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Preliminary decisions
• Decide on theme/style of wedding
• Decide wedding date and time of day
• Create a budget with all involved
• Select bridal party and other special participants
• Plan color scheme
• Determine the size of the guest list

Order/Purchase
• Engagement and wedding rings
• Bridal gown, headpiece, shoes, and accessories
• Attendants’ gowns
Reserve
• Ceremony location
• Reception location
Select
• Wedding consultant, if applicable
• Ceremony officiant
• Ceremony musicians, soloists, organists, etc.
• Florist
• Caterer
• Photographer
• Videographer
• Band or DJ
• Baker for cake
• Honeymoon destination
At this time
• Announce your engagement and wedding date
• Plan to attend pre-marriage counseling at your church, if applicable
• Register with bridal registries
•  Begin planning ceremony and reception details/timelines as much as possible

 

Order/Purchase
• Invitations, matches, napkins, favors, pew cards, thank-you notes, programs, etc.
• Rental items (everything from tents and tables to linens and silverware)
• Flowers, bouquets, boutonnières, decorations for the wedding ceremony & reception
• Attire for groom, groomsmen and fathers
• Correct postage for invitations and thank-you notes
Reserve
• Rehearsal dinner location
• Block of rooms for out-of-town guests
• Honeymoon tickets and accommodations
Select
• Limousine service and/or other transportation
Confirm
• Dress delivery dates for bride and attendants, if applicable
At this time
• Plan to have mothers select attire
• Complete the guest list and begin addressing the invitations and thank you notes as printed
• Prepare maps and directions for invitations
• Begin to finalize ceremony and reception details/timelines
• Make doctor’s appointments for physicals and update your immunization shots and records

 

• Mail all invitations to allow time for RSVP’s
Order/Purchase
• Wedding cake and arrange for delivery
Select
• Hairdresser and make-up artists: schedule practice and real appointments
• Select seamstress/tailor to make dress alterations
Confirm
• Honeymoon arrangements
• Rehearsal and rehearsal dinner arrangements
At this time
• Arrange to get marriage license
• Schedule first fittings for bride and attendants including all shoes and accessories
• Finalize all details with the caterer, photographer, florist, reception hall, musicians, etc.
• Finalize all ceremony details with the officiant
• Plan the bridesmaids’ luncheon

 

Order/Purchase
• Gifts for bridal party and special participants
• Gift for fiancé, if gifts are being exchanged
• Wedding props
Select
• Attendant for and placement of the guest book
• Music to be played during the ceremony and reception
Confirm
• Accommodations for out-of-town guests
• Men’s attire order and delivery date
• Transportation arrangements for wedding day
• Time and date with florist, caterer, photographer, musicians/DJ, etc.
• Time and date with church and reception locations
At this time
• Have formal bridal portrait done
• Begin to record gifts received and send thank-you notes
• Plan rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
• Schedule final fittings for bride and attendants
• Pick up wedding rings and make sure they fit
• Complete all physical and dental appointments
• Get blood tests and marriage license
• Prepare wedding announcements to be sent to the newspaper

 

• Mail bridal portrait or alternate picture with announcement to newspaper
• Arrange to change name on license, Social Security card, etc.
• Turn in change of address card to the post office
• Prepare wedding announcements to be mailed on or after the wedding day
• The groom should have his hair cut
• The bride should have her hair colored, if necessary
• Continue to record gifts and send thank-you notes as they are received

 

• Start packing for honeymoon and reconfirm all reservations
• Finalize number of guests with caterer and review the details
• Plan seating arrangements
• Review and finalize details with all wedding professionals
• Confirm desired pictures and shots with photographer and videographer
• Style your hair with headpiece and practice applying cosmetics
• Make sure that all wedding attire is picked up and fits, including rings
• Confirm receipt of marriage license

 

• Have the bridesmaid’s luncheon, if you haven’t already
• Have the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
• Instruct the attendants and special participants on their roles in the wedding and reception
• Go over special seating or pew cards with the ushers
• Make sure everyone knows what time they need to be at the church ceremony location
• Review important information with everyone such as what type of transportation is provided, where the reception is, etc.

 

• Try to relax and pamper yourself
• Eat at least one small meal
• Have your hair and make-up done a few hours before the ceremony
• Start dressing one to two hours before the ceremony
• Have photographer and attendants arrive two hours before the ceremony, if there are to be pre-wedding pictures
• Arrange for music to start one-half hour prior to ceremony
• Have mother of the groom seated five minutes before ceremony
• Have mother of the bride seated immediately before the processional
• Arrange for the aisle runner to be rolled out by the ushers immediately before the processional

See related articles: "Bride's Planner" and "Groom's Planner"