planning SAVING YOUR SANITY, ONE LIST AT A TIME
Twelve Month Wedding Timeline Now that you’ve said “yes!” it’s time to get organized! Use our checklist as a guideline to help you through the wedding planning process. TWELVE MONTHS
z Choose the date & time z Plan the budget z Reserve ceremony site z Start your guest list z Hire a wedding consultant z Meet with officiant to discuss premarital counseling
z Visit reception sites & reserve one
z Choose your attendants z Shop for gown and arrange alterations
NINE MONTHS
z Order wedding dress, veil & accessories
FOUR MONTHS
z Choose ceremony music z Order men’s formal wear z Reserve rehearsal dinner location
z Book stylist or salon for bridal party hair, nails, & makeup
z Discuss menu with caterer z Order wedding bands z Meet with premarital counselor z Purchase mothers’ dresses TWO MONTHS
z Address & mail invitations z Plan hair & makeup trial z Confirm ceremony details z Arrange rehearsal dinner plans z Complete proper documents
z Take engagement pictures z Select dress for bridal attendants for changing your name z Decide wedding style z Confirm delivery date of gown formal, casual, etc. z Announce engagement in your local newspaper z Interview & book photographer, videographer, caterer, & florist
z Discuss honeymoon plans (get passport if needed)
z Choose reception music z Send Save-the-Date cards SIX MONTHS
ONE MONTH
z Obtain marriage license z Arrange final gown fittings z Buy gifts for the wedding party z Make reservations for bridesmaids’ luncheon
z Reserve rental equipment z Purchase wedding accessories (guest book, z Choose your baker & order your wedding cake & groom’s cake
z Finalize guest list z Register for gifts z Order invitations, stationery, & thank you cards
z Reserve accommodations for out-of-town guests
z Finalize honeymoon plans z Choose favors
unity candle, cake knife)
TWO WEEKS
z Start reception seating chart & place cards
z Confirm rehearsal dinner plans z Contact guests who didn’t RSVP z Break in wedding shoes z Write rehearsal dinner & wedding toasts
z Meet with photographer & videographer & submit a list of must-take shots
z Confirm honeymoon plans
ONE WEEK
z Pick up your gown z Pack for honeymoon z Confirm transportation details z Give caterer final head count z Review timetables & details with vendors
z Put fees in wedding day envelopes
DAY BEFORE
z Deliver gift baskets to hotels z Host bridesmaids’ luncheon z Have manicure and pedicure z Attend ceremony rehearsal z Hold rehearsal dinner & hand-out special gifts to wedding party
z Prepare tip envelopes & arrange for someone to distribute them
WEDDING DAY
z Eat breakfast z Arrange to get checked in & have luggage delivered to your hotel
z Get hair & makeup done z Relax! You’re getting married!!!
Wedding Day Checklist A checklist of things every bride should have on hand for her wedding day. Be prepared! Check off items as you assemble your kit. HONEYMOON CHECKLIST
z Airline tickets (note flight number & departure/ arrival time)
z Cruise tickets (note cabin number & departure/ arrival time)
z Resort/Hotel phone & confirmation number z Passports/Visas z Camera, SD cards & charger z Credit cards z Traveler’s checks z Sewing kit z Medicines/Prescriptions z Extra contact lenses or glasses z Toiletries z Electrical plug adapters z Hair dryer UPDATING YOUR NAME
