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A wedding should be planned in stages with every decision made as early as
possible. Begin by setting deadlines, then check off each task as you complete it.

■ Choose the kind of wedding you will have, date and time.
■ Discuss the budget, and who will pay for what.
■ Make arrangements with the officiator.
■ Reserve the wedding and reception locations.
■ Select your wedding dress, veil and accessories.
■ Choose the bridesmaids, groomsmen, ushers, and honored roles.
■ Have formal black/white photo sitting for announcements.
■ Send announcements of your engagement to bride’s and groom’s local and hometown newspapers.
■ Meet with the florist, photographer, caterer, videographer, and D.J. or entertainment to discuss budgets and options.
■ Draw up guest list with fiancé and families.
■ Plan reception music and reserve band or orchestra.
■ Contact rental coordinator for equipment reservations.
■ Discuss honeymoon and reservations. (Traditionally the groom makes all the honeymoon arrangements.)
■ Arrange for time off work if necessary.
■ Buy a good sturdy notebook to store brochures and notes.
■ Develop record-keeping system for invitations, R.S.V.P.’s, gifts, and thank-you notes.

■ Plan new living arrangements and home furnishings.
■ Select and register wedding gifts and patterns.
■ Select color scheme.
■ Order dress and accessories.
■ Order bridesmaid’s dresses, shoes and accessories.
■ Contact men’s formalwear specialist for men’s attire.
■ Have parents select attire.
■ Order invitations, announcements, programs, napkins, matchbooks, and thank-you notes.

■ Choose wedding bands and engraving.
■ Order wedding cake.
■ Check marriage license requirements.
■ Plan ceremony, reception, menus, master of ceremonies, and music.
■ Plan rehearsal dinner, and bridesmaids’ luncheon.
■ Complete guest list and address invitations.
■ Make arrangements for lodging for out-of-town guests.
■ Purchase gifts for attendants and groom.
■ Plan reception seating if necessary.

■ Confirm all arrangements and contracts.
■ Mail invitations so they will arrive three weeks before the wedding.
■ Pick up wedding rings.
■ Arrange for transportation to ceremony and from ceremony to reception.
■ Attend final fittings.
■ Have your hair and makeup done as you would like to have it on your wedding.
■ Schedule any tanning, manicures, etc.
■ Purchase guest book and keepsake album.
■ Contact your insurance agent about naming your fiancé as beneficiary on your life insurance, will, and auto policies, and about buying homeowners’ and floater insurances to protect wedding gifts.
■ Open joint checking and savings accounts. Decide on a budget and savings program. Discuss them with your financial representatives.
■ Write thank-you notes as gifts are received.

■ Get marriage license.
■ Give caterer final guest count. Don’t forget the wedding party, photographer, and DJ!
■ Arrange to have your own gown pressed and delivered.
■ Arrange to change your name on driver’s license, social security card, credit cards, bank accounts, insurance, etc.
■ Make arrangements for moving into your new home.

■ Pack for honeymoon.
■ Give bridesmaids’ luncheon/party, give attendant gifts.
■ Confirm directions, housing, timetables with attendants.
■ Brief head usher of any special seating arrangements.
■ Arrange for rental returns.

■ Pack the “Going-to-church” bag, and “emergency” bag.
■ Attend rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.
■ Find a quiet moment to give your fiancé his wedding gift.

■ Have a nice relaxed breakfast.
■ Have hair and make-up done.
■ Relax and let the planning take care of itself.

 

See related articles: "Groom's Planner" and "Wedding Planning Checklist"

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