for out-of-town guests and reserve a block of rooms.

• Finalize your honeymoon plans.

2-4 months

before your wedding

• Start addressing invitations.

• Buy attendants’ gifts.

• Get the men’s fashions in order – groom, groomsmen and ushers.

• Choose readings for the ceremony.

• Select music for the ceremony/reception.

• Check marriage-license requirements.

• Make sure your vendor contracts are complete.

• Meet with your caterer to discuss menu and drinks.

• Order the cake.

• Pick out favors.

• Plan and shop for welcome bags.

• Arrange party rentals, if necessary.

• Book your wedding-night room.

4-8 weeks

before your wedding

• Mail out your invites.

• Do a hair/makeup run-through.

• Discuss insurance/bank account changes you’ll need to make.

• Send ceremony programs and reception menu and place cards to be printed.

• Write vows.

2-4 weeks

before your wedding

• Submit a shot list to your photographer and setlist to your DJ.

• Finalize the seating chart and prepare escort/place cards.

• Update registry.

• Call anyone who hasn’t RSVP’d.

• Confirm details with your vendors.

• Get your final dress fitting.

• Write a toast for the rehearsal.

1 week

before your wedding

• Give your caterer the final headcount.

• Pick up your dress; break in your shoes.

• Give scripts to your readers.

• Pack for your honeymoon.

• Find someone to transport heirlooms (candles, glasses, cake knife) to and from the reception site.

• Organize your wedding-day payments and decide who will distribute them.

1 day

before your wedding

• Get a mani-pedi.

• Enjoy the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.

• Get plenty of sleep.

The Big Day

• Keep your meals small and light.

• Give yourself plenty of time for hair/makeup before the photographer arrives.

• Give yourself a bit of time to relax before the big day.

Best wishes!