8 TO 12 Months Before the Wedding

Select a wedding date and time____________________________________

Decide the type of wedding you would like to have (size, formality, and setting)

Begin your guest list.___________________________________________

Consider possible color schemes___________________________________

Select your professional: photographer, caterer, consultant, music, etc. ____

Shop together for your wedding rings.______________________________

Decide upon your budget.________________________________________

Determine who will pay what expenses._____________________________

Book your wedding location(s).___________________________________

Choose your attendants.________________________________________

Determine the sizes of your attendants____________________________

Select dress and headpiece, and set a date for fittings and delivery._______

Select your bridesmaids' dresses and accessories___________________

Give thought to your honeymoon location__________________________

5 to 8 Months

Check the requirements for marriage license._________________________

Select and discuss your color schemes with florist and/or balloonist of choice

Reserve wedding rental equipment (tables, chairs, china, silverware, etc.)____

Decide upon a gift registry and select your gift choices_________________

Begin your record of gifts received_________________________________

Send thank you notes as soon as possible.____________________________

Order your invitations and related stationary needs_____________________

Start shopping for the mens’ wedding attire___________________________

3 to 5 Months

Finalize your guest list__________________________________________

Decide upon and order your favors__________________________________

Select your your cake, and mints___________________________________

Help both mothers coordinate and find their wedding day clothing__________

Review your written agreements forms with all of your professionals _______

2 to 3 Months

Have engagement portraits taken._________________________________

Place your engagement announcement in the newspaper________________

Mail out invitations and announcements____________________________

Decide on the mens’ wedding attire________________________________

Arrange and plan your rehearsal dinner____________________________

Purchase your wedding day accessories____________________________

Arrange attendants' parties______________________________________

Book a beverage caterer for the reception and make selections___________

Prepare accommodations for out-of-town attendants and guests___________

Consider a hairdresser and/or makeup artist and book appointments_______

Finalize all honeymoon plans_____________________________________

2 to 4 Weeks

Final wedding dress fitting_____________________________________

Final fitting for your wedding attendants___________________________

Obtain marriage license_______________________________________

Have your attendants' parties___________________________________

Purchase your going-away outfit_________________________________

Draw a map to direct your guests to the site(s), if necessary____________

Create a calendar of events for the wedding day______________________

Make sure your accessories are in order (rings, pillow, garter, etc.) _____

1 to 2 Weeks

Finalize arrangements with the entertainer(s)_____________________

Provide a list of music you would like played during special events______

Pick up your wedding rings and make sure that the engravings are correct

Contact the guests who have not responded to your invitations__________

1 to 7 Days

Make sure your marriage license is in order______________________

Prepare seating arrangements, if necessary.______________________

Purchase travelers checks, confirm honeymoon reservations__________

Pack your baggage for your honeymoon__________________________

Have your wedding ceremony rehearsal__________________________

Instruct your wedding party on what you would like them to do for the wedding.

Have your rehearsal dinner____________________________________

Make sure all wedding attire fits properly_________________________

Pay the final amount to the professionals for the wedding_______________

Inform your caterer of the total guest count_________________________

Confirm out-of-town guests have transportation and sleeping accommodations.

Check with your florist to make sure they will arrive when scheduled______

Your Wedding Day

Relax, enjoy yourself, and remain calm! Allow at least two hours for dressing.

Allow plenty of time to apply your makeup and style your hair_____________

If professionals are doing your hair , ask them in advance how much time need

If photographs are taken before the ceremony, allow at least one and one-half hours

Remember to bring the rings and marriage license_____________________

Seat guests as they arrive_________________________________________

Take a deep breath, don't worry, and SMILE!