Planning Timeline

Nine to Twelve Months Before | Six to Nine Months Before | Four to Six Months Before | Two to Four Months Before
Six to Eight Weeks Before | Four to Six Weeks Before | Two Weeks Before | One Week Before | One Day Before | The Big Day

Nine to Twelve Months Before

• Determine who will officiate at the ceremony. • Announce your engagement in the newspaper. • Determine how many guests may attend. • Select and order the bridesmaids' dresses. • Establish a preliminary budget. • Select and secure a photographer. • Select and secure your ceremony location. • Begin choosing your wedding cake baker, videographer, musicians, and florist. Sign necessary contracts. • Pick out engagement ring with fiancé.

	Six to Nine Months Before
	• Start compiling the guest list (inform your families to do the same). • Select the attendants for your wedding party. • Shop for the wedding dress, headpiece, veil, etc. • Start planning for honeymoon. • Register with a gift bridal registry in your favorite store. • Send next deposit to hotel – due six months prior to wedding.

	Four to Six Months Before
	• Check requirements for blood test and marriage license in your state. • Shop for wedding rings. • Select and order the invitations and stationery. • Complete the guest lists. • Begin shopping for trousseau. • Send your engagement announcement to the newspaper. • Inform mothers to select their dresses. • Select and order the men's attire. • Finalize honeymoon details and make the necessary reservations.

	Two to Four Months Before
	• Decide what your menu is going to be for the reception. Estimate the expected number of guests. • Confirm the menu and catering details with your hotel sales person. • Prepare all maps and directions for the ceremony and reception. • Select your wedding rings. • Buy a wedding guest book. • Set the dates and times with the officiant for the rehearsal. • Plan the bridesmaids' luncheon and any other parties. • Determine your resources for designing and printing the program for the ceremony. • Finalize the florist details, photographer, videographer, musicians, etc. • Plan a rehearsal dinner, time and place. • Confirm the wedding cake details with the baker. • Send next deposit to hotel – due three months prior to wedding.

	Six to Eight Weeks Before
	• Mail invitations and announcements. • Prepare a portrait for the newspaper. Check your local newspaper for details and timing. • Set appointment with photographer for your formal bridal portrait. • Select gifts for all your attendants. • Set appointments with any hairdressers and/or makeup artists. • Hire the limousine or other forms of transportation for the wedding.

	Four to Six Weeks Before
	• Schedule a final fitting for your gown so it can be ready for your formal bridal portrait. • Buy a gift for the groom. • Purchase a going away outfit. • Pick up your wedding rings. • Purchase (borrow) all wedding accessories such as the ring pillow, goblets, garter belt, candles, etc. • Confirm florist details and delivery times. • Make sure all bridesmaids' attire has been fitted. • Buy a gift for the bride. • Send next payment to hotel – due one month prior to wedding.

	Two Weeks Before
	• Make arrangements to have your wedding gifts moved to your new home. • Handle business and legal details such as name changes, address changes, etc. • Prepare the wedding announcement for the newspaper. • Plan the seating for the reception as well as other details for the ceremony and reception. Start writing placecards. • Reconfirm your guests’ accommodations. • Make sure all clothing and accessories for you and the bridal party are ready. • Get your marriage license and any blood tests which are needed.

	One Week Before
	• Final headcount is due to hotel along with final balance. • Review any seating details with the ushers. • Make sure all wedding attire fits. • Finalize the seating arrangements. • Reconfirm your honeymoon reservations. Ensure you have any necessary plane tickets. • Start packing for your honeymoon. • Call any guests who have not responded yet. • Finish all the place cards for the reception. • Review all the final details with your photographer, videographer, etc. • Confirm the availability of the musicians and vocalists. • Delegate responsibilities to reliable individuals on your wedding day • Wrap and present the wedding party gifts. • Finalize your rehearsal dinner arrangements or other plans.

	One Day Before
	• Get a manicure or massage to relax yourself. • Stay with your family the night before and sleep early. • Review and rehearse all the details of your participants.

	The Big Day
	• Make sure the best man and maid of honor sign the wedding certificate. • Allow yourself plenty of time to get dressed. • Be sure to eat properly. • Prepare for your hairdresser and makeup appointments. • Enjoy your wonderful wedding and cherish each and every moment!!!