z Auto Registration z Bank & Credit Card Accounts z Car Insurance Policy z Credit Reporting Agencies z Deeds/Titles z Driver’s License z Employee Records z Investment Accounts z Life Insurance Policy z Medical/Dental Records z Memberships z Passport z Post Office Records z Social Security Records z Stock Certificates z Tax Agency Records z Voter Registration Records z Wills/Trusts
WEDDING DAY EMERGENCY KIT
z Phone numbers for
wedding party, wedding coordinator & vendors
z Sewing kit (thread, needle, safety pins & scissors)
z Personal emergency kit
(including Shout wipes, tampons, & a small snack)
z Skin care (cleansers,
moisturizers & lotion)
z Hair care (hair dryer, curling iron, curlers, brush, comb, hair spray, hair gel, bobby pins, hair elastics, barrettes)
z Nail polish, nail file & polish remover (in shade worn & clear to stop runs in nylons)
z Makeup & makeup remover z Double stick tape z Extra pair of nylons z Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss & mouthwash
z Steamer or iron z Hand mirror, tweezers & small grooming scissors
z Tissues & disposable wipes z Anti-cling spray z Deodorant, perfume & baby powder
z Cotton balls, cotton swabs z Headband or clips for pulling hair back while applying makeup
z Small hand towel z Lint brush z Breath mints z Cash z Checks z Something old, new, borrowed & blue
WEDDING ATTIRE
for her:
z Gown z Headpiece & veil z Lingerie (bra, bustier, slip) z Hosiery & garter z Shoes z Jewelry & accessories z Wrap/jacket z Gloves for him:
z Coat, shirt, vest, trousers z Cummerbund z Neckwear z Cufflinks z Socks & shoes
don’t forget z Rings & marriage license z Ring bearer pillow z Flower girl basket z Wedding programs z Cake knife & server z Toasting flutes z Favors z Guest book & pen z Unity candle, kiddush cup z Pay officiant & vendors z Assign person to collect gifts
Cakes Planner CAKE STYLE
CAKE ACCESSORIES
GROOM'S CAKE
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Type of Cake
Cake Topper
Type of Cake
Wedding Cake Location
Flavor of Filling
Cake Flowers
Cake Theme
Groom's Cake Location
Flavor of Icing
Cake Decorations
Flavor of Filling
Cake Table Decorations
Date to Taste Samples
Cake Stands
Flavor of Icing
Part to Save
Description
Cake Boxes
Cake Decorations
Person Responsible for Cake Top, Knife, & Server
Cake Knife & Server
Description Person to Save & Freeze Cake
Cake Napkins
Catering Planner TYPE
COURSES
ENTRÉES
ALCOHOL
SERVICE
RENTAL ITEMS
z Beer & Wine z Wine with Dinner z Champagne Toast z Specialty Cocktail
z Passed Hors d'oeuvres z Hors d'oeuvre Tables z Seated Meal z Buffet
z Breakfast/Brunch z Tea z Lunch z Cocktails z Dinner z Dessert z Full Bar
z Hors d'oeuvres z Appetizer z Soup z Salad z Entree z Dessert z Cocktails
z Beef z Chicken z Pork z Fish/Seafood z Lamb z Pasta z Tables z Chairs & Chair Covers z Linens z China, Glassware, Silverware & Serving Dishes
SPECIAL
z Vegetarian z Kosher z Gluten Free z Other
Flowers Planner FLOWERS BY SEASON SPRING
Cherry Blossom Daffodil Dogwood Forsythia Hellebore Hyacinth Lilac Lily of the Valley Muscari Peony Quince Rose Sweet Pea Tulip Viburnum SUMMER
Anemone Astilbe Azalea Calla Lily Camellia Cosmos Daffodil Dahlia Daisy Delphinium French Tulip Hollyhock Hyacinth Hydrangea Jasmine Lady's Mantle Larkspur Lilac Lily of the Valley Marigold Mimosa Pansy Peony Primrose Ranunculus FALL
Autumn Leaves Celosia (cockscomb)
DESCRIPTION OF WEDDING FLOWERS
Chinese Lantern Chrysanthemum Crosnia Dahlia Hydrangea Seasonal Berries Statice Sunflower Yarrow
HELPERS
CEREMONY
Cake Cutting Attendant
Altar/Chuppah
