Planner

Just a simple list that may help you organize and get prepared for your special day.

6-12 Months Before

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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