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Because your wedding is unique, this checklist should only be used as a guide when planning your wedding. Please use it to ensure your wedding day is all you dream it to be.

12 – 18 months before:

Choose a wedding date.
Shop for the engagement ring.
Tell your parents and arrange for both families to meet.
Formally announce your engagement by sending an engagement announcement to your local paper.
Consider mailing “ Save the Date” cards to friend and family who will be guests at the wedding.
Determine your budget. *Tip: use a folder to organize all of your receipts and information.
For church or synagogue weddings, meet with the appropriate clergy and decide on a date.
If the wedding is not in a church or synagogue, find and reserve a ceremony site; Decide on an officiant and meet with them.
Reserve a reception location.
Interview and book a caterer.
Choose a wedding consultant, if desired.
Hold an engagement party.

8 – 11 months before:

Select your attendants and groomsmen.
Compile your wedding guest list in consultation with both families.
Interview and book photographers and possibly videographers. Inform them of the ceremony and reception sites, and any other functions you wish to have photographed.
Shop for your wedding dress and veil.
Make a final decision on your gown.
Book your music and entertainment.
Choose a florist and go over your ideas for flowers and what color scheme you have chosen.
Determine the number of guests and finalize the guest list with full names, addresses, etc.
Choose colors, style, etc for your wedding/reception. Inform mothers of the bride and groom so they can coordinate dress colors and hem length.
Order bridesmaids and attendants dresses.
Establish a bridal registry at each of your favorite stores.
Look into any rental equipment you may need for your reception site.

6 – 8 months before:

Order wedding invitations and announcements. Remember: invitations should be mailed out 6 – 8 weeks prior to the wedding date. Get a few extras, just in case! Invitation tips.
Order your personal stationery and thank you notes, if desired.
Select a baker and order your wedding cake.
Choose a honeymoon destination. Find out if your passports need to be renewed and if any inoculations are required for foreign destinations.

4 – 6 months before:

Reserve wedding day transportation, if any, for yourselves (and guests if you wish).
Discuss details of your wedding and reception with caterer and/or hotel manager.
Give your bridesmaids and groomsmen a list of tasks, if desired.
Start planning the rehearsal dinner; reserve a site.
Groom should order or reserve attire for himself and the groomsmen.
Reserve any necessary rental equipment (tables, chairs, etc) if needed.
Finalize your floral choices with the florist. Make sure to bring color swatches of your bridesmaids dresses and a photo of your wedding dress.
Book a hotel room for your wedding night.
Pick up your invitations or verify their delivery date.
Begin addressing your invitations.
Talk with your bridesmaids about a bridal shower. Decide on a guest list and give it to the hostess.

2 – 3 months before:

Meet with the officiant. Discuss the details of your ceremony, including the number of attendants, flowers, music, photographs, etc.
Organize and order your wedding programs.
Confirm the delivery date of your wedding gown and make appointments for fittings.
Confirm that the groom’s and groomsmen’s attire is ordered or rented.
Have your bridal portrait taken.
Find and purchase wedding bands. Have them engraved if desired.
Make sure bridesmaids and groomsmen have bought their attire.
Make or purchase your wedding favors.
Talk to anyone you would like to help out at the wedding.
Discuss with your clergy or officiant the details of your ceremony, including the number of attendants, flowers, music, photographs, etc.
Begin an exercise program and other beauty programs (tanning, tooth whitening, etc) if you haven’t already done so.
Choose your accessories and coordinate with the bridesmaids.
Groom should buy any necessary accessories.
Begin dress fitting appointments. Make sure you have your shoes and all lingerie items you plan to wear.
Mail your invitations.

4 – 6 weeks before:

Confirm any rental items you may have reserved.
Research local marriage license requirements.
Order any drinks not included in the catering contract.
Have your final gown fitting. Make sure you purchase your veil before your final fitting.
Make hotel reservations for out-of-town guests.
Discuss plans for the rehearsal dinner with the hosts.
Update your registry as you receive gifts.
Write and send thank you notes for your bridal shower gifts.
Write vows if you are writing your own.
Select and order gifts for the attendants. Typically, the maid/matron of honor receives something a little more special than the other attendants.

3 – 4 weeks before:

If you are changing your name, do the necessary paperwork to have your name changed on all necessary documents (drivers license, bank accounts, insurance policies, credit cards, passports, social security, etc).
Inform the post office of your change in address.
Purchase a guest book and matching pen.
Discuss with your hair stylist the best hair style for your wedding day. Make sure you bring your veil with you to the appointment.
Make hair and make up appointments for you and any attendants who wish to have their hair and make up professionally done on the morning of the wedding.
Go with your fiancé