Guest Book Attendant
Candles & Holders
Officiant
Pew/Aisle Markers
WINTER
Soloists & Musicians
Other
WEDDING PARTY
Other
Bride’s Bouquet
RECEPTION
Bride’s Toss Bouquet
Entryway
Bride’s Attendants’
Head Table Centerpiece
Bouquets
Parents’ Table
Flower Girl’s Headpiece / Basket
Centerpieces
Amaryllis Anemone Casablanca Lily Evergreen Forced Bulbs Freesia Gerber Daisy Heather Narcissus Holly (ilex) Paper-white Poinsettia Rose Stephanot YEAR ‘ROUND
Baby’s Breath Calla Lily Carnation Cattleman Chrysanthemum Daisy Freesia Gardenia Gerber Daisy Gladiolus Iris Lily Orchid Protea Ranunculus Rose September Aster Snapdragon Stephanotis Tuberoses
Groom’s Boutonnière Groom’s Attendants’ Boutonnière Ushers’ Boutonnière Ring Bearer’s Boutonnière Mothers’ & Grandmothers’ Corsages
Guest Table Centerpieces Reception Room Flowers Cake & Cake Table Champagne/Punch Table Gift Table Guest Book Table Restroom
Fathers’ & Grandfathers’ Boutonnières
Other
Other
Other
BOUTONNIERE | Single flower for men worn on lapel
NOSEGAY | Single flower or small bouquet, carried
CORSAGE | Single flower for women worn on wrist
POMANDER | Round bouquet on cord usually for flower girls
CASCADE | Blossoms & greenery in teardrop shape
SPRAY | Small bunch of gathered flowers, carried
HAND TIED | Cut flowers tied with ribbon/fabric, carried
TOSS BOUQUET | Bouquet thrown to the single ladies
Wedding Budget CEREMONY
MUSIC
$
Ceremony Site Fee
$
Ceremony
$
Save-the-Date Cards
$
Officiant
$
Reception
$
$
Marriage License
$
Candles/Candelabra
OPTIONAL ITEMS
Invitations & Envelopes
$
Calligrapher
$
Postage
$
Thank You Notes
$
Ceremony Programs
FAVORS & ACCESSORIES $
Cake Knife & Server
$
Cake Top
$
Favors
$
Flower Girl’s Basket
$
Guest Book & Pen
$
STATIONERY
$
Wedding Coordinator
$
Attendant Accommodations
$
Bridesmaids’ Dresses & Shoes
$
Placecards
$
Flower Girl’s Dress
$
Other
$
Groomsmens’ Formal Wear
TRANSPORTATION
Ring Bearer’s Pillow
$
Ring Bearer’s Attire
$
Toasting Glasses
$
Bridesmaid Luncheon
$
Unity Candle, Kiddish Cup
$
Host & Hostess Gift
$
Attendants Gifts
$
Other
FLOWERS $
Bride’s Bouquet
$
Attendants’ Bouquets & Boutonnière
$
Groom’s Boutonnière
$
Ceremony Flowers
$
Reception Flowers
$
Decorations
GIFTS $
Maid/Matron of Honor
$
Bridesmaids
$
Best Man
$
Groomsmen
$
Ushers
$
Child Attendants
$
Bride & Groom
$
Bride’s Parents & Grandparents
$
Groom’s Parents & Grandparents
$
Pre-Wedding Party Hosts
$
Cake Cutting Attendant
$
Soloist/Musicians
$
Program Attendants
$
Other
PHOTOGRAPHY $
Photographer Fees
$
Engagement Session
$
Proofs
$
Wedding Album(s)
$
Disk of Images
RECEPTION
$
Wedding Party
$
Guests
$
Parking
VIDEOGRAPHY $
Videographer’s Fee
$
Wedding DVD
$
Additional Copies
$
Edited Highlights
$
“Love Story” Production
WEDDING ATTIRE
$
Reception Site Fees
FOR HER:
$
Food & Service
$
Gown
$
Tax & Gratuity
$
Alterations
$
Beverage/Bar Fee
$
Headpiece / Veil
$
Cake/Cake Cutting Fee
$
Lingerie & Garter
$
Rental Items
$
Shoes
Other
$
Jewelry & Accessories
$
Hair, Makeup, Manicure
$
Other
$
RINGS $
Engagement
$
Bride’s Wedding Band
$
Groom’s Wedding Band
FOR HIM:
$
Formal Wear
$
Neckwear & Cufflinks
$
Accessories
$
Shoes
$
Other
Sharing the Cost Willingness and ability should always be taken into account when negotiating who pays for each expense. Use these traditional guidelines for some basic guidance, but don’t be afraid to break the “rules!” Everyone should be comfortable with their share and nothing is ever set in stone.
