Print out the timeline below and check off each item as you and your fianc go along! This list may seem like an overwhelming amount of things for you to do, but we guarantee you that it will help make things go smoother.
Nine Months and Earlier:
Announce engagement to family, friends, co-workers and neighbors.
Plan engagement party
Select a date and time for your wedding
Hire a professional wedding consultant
Determine the type of wedding you want (location, time of day, formality, number of guests, etc.) and your wedding budget. If sharing expenses, decide who will pay for what.
Consolidate all guest lists
Decide if you want to include children as guests
Reserve ceremony/reception site and select/meet officiant
Attend bridal shows
Select and order bridal gown and headpiece
Determine color scheme
Book photographer and videographer
Decide who will be in the bridal party and ask them
Order passport, visa or birth certificate if needed for honeymoon or marriage license
Start comparison shopping
Gather ideas for reception: menu, beverages, entertainment, favors, etc.
Six to Nine Months Before Wedding
Reserve wedding night bridal suite
Select and order dresses, shoes, and accessories for the bridal party
Select and book caterer, if needed
Select and book ceremony/reception musicians/DJ
Schedule fittings and delivery dates for yourself, attendants, flower girl, and ring bearer
Book florist
Four to Six Months Before Wedding
Shop for each other's wedding gifts
Reserve rental items for ceremony and reception
Order wedding invitations, announcements, and other stationery (thank-you notes, wedding programs, seating cards, scrolls, napkins)
Finalize guest list and address invitations
Set date, time, and location for your rehearsal dinner
Start planning your honeymoon
Book all miscellaneous services, i.e. gift attendant, valet parking, etc.
Register for gifts (www.marriagebeforeandafter.com) at dept. stores
Purchase shoes & accessories (begin to break in those shoes!)
Shop for wedding rings and make arrangements for graving.
Two to Four Months Before Wedding
Order wedding & groom's cake, party favors, and room decorations
Purchase honeymoon attire & luggage
Book transportation
Check with local authorities about requirements for marriage license and blood test. Visit doctor for physical.
Get necessary travel documents (passport, visa, birth certificate)
Purchase gifts for wedding attendants
Reserve blocks of rooms at hotels for out-of-town guests
Draw maps with directions to the ceremony and reception site
Touch base with bridal consultant
Meet with caterer to discuss reception menu
Review music selections with musician
Arrange for an engagement picture for the newspaper
Meet with florist to discuss floral budget and decorations
Begin addressing inner and outer invitation envelopes
Six to Eight Weeks Before Wedding
Mail invitations (include a map to ceremony and reception sites as well as directions)
Keep a record of RSVPs and gifts received - send thank-you notes upon receipt of gifts
Schedule to have hair, makeup, and nails done the day of the wedding
Finalize shopping for wedding day accessories
Reserve wedding attire for groom, ushers, father of the bride, and ring bearer
Mail rehearsal dinner invitations
Obtain marriage license
Finalize your menu, beverage, and alcohol order with banquet manager. Ask for banquet room floor plan
Consult a party rental store if equipment is needed
Meet with photographer for formal bridal portrait.
Order wedding programs
Order favors
Two to Six Weeks Before Wedding
Confirm ceremony details with your officiant
Arrange final fittings
Finalize all plans - rehearsal dinner, floral selections, photography, musicians
Begin packing for honeymoon
Contact guest who haven't responded
Pick up rings
Determine ceremony seating for special guests and plan reception room layout (write names on place cards for arranged seating)
Seating plan for rehearsal dinner
Make a detailed timeline for wedding party and service providers
Give copies of timelines to appropriate people
Hand out responsibility cards to the members of your wedding party
Purchase gifts for attendants and wrap
Dye shoes all in one lot-use swatch from dresses
If attendants live out-of-town, send dresses so they can be fitted and altered
Purchase bridal garter, guest book, pen, cake knife, and toasting glasses.
Take formal portrait
Send wedding announcement to the local newspaper
Do trial hair and make-up run and set date with them.
Set date for manicure/pedicure
Finalize arrangements for the rehearsal dinner
Verify attendants have accessories
Final fitting of gown
Select wedding gifts for each other
Arrange transportation for the wedding party
Plan receiving line
Write place cards for the reception
Write out thank-you notes
Get marriage license
Confirm with all service vendors
Attend bridal shower
Have bridesmaid luncheon
Ask a friend to handle the wedding gifts at the reception and to take home
Hire a house sitter for the rehearsal dinner and reception
Ask someone to be the guest book attendant
Check with cleaners about preserving your gown-and ask someone to take your gown there.
Plan welcome package for out-of-town guests.
Attend bachelorette party
The Last Week
Pick up wedding attire (make sure it all fits!!!)
Do final guest count and notify your caterer or reception site manager
Confirm honeymoon reservations and accommodations. Pick up tickets and travelers checks
Give addressed and stamped announcements to someone who will mail them the day after the wedding
Finish honeymoon packing
Review timeline with service providers
Go over last minute details with consultant and bridal party
Pay balances due on services required before the wedding
Have checks in envelope for your consultant to give to service providers the day of wedding.
Have the bridesmaid luncheon
Give out attendant gifts
Have something old, new borrowed and blue ready
Check weather report and make any necessary adjustments
The Rehearsal Day
Put suitcases in getaway car
Give checks to service providers via best man
Arrange for someone to bring accessories such as guest book, ring bearer pillow, flower-girl basket, toasting glasses, napkins and cake-cutting knife
Arrange for someone to return rental items such as tuxedos
Lay out clothes and accessories
The Wedding Day
Eat a good breakfast
Review timeline with bridal party
Give groom's ring to maid of honor and bride's ring to the best man
Follow your detailed schedule of events
Relax and enjoy your wedding!!!
If this list seems too overwhelming-consult with a wedding planner for help. They can be of great assistance and keep you sane during this period.