Greetings! The opportunity to relax and enjoy your wedding day is all in your hands! And, to ensure that, takes careful advance planning and scheduling. For a large, formal wedding, you’ll want to have at least 6-12 months of advance planning. Smaller, more informal weddings can be planned in less time, depending on the number of guests, and how flexible you are on the details. Less lead time, means more compromising! But, no matter what size your wedding will be, try to find a trusted person to help throughout the entire process. Delegating tasks, will save you time and stress. Keep in mind though, that involving a lot of people in each decision can sometimes be more stressful, with too many opinions, pulling you in all directions.
Six to twelve months:
Decide on your budget:
Decide the type of wedding: Informal or Formal
Choose location of ceremony:
Choose attendants:
Select gown, veil & accessories:
Select and order attendants’ gowns:
Compile Invitation List from Bride and Groom:
Choose Reception Site:
Plan Details of Reception:
Select Photographer & Videographer:
Choose florist:
Choose Caterer:
Select Musicians for Ceremony & Reception:
Look at Honeymoon Ideas:
Reserve Limousines:
Consider other party favors and extra details:
Four to Six Months
Order invitations, wedding programs, thank you’s
Finalize your Honeymoon Details
Update any immunizations needed for travel
Update or order passport, as required for travel
Order flowers
Shop for wedding bands
Two Months
Chose and reserve Tuxedos
Address wedding invitations
Check with local newspapers on deadlines for wedding announcement
Select attendants’ gifts
Chose wedding hair style, and set appt. for trial run with your hair stylist
Set date to get marriage license with your fiance
Reserve Rental Items for ceremony & reception
Order Wedding Cake & groom’s cake
Mail invitations- they should arrive six weeks prior to wedding
One Month
Arrange final gown fitting & bridesmaid fittings
Make plans and reservations for rehearsal dinner
Make plans and reservations for bridesmaid brunch or other party
Arrange lodging for out of town guests
Purchase groom’s wedding gift
Confirm Honeymoon reservations
Set appointments for hair and nails for bride and groom, as well as attendants
Two Weeks
Record wedding gifts, as they arrive. Write Thank you notes promptly
Double check all of your wedding attire and accessories
Confirm rehearsal times with members of wedding party
Work on seating chart for reception. Make place cards if needed
Shop for trousseau
Complete name and address changes on accounts, credit cards, lincenses, insurance, utilities, etc.
One Week
Consult with caterer, musicians, florist, photographer, videographer, and limousine to finalize all arrangements, and payments
Give final count to reception site and caterer
Pack for honeymoon
Get plenty of rest, eat healthy, and relax. The planning is finished, and it’s now time to enjoy your big day!
Be sure to check back next week, when we’ll discuss traditional financial obligations of the entire wedding party & family members.
