|
The
following checklist is an "ideal"
timetable. Couples who do not have as
much time as shown should plan their
wedding in much the same order, using
the checklist as a guide. Be sure to
check things off as you complete them.
Immediately After the
Engagement:
Discuss a budget and the size and style
of the wedding with your parents.
Decide who pays for what.
If you will be using a wedding
consultant, enlist their services.
Meet with clergy member; schedule
pre-marital counseling.
Reserve wedding and reception sites;
make initial catering contacts.
Register at local bridal registries.
Contact photographers; hire one.
Six Months or More
Before:
Compile the guest list.
Reserve a block of hotel rooms for
out-of-town guests.
Choose engagement and wedding rings.
Send your engagement announcement to
newspapers.
Select and order wedding gown.
Select the attendants (bridesmaids and
groomsmen). Choose and order bridesmaids
dresses.
Select one usher for every 50 guests.
Check out videographers. Hire one.
Make arrangements for the music at the
wedding and reception.
Check out bakers. Get estimates. Book
the date.
Plan beauty preparations (nails, diet,
hair, skin care and makeup).
Four Months Before:
Complete the guest list and confirm
final details with the caterer.
Order invitations (25 extra) and
personal stationery or "Thank You"
notes.
Order napkins and purchase any other
items needed for the ceremony and
reception.
Check with the caterer to see what
he/she includes.
Visit the photographer again to discuss
specifics. Use the 'Photographer
Checklist'.
Get estimates and order flowers and
floral arrangements for wedding and
reception.
Get estimates and order balloons,
decorations and favors for wedding and
reception.
Make all transportation arrangements to
and from the wedding and the reception.
Consider hiring a limousine, party bus,
trolley or horse-drawn carriage.
Book room for wedding night.
Make honeymoon plans.
Three Months Before:
Order wedding rings. Allow time for any
final engraving.
Order tuxedos for the groomsmen and
fathers.
Complete all honeymoon plans. If
traveling outside the country, check on
visas,
passports and inoculations.
Two Months Before:
Mail invitations (six weeks before the
wedding; eight weeks to out-of-town
guests).
Make appointments with the hairdresser
for the bride and attendants or
out-of-town guests.
Buy a wedding gift for your future
spouse and gifts for attendants and
helpers.
Finalize arrangements of accommodations
for out-of-town attendants and guests.
One Month Before:
Choose all accessories, shoes and
lingerie for bridal gown.
Have final fitting for bridal gown and
bridesmaids' dresses.
Have beauty consultant do a trial run
with bride's hair and makeup.
Schedule this appointment on the day the
bridal portrait is taken and/or a party
is planned.
Have bridal portrait taken.
Register all tuxedo sizes with the
formal wear store.
Check with the newspapers on wedding
announcement requirements.
Finalize plans for rehearsal dinner.
Plan seating arrangements for the
rehearsal dinner and reception.
Arrange bridesmaids' luncheon. Often,
that is when the bride gives them their
gifts.
Complete name-change documents.
Complete change-of-address information
for post-office.
Keep current with "Thank You" notes for
shower and early wedding gifts.
Two Weeks Before:
Get the marriage license. Be sure to
bring all needed documents.
Inform or send invitations including
exact time and location to those who
will attend the rehearsal and rehearsal
dinner.
Inquire about where you and your
attendants will dress for the ceremony.
Walk through the entire event in your
mind. Consider things like parking,
access for handicapped guests, etc.
Confirm all transportation plans.
Check in with caterer, photographer,
videographer, musicians, DJ, florist,
etc. to confirm all arrangements.
"Break in" wedding shoes at home.
One Week Before:
Appoint someone to act as an "organizer"
to handle any last minute problems.
Give a final guest count to the caterer.
Review final details for those in the
wedding party.
Confirm honeymoon arrangements.
Pack for the honeymoon. Know what you'll
wear from the reception.
Enjoy a day with your family and
friends. Visit a day spa, have a
massage, a facial and relax.
One Day Before:
Attend the rehearsal and rehearsal
dinner.
Give the rings and clergy member's fee to
the best man.
Wedding Day:
Mail wedding announcements.
Enjoy the day!
CONGRATULATIONS!
|
