Planner
| 6-12 Months Before | |
|---|---|
| Her Checklist __ Select a date and time for the wedding __ __ Choose your theme or style __ Decide the color scheme __ Determine the size of your guest list __ Select the type of reception (dancing with dinner, dinner only, etc.) __ Reserve a ceremony and reception location Interview and select the following professionals, if needed: __ Photographer __ Florist __ Officiant or clergy __ Videographer __ Caterer __ Wedding Consultant __ Begin gathering names and addresses of guests __ Select bridal attendants __ Have fiancé select his attendants __ Select your dress and headpiece __ Select bridesmaids' dresses __ Order wedding cake __ Arrange accommodations for out-of-town guests or attendants __ Choose engagement ring, if he has not already done so __ Send announcement of engagement to newspaper |
His Checklist __ Purchase the bride's engagement ring __ Discuss with fiancée the date and type of wedding __ Begin gathering names and addresses of guests __ Choose your best man, groomsmen, and ushers __ Begin planning the honeymoon |
| 4 Months Before | |
| Her Checklist __ Continue making arrangements with vendors (sign contracts, pay deposits) __ Verify all bridal attire has been ordered __ Finalize the guest list __ Order invitations and stationery __ Have the mothers select their attire __ Register at the bridal registry in the cities of both families __ Make all necessary medical exam appointments __ Shop for wedding rings __ Determine living arrangements for after the wedding __ Begin shopping for your trousseau |
His Checklist __ Finalize honeymoon plans __ Select the men's wedding attire and reserve the correct sizes (be sure to bring your bride with you so that the attire you choose will complement her gown __ Obtain the requirements for a marriage license (blood test, physical, necessary paperwork) __ Shop for wedding rings __ Complete the guest list including full names, addresses and phone numbers of each guest __ Discuss and plan with fiancée your future home together. If fiancée is moving in with you, start cleaning out closets, cupboards and drawers to make room for your bride |
| 2 Months Before | |
| Her Checklist __ Address invitations. They should be mailed 4 to 6 weeks before the wedding. __ Finalize arrangements with musicians, reception location, florist, caterer, ceremony, etc. __ Finalize ceremony details with clergy/officiant (ie. order of ceremony) __ Arrange the ceremony rehearsal __ Arrange lunch for bridesmaids' __ Make beauty arrangements (hairdresser, makeup) __ Have engagement photos taken |
His Checklist __ Assist/Arrange rehearsal dinner (ie. location, entree selections) __ Have engagement photos taken __ Finalize ceremony details with clergy/officiant (ie. order of ceremony) __ Discuss the amount and the financial arrangements for the flowers |
| 1 Month Before | |
| Her Checklist __ Have a final fitting for your and bridal attendants' gowns __ Verify all accessories have been purchased (candles, garter, toasting glasses, etc.) __ Arrange person for handling guest book and determine where it will be located __ Order wedding program for ceremony __ Get blood test, if needed __ Complete all physical and/or dental appointments __ Obtain marriage license __ Finalize and confirm accommodations for out-of-town guests __ Purchase/make groom's gift, if gifts are being exchanged __ Purchase/make gifts for bridesmaids __ Have lunch with attendants __ Purchase going away outfit __ Be sure to record any gifts received. It's a good idea to write and send thank-you notes immediately) __ Provide the videographer with any additional pictures you want included in the video (ie. montage) __ Provide a list of special music selections for the musicians for both ceremony and reception |
His Checklist __ Get blood test, if needed __ Complete all physical and/or dental appointments __ Obtain marriage license __ Purchase gifts for best man and ushers __ Purchase/make fiancée's gift, if gifts are being exchanged __ Verify that all attendants have been fitted and wedding attire has been ordered __ Pick up wedding rings. Make sure they fit __ Obtain information on all legal affairs (ie. medical plans, insurance policies, joint checking accounts). If you have both agreed to a pre-nuptial agreement, have it drawn up and signed |
| 2 Weeks Before | |
| Her Checklist __ Inform photographer the list of poses and pictures you want __ Prepare wedding announcements to be sent to the newspaper __ Arrange for your personal items to be moved to your new home __ Make any address changes with the Post Office |
His Checklist __ Finalize transportation for the wedding day __ Have your hair cut __ If moving, be sure to submit a change of address card to the post office. Arrange to have utilities (gas, electric, phone service) turned on in the new home. If not moving, finish cleaning and reorganizing your home and help your fiancée move her things |
| 1 Week Before | |
| Her Checklist __ Contact guests who have not responded __ Give final total of guests to caterer and review the food/service agreement __ Review with all service providers the details. Inform them of any changes __ Plan the seating arrangements for the reception __ Continue writing thank-you notes __ Pack for the honeymoon __ Make sure you have the rings and they fit __ Verify all wedding attire is ready and fits __ Have a rehearsal for all participants to review their duties __ Attend the rehearsal dinner. Relax __ Stay with family the night before the wedding. Go to bed early so you will be refreshed for your special day |
His Checklist __ Reconfirm all honeymoon reservations __ Pack for the honeymoon __ Verify you have the marriage license __ Pick up and try on wedding attire to check the fit __ Attend the rehearsal to review your duties __ Discuss special seating or pew cards with ushers __ Arrange for gifts brought to the reception to be taken to your new home __ Pack the car with your luggage for your first night/honeymoon __ Attend the rehearsal and dinner. Relax __ Go to bed early, so you will be refreshed for your special day |
| Wedding Day | |
| Her Checklist __ Be sure to eat (most brides forget or are too exited/nervous). __ Have a massage or take a relaxing bath __ Fix hair or have an appointment to have it styled at least 3 to 4 hours before the ceremony __ Make sure nails are well manicured __ Allow plenty of time to apply make-up. __ Place all accessories together in one bag to take to the salon and to the ceremony for any last minute touch-ups __ If you are having photos taken before the wedding have everyone ready about 2 - 2 1/2 hours before the ceremony (time is based on size of wedding party and family) __ Have music start 30 minutes before the ceremony __ Just before the ceremony begins the mother of the bride and the groom's parents should be seated--unless their entrance is part of the ceremony |
His Checklist __ Be sure to eat something in the morning __ Don't forget to take the marriage license to the ceremony __ Place the officiant's fee in a sealed envelope to present to him after the ceremony __ Allow plenty of time to get dressed (begin 1 hour before the ceremony or before pictures are taken) __ Arrive at the ceremony location on time __ Give the best man the rings--unless there is a ring bearer |
| After Wedding | |
| Her Checklist __ Get forms arranged and submitted for change of names on Social Security card, driver's license, insurance, medical/dental plans, bank accounts, will, and other named business/legal items __ Mail wedding announcement to the newspaper __ Write/mail thank-you's __ Go on honeymoon __ Relax and enjoy your wonderful life together |
His Checklist __ Go on honeymoon __ Relax and enjoy your wonderful life together |