The Wedding Guide
6 Months Prior ◻Register for wedding gifts. Choose a minimum of two retailers to give guests options.
◻Create a wedding website. There are
many free and easy-to-use services available on the Internet if you’re not website savvy. If you have an attendant who is, consider tasking that person with this item.
◻Order invitations. While ordering your
wedding invitations, select stationery for menus, programs and thank-you notes. The stationery store can likely recommend a calligrapher if you want to use one. If you plan to send save-the-date cards, this is the time to order those as well. Invitations should be mailed eight weeks in advance, with the RSVP cutoff set at three weeks after the mail date.
◻Reserve transportation. Options for
transporting you and your wedding party are plentiful: limousines, town cars, minibuses, trolley cars, even horse-drawn carriages. The method should fit the type of wedding you’re planning and should be feasible for distance and time.
◻Reserve rental equipment. If your
caterer or venue isn’t providing tables, chairs, linens and dinnerware, reserve these now.
◻Dress the men. Purchase or reserve the groom’s attire, as well as the attire for his attendants.
◻Meet with the officiant. Discuss the
details of the ceremony and ensure that you have all the documents required by the state. Choose your desired readings for the ceremony and run your finalized vows past your officiant if you choose to write your own.
5 to 4 Months Prior ◻Choose gifts. Purchase any gifts you
wish to give your attendants. Arrange for welcome baskets for out-of-town guests, and if desired, select favors for guests to take away from the reception.
◻Book the rehearsal and rehearsal-
dinner venues. Schedule a rehearsal venue, time and menu for all involved in the ceremony. Consider inviting all out-of-town guests as your budget allows. If you plan to host a next-day brunch for your guests, book that venue now, too.
◻Start your dress fittings. Take the
undergarments and shoes you plan to wear with your dress to every fitting. If you didn’t choose your veil/headpiece when you purchased your gown, do so now.
◻Book hair and makeup artists. If you
don’t already have a favorite stylist, visit a
few before making a decision. It’s helpful to offer photos of the wedding party attire.
◻Finalize your music selections. If you’re
uncomfortable on the dance floor, consider signing up for some dance lessons now.
3 Months Prior ◻Create a schedule for your wedding
and reception. Compile a “day-of” schedule of events for all participants to follow for your wedding day, including times and locations for photographs, hair and makeup, any last-minute rehearsals, readings, etc. Consider tasking this item to a trusted relative or friend if you’re not using a wedding coordinator. Make sure to give copies to all vendors involved, as well.
◻Confirm any hair and makeup appointment times. If you want to get a cut and color before the wedding, this is the time to do so.
◻Enter RSVPs into your guest list database.
◻Mail the rehearsal dinner invitations. ◻Schedule your final dress fitting.
Week of the Wedding ◻Print place cards and seating charts, if desired.
◻Finalize your flower choices and cater-
◻Reconfirm arrival times with all ven-
◻Book a room for your wedding night. ◻Purchase your wedding rings.
◻Send a final timeline to your wedding
ing menu.
2 Months Prior ◻Touch base with all your vendors. Make
certain that everyone is in agreement on all the final details.
◻Submit a newspaper wedding announcement. Check the newspaper’s website for any rules about what and how to submit.
dors.
party.
◻Notify your caterer of your final guest count.
◻Assemble welcome baskets. ◻Pack for the honeymoon. ◻Take care of as many final payments as you can.
◻Mail the wedding invitations.
◻Prepare tip envelopes.
1 Month Prior
◻Get a manicure and pedicure, or treat
◻Print any programs and menus you
◻Supply any drivers (including hired
require. You should have all the information you need after confirming the schedule with your officiant and finalizing the menu with your caterer.
◻Get your marriage license. Make
appointments for marriage licenses and any bloodwork your state may require. Request certified copies of any documentation necessary. Also, complete any paperwork required to change your name, if you choose to do so.
◻Update your address with the post
office. Complete a change-of-address form through your local post office if your living arrangements will be changing.
yourself and your attendants to a spa day.
transportation and out-of-town guests) with point-to-point directions.
◻Pick up your dress or arrange to have it delivered.
◻Pick up your wedding rings. ◻Break in your wedding shoes! ◻Delegate the details. If not using a coordinator, assign tasks: delivering welcome baskets, carrying vendor tips, transferring bouquets to tables, bustling your dress, being in charge of gifts.
◻Buy a guestbook. If you prefer some-
thing less traditional, consider a platter or jar with little notecards for guests to jot down a message.
◻Purchase attendants’ gifts. The
rehearsal dinner is the time to present these.
◻Assign seating. If you’re having a seated dinner, plan where everyone will sit.
If you write thankyou notes as gifts arrive, you won’t feel overwhelmed after the wedding.