Planning your wedding does not have to be a stressful time. Everything you need to think about before the wedding is outlined here. Consult our 12-month timetable to see when to do each task, then plan every detail of your wedding day!
12 Months
- Announce engagement
- Send announcement to local newspaper
- Purchase a planning notebook or software
- Develop a guest list
10 Months
- Set the date
- Book the reception site
- Interview and select caterer, photographer, florist, DJ, videographer
8 Months
- Select clergy
- Interview cake designers, sample cake and select cake design
- Begin to review honeymoon locations
- Finalize overall budget
6 Months
- Choose invitations and stationery
- Order bridesmaid dresses and accessories
- Bride and groom’s mothers select dresses
- Reserve rental equipment (chairs, arches, linens etc)
3-4 Months
- Finalize flowers
- Order Tuxes
- Book honeymoon
- Purchase groom’s gift
- Schedule appointments for trial hair and makeup
- Book block of rooms for out-of-town guests
- Plan seating arrangement for reception
- Purchase wedding accessories - Guest Book, Ring Bearer’s Pillow, Toasting Glasses, Unity Candle, Flower Basket, Cake Knife and Server
- Choose or write vows
- Book hair, nail, makeup appointments
1 Month
- Finalize ceremony plans
- Print wedding programs
- Finalize transportation of family, wedding party and out-of-town guests
- Pick up wedding rings
- Name change for driver’s license, social security card, insurance and medical plans and bank accounts
- Schedule second wedding dress fitting
- Print Place Cards for reception
11 Months
- Plan a preliminary budget
- Research wedding and reception locations
- Choose your bridal party and ask each person to participate
- Settle on a wedding site
- Download our budget worksheet
9 Months
7 Months
- Order wedding dress
- Begin to shop for bridesmaid dresses
- Finalize guest list
5 Months
- Select wedding favors
- Shop for wedding rings
- Finalize your décor ideas and shop for decorations
- Begin shopping for groom’s and groomsmen’s wedding attire
- Select dates for bachelorette parties and showers
2 Months
- Mail invitations
- Purchase gifts for bridal party
- Schedule first wedding dress fitting
- Apply for marriage license
- Attend Showers
