Wedding Planning Checklist

Sixteen To Nine Months Before The Wedding

• Open up a folder. Take a look at bridal magazines such as design, food and bridal.
• Plan your budget. First set aside contributions from family and then keep aside exactly how much you are willing to spend on your wedding.
• Pick your bridal party.
• Begin on your guest list. Make a head count of the number of attendees. Plan out your RSVPs, contact information and gifts.
• If you prefer to have someone else run the wedding for you, hire a planner.
• Confirm your date and wedding venue.
• Research details for florist, band, photographer and caterer.
• If you wish, have an engagement party. Make certain that you invite these same guests to your wedding.

Eight Months Before

• Confirm the photographer and videographer. Make certain that these people are open to your suggestions.
• Confirm your band. You can attend music shows and gigs of potential bands before selecting your favorite.
• Visit your caterer, if your venue does not provide your wedding meal.
• Buy your wedding gown. Keep in mind that you need to attend at least 3 fittings.
• Reserve some extra rooms for guests traveling from out of state.
• Create a gift registry. Sign up at a few of your favorite stores.

Seven To Six Months Before

• Select your wedding invitation.
• Begin making honeymoon arrangements. If you wish to travel out of the country, make certain that your passports are up-to-date.
• Look for dresses for your bridesmaids.
• Meet with your wedding official. Confirm that you have the correct legal documents ready.
• Save the date cards.
• If you are having an outdoor wedding, reserve extra chairs and portable toilets.
• Confirm with your florist. It is better to reserve your florist early because florists normally have many weddings per day to attend to.
• Arrange transportation. Make certain that you have transport to get to the ceremony and reception.
• Begin working on your wedding day program.

Four Months Before

• Book the venue for your rehearsal dinner.
• Do a check on your wedding invitations. Take a look at one of the samples.
• Select a wedding cake and order it.
• Buy your wedding shoes and attend your first dress fitting.
• Confirm a hair and makeup artist.
• Choose your music.

Three Months Before

• Confirm your wedding day menu and your flowers.
• Confirm the number of people giving toasts.
• Finalize the readings - whom would you like to read at your wedding.
• Attend your second dress fitting.
• Finalize your wedding day program for the ceremony and reception.
• Print menu cards and programs, if you like.
• Buy your rings.
• Send out your program to your selected vendors.

Two Months Before

• Make another visit to your vendors. Check if they have any question.
• Meet your photographer and finalize specific shots and location.
• Review your play list with your band.
• Post your wedding invitations. Set your RSVP date at least three weeks after it has been posted.
• Announce your wedding in the newspaper.
• Have your bachelorette party.

One Month Before

• Count your RSVPs and phone your guests who have not replied as yet.
• Make arrangements for your marriage license.
• Post your rehearsal dinner invites.
• Attend your final dress fitting.
• Send out your final payments, if possible.
• Confirm time with your hair and makeup artists.
• Print directions for your transport staff.
• Make your seating arrangement.
• Buy gifts for your bridesmaids.
• Write your wedding vows, if needed.