Countdown to a Fascinating Wedding

Getting Started

  • Share the news of your engagement with your family and friends and announce it in the local newspapers.
  • Discuss finances with everyone contributing to the event and set a budget.
  • Set the date and ceremony/reception locations. If you're set on getting married at a certain time of year, choose the date first, then the location. If you have your heart set on a specific venue, let that drive your decision.
  • Meet with the officiant or the clergy at your church/temple/mosque.
  • Establish a guest list.
  • Start interviewing wedding planners/events designers, if you're thinking of enlisting the help of one.
  • Start thinking about the style and theme of your wedding.
  • Start shopping for a gown.
  • Oh yeah ... If your parents haven't met, now would be a good time for that.
  • 6-9 months before your wedding
  • Mail out Save-the-Dates
  • Interview and book your vendors - and don't forget to get a signed contract:
  •     Caterer
  •     Baker
  •     Florist
  •     Photographer/Videographer
  •     Musicians/DJ
  •     Transportation
  • Choose your attendants and shop for their dresses.
  • Order your stationery - invites, envelopes, thank-yous, etc.
  • Start looking into honeymoon locales.
  • Get your wedding Web site up and running, if you're having one.
  • Schedule any beauty treatments you're planning on having leading up to the wedding.
  • Register for gifts.
  • 4-6 months before your wedding
  • Book your hair/makeup help for the big day.
  • Make any final amendments to the guest list.
  • Plan the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.
  • Help the moms get shop for their wedding-day attire.
  • Shop for wedding bands with your fiance
  • Find accommodations for out-of-town guests and reserve a block of rooms.
  • Finalize your honeymoon plans.
  • 2-4 months  
  • before your wedding
  • Start addressing invitations.
  • Buy attendants' gifts.
  • Get the men's fashions in order - groom, groomsmen and ushers.
  • Choose readings for the ceremony.
  • Select music for the ceremony/reception.
  • Check marriage-license requirements.
  • Make sure your vendor contracts are complete.
  • Meet with your caterer to discuss menu and drinks.
  • Order the cake.
  • Pick out favors.
  • Plan and shop for welcome bags.
  • Arrange party rentals, if necessary.
  • Book your wedding-night room.
  • 4-8 weeks  
  • before your wedding
  • Mail out your invites.
  • Do a hair/makeup run-through.
  • Discuss insurance/bank account changes you'll need to make.
  • Send ceremony programs and reception menu and place cards to be printed.
  • Write vows.
  • 2-4 weeks before your wedding
  • Submit a shot list to your photographer and setlist to your DJ.
  • Finalize the seating chart and prepare escort/place cards.
  • Update registry.
  • Call anyone who hasn't RSVP'd.
  • Confirm details with your vendors.
  • Get your final dress fitting.
  • Write a toast for the rehearsal.
  • 1 week before your wedding
  • Give your caterer the final headcount.
  • Pick up your dress; break in your shoes.
  • Give scripts to your readers.
  • Pack for your honeymoon.
  • Find someone to transport heirlooms (candles, glasses, cake knife) to and from the reception site.
  • Organize your wedding-day payments and decide who will distribute them.
  • 1 day before your wedding
  • Get a mani-pedi.
  • Enjoy the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.
  • Get plenty of sleep.
  • The Big Day
  • Keep your meals small and light.
  • Give yourself plenty of time for hair/makeup before the photographer arrives.
  • Give yourself a bit of time to relax before the big day.

Good luck!