BRIDE
GROOM
z Groom’s Wedding Ring z Wedding Gift for Groom z Gifts for Bridesmaids z Gift for Parents z Gowns for Bridesmaids (optional) z Accommodations for Out-of-
z Bride’s Engagement & Wedding Ring z Bride’s Bouquet z Mothers' Corsages z Wedding Gift for Bride z Gifts for Groomsmen & Ushers z Gift for Parents (optional) z Formal wear for Groomsmen (optional) z Accommodations for Out-of-
Town Attendants (optional)
z Informal Stationery
Town Attendants (optional)
BRIDE’S FAMILY
z Engagement Party z Bride’s Wedding Attire z Bride’s Parents’ Wedding Attire z Wedding Gift for Newlyweds z Invitations, Announcements,
z Marriage License z Honeymoon z Fee for Officiant
z Engagement & Wedding Photographs
z Groom’s Wedding Attire z Groom’s Parents’ Wedding Attire z Wedding Gift for Newlyweds z Rehearsal Dinner z Shipment of Wedding Gifts to Couple’s Home z Welcome Party for Out-of-Town Guests (optional)
GROOM’S FAMILY
z Engagement Party (optional; following
Thank You Notes, Postage
party by bride’s parents)
z Wedding Ceremony Programs
z Wedding Reception z Flowers for Ceremony & Reception z Bridal Party Bouquets & Flowers for Flower Girl z Transportation for Wedding Party to Ceremony & Reception
WEDDING PARTY
z Videographer z Musicians/Vocalists z Security & Insurance for Gifts z Welcome Party for Out-of-Town Guests
z Bridal Shower for Bride z Bachelor(ette) Party z Accommodations for Self z Wedding Attire & Shoes
totals for budget
Ceremony
Music
Stationery
Favors & Accessories
Photography
Transportation
Flowers
Reception
Videography
Gifts
Rings
Wedding Attire
Your
Registry Checklist RISE & SHINE
z Sheet Set z Duvet z Comforter z Pillows z Mattress Pad
COOK A MEAL
z Saucepans z Cookware z Cutting Boards z Mixing Bowls z Knife Set
HONEYMOON
z Plane Tickets z Hotel z Luggage z Rental Car z Beach Towels z Excursions
ENTERTAIN TOGETHER
z Flatware z Cheese Plate z Wine Glasses z Whiskey Glasses z Pitcher z Salad Bowl z Bar Tools
FLOWER POWER
FRESHEN UP
ENTERTAINMENT & SOUND
z Bathmat z Shower Curtain z Soap Dispenser z Storage
z Sound Bar z Security System z Digital Camera z Alexa
z Towel Set
z TV
DECORATE TOGETHER
z Picture Frames z Throw Blankets z Lamps z Art z Furniture
z Grill z Patio Furniture z Lawn Mower z Leaf Blower
TOOL STUFF
WAKE UP
z Coffee Maker z Toaster z Blender z French Press z Waffle Maker
GET OUTSIDE
z Planters z Yard Items z Hose z Lawn Ornaments
OFFICE TIME MAKE IT SPOTLESS
z Vacuum z Broom z Laundry Basket z Iron / Board z Mop
z Desk z Office Supplies z File Cabinet z Stand Up Desktop z Paper Shredder
z Toolbox z Electric Drill z Step Ladder z Full size Ladder z Saw z Laser Level z Stud Finder
FOR FUN
z Board Games z Camping Gear z Fitness items z Books z Bikes
THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX
z Hangers z Kitchen Furniture
z Sports Items z Yard Games