YOUR “I-DO” MASTER CHECKLIST By Kelly Rhodes, Southern Frills Weddings & Events
6-12 MONTHS PRIOR
Announce the engagement Set a preliminary budget to guide planning/ figure out who all will contribute Hire a wedding planner Create a wedding email (gmail or yahoo) to keep all things wedding in one place Start compiling a guest-list with addresses and current name spellings. Guests can be organized in the following categories: family, friends, work friends, other Establish an ideal wedding date Choose color scheme, theme, and overall formality. What do you want your wedding to look, smell, sound, taste, & feel like? Begin visiting ceremony & reception locations that fit your desired date, aesthetic, and guest count Start looking at wedding attire If there will be an engagement party or rehearsal dinner, set a date & location and purchase invitations Begin shopping for wedding rings Meet with the following vendors: Photographer Videographer Florist DJ/Band Caterer Bakery Transportation Officiant/Minister/Notary Entertainment for cocktail hour/ceremony Rentals (tents, staging, lounge, bars, accent décor, lighting, hanging installations) Order and mail out Save-The-Dates once your venue is booked
4-6 MONTHS PRIOR
Review the budget Wedding attire: Get fitted Purchase bride(s)/groom(s) attire Purchase mother’s attire Purchase bridesmaids and groomsmen attire Purchase accessories Find a reliable seamstress Guestlist: Determine if children will be invited Determine # of out-of-town guests Reserve or find suggestions at a hotel for guests Finalize guestlist Pick out and order wedding favors Pick out and order wedding invitations Register for gifts Finalize honeymoon plans Solidify plans for the rehearsal dinner (if necessary) Schedule hair stylists (as well as the trial run) Determine if meals served at the reception will be plated or buffet Determine what customs, traditions, vows, or readings you wish to have Sign up for premarital counseling/mentoring (if required)
2-4 MONTHS PRIOR
Finalize food/menu Select person to hand out programs Start addressing invitations Prepare maps/directions cards Purchase wedding party gifts Communicate hotel recommendations for out of town guests Arrange final fittings for wedding attire As you receive presents, be sure to update and/or add items to registry Arrange for babysitter at reception (if necessary) Select ushers (if applicable) Send out thank you notes for wedding and shower gifts Finalize photo-shot lists Other purchases: Toasting flutes Cake knives Unity ceremony items Dancing accessories Favors Card box Sign in items Mail out invitations 8 weeks prior to the wedding Reconfirm honeymoon plans and reservations
