12+ months before
l Meet, call or e-mail important friends and family of the big news.
l Draw up your wedding budget with help from your families.
l Choose several options for date and time.
l Ask close friends and relatives to be members of the wedding party.
l Decide on your wedding size and start drawing up the initial guest list.
l Start researching ceremony and reception locations.
l Choose and book an officiant.
l Make a Web page to announce your wedding.
8-10 months before
l If you’re marrying during a tourist or holiday season, or having a destination wedding, send a save-the-date card to guests.
l Research and reserve accommodations for out-of-town guests.
l Order the bride’s dress.
l Register for gifts.
l Book caterer, photographers, videographer, florist and band or DJ.
6-8 months before
l Decide on menu.
l Book ceremony musicians and work on song list.
l Order bridesmaid’s dresses.
4-6 months before
l Shop for rings.
l Start shopping for groom’s and groomsmen’s formalwear.
l If necessary, get passports.
3 months before
l Finalize guest list.
l Order invitations.
l Order wedding cake.
l Enjoy your wedding shower.
l Hire transportation for the wedding day.
2 months before
l Mail invitations.
l Buy gifts for parents, attendants and each other.
l Try-out big day hair styles.
1 month before
l Have final wedding dress fitting.
l Create wedding program, if you are having one.
2 weeks and counting
l Apply for a marriage license.
l Call guests who haven’t RSVP’d.
l Deliver a must-take photo list to the photographer.
l Give DJ or band a must-play and don’t-play list for the reception.
l Get one last hair cut and color.
1 week before
l Give reception site a final head count.
l Do the reception seating chart and write out place cards.
l Attend bachelor/bachlorette parties.
2-3 days before
l Pick up groom’s tux.
l Reconfirm all details with reception site, florist, cake, music, caterer, limousine, etc.
Day before
l Write any necessary checks.
l Rehearse the ceremony.
l Give marriage license to officiant.
l Attend the rehearsal dinner and present gifts.
l Get a good night’s sleep.
Day of
l Present parents with gifts or at least a big hug and kiss.
l Give the best man/maid of honor your wedding bands.
l Give the best man the offician’s fee.
l Remember to enjoy yourself.
