Whether or not you’re the type of bride who keeps huge files of wedding-related info, you should at least have a checklist that organizes your wedding plans according to their time sensitivity.

 

Below is a checklist for a standard wedding that has been booked at least one year in advance. If yours is booked sooner than that, then you’ll have to step up the pace of these milestones! Don’t fret if you look at the list below and see that your wedding dress should be ordered one year from your wedding date. You can always buy a dress off the rack at a major department store or a wedding store such as David’s Bridal. And even boutique dress shops can rush-order a dress for you; it just might cost a pretty penny!

�        Announce your engagement to family and friends; call each family member or friend individually—do not send a mass e-mail. Have your photo taken and submit it along with your engagement announcement to your local newspaper.

 

�        Arrange for your families to meet if they haven’t met yet.

 

�        Start brainstorming your wedding theme, tone (formal or casual), and/or color scheme.

 

�        Decide on a budget for the wedding. In order to do this you first need to know who is going to be paying for and/or contributing to the wedding.

 

�        Start your guest list. It’s best to start with a large list and narrow down from there. You will probably need to consult both the parents of the bride and the parents of the groom for the list of guests they would like invited. Decide now whether or not you are going to allow children at your wedding; the sooner you decide this, the easier it will be to stick by that decision. Some modern brides have an A List and a B List of invitees; the B List invitees are invited only after A Listers have declined. Wedding Outlook does not encourage having a B List, because all too often the B Listers know they were invited late, either because the invitation came too close to the wedding date or because an A Lister let the cat out of the bag!

 

�        Choose a date and time for your wedding (and have backup dates as well).

 

�        Choose and reserve a ceremony and reception site.

 

�        Choose bridal party members, including maids/matrons of honor, groomsmen, best men, ushers, and readers. Contact each person individually to ask if they will participate—do not send a mass e-mail.

 

�        Choose and reserve your wedding vendors, including florists, caterers, musicians, photographers, and videographers. You might need to meet with several of each before you make your decisions.

 

�        Schedule a tasting with your caterer.

�        Shop for and order your wedding dress and accessories.

 

�        Hire a wedding consultant if you plan to use one. 

 

�        8 to 10 Months Before Wedding Date:

 

�        Register for gifts. You should have at least twice as many items on your registry as the number of people invited to the wedding.

 

�        Sign a contract with your wedding caterer.

 

�        Look into wedding insurance and decide if you need it.

 

�        Plan your honeymoon.

 

�        Shop for and order your bridesmaid dresses. Usually the bridesmaids pay for the dresses themselves, but often the bride coordinates the selection and/or fittings.

 

�        Order wedding favors and wedding accessories, such as personalized cocktail napkins, placeholders, etc. If you’re making them yourself, order the supplies needed and begin crafting them.

 

�        Choose and reserve a baker for your wedding cake if your caterer is not providing the cake. Make sure to taste-test the bakers’ cakes!

 

 

�        Choose and order wedding invitations.

 

�        Send save-the-date announcements. You can easily make these yourself or order them online; often you can order coordinating ones from the same stationer that provides your wedding invitations.

 

�        Start planning the rehearsal dinner. Provide the host/hostess with your guest list. The list should include all members of the bridal party and their guests, as well as any close family members you wish to include.

 

�        Get a trial hairdo and makeup application. You might need to go to more than one salon if you aren’t happy with the results. Bring photos of hairstyles and makeup you like. When you find a stylist you like, book the styling.

 

�        Reserve any rental equipment that the caterer or reception site is not providing, such as tables, chairs, place settings, linens, tents, etc.

 

�        Reserve wedding transportation.

 

�        Reserve a calligrapher, if you plan to use one.

 

�        Purchase your wedding rings.

 

�        Book wedding night accommodations and accommodations for out-of-town guests.

 

�        Book day-after wedding activities, such as a farewell brunch.

 

�        Purchase gifts for the bridal party, parents, and each other.

 

 

�        Invite guest to the rehearsal dinner if you are hosting it yourself. If not, confirm with the host/hostess that invitations have gone out, even if it’s just by phone calls.

 

�        Send a schedule to entire bridal party detailing the day before, day of, and day after wedding (if you’re having a brunch or some such). This can be done via e-mail. 

 

�        Have a bridal gown fitting.

 

�        Give a list of “must play” songs to your band or DJ, including your wedding song.

 

�        Arrange a food tasting with your caterer and select menu options.

 

�        Meet with your officiant to discuss the wedding ceremony.

 

�        Write your wedding vows if you’re writing them yourselves.

 

�        Mail your wedding invitations two months’ in advance.

 

�        Make blood test appointments if your state requires it in order to obtain a marriage license.

 

�        Complete change-of-name documents if you plan to change your name.

 

�        Announce your wedding in the local newspaper.

 

 

�        Apply for and  obtain your marriage license.

 

�        Have your final gown fitting. Have someone with you who can learn how to bustle your dress.

 

�        Confirm with your bridal party that they’ve gotten their attire.

 

�        Confirm with all vendors the arrival and delivery times.

 

�        Purchase or print your own wedding programs.

 

�        Create welcome bags for out-of-town guests (include schedule of wedding-day activities and day-after activities if you’re having a farewell brunch); create toiletry baskets for reception site bathrooms.

 

�        Send change-of-address information to post office if necessary.

 

�        Have the maid/matron of honor or the mother of the bride and/or groom to contact any guests who have not RSVP’ed.

 

 

�        Create seating chart. You will probably need the assistance of the parents of the bride and groom.

 

�        Write placecards.

 

�        Give final head count to caterer and inform caterer of any dietary restrictions of guests.

 

�        Pick up your wedding dress and accessories.

 

�        Break in your wedding shoes—wear them around the house for a few days.

 

�        Send your honeymoon details (contact information, dates, etc.) to a family member in case of emergency.

 

 

�        Assign responsibilities to the wedding party (who will hand out boutonnieres, who will seat guests, etc.).

 

�        Confirm transportation.

 

�        Get a manicure, pedicure, and/or other spa treatments.

 

�        Rehearse ceremony.

 

�        Give your wedding party and parents gifts.

 

�        Hold rehearsal dinner.

 

 

�        ENJOY the best day of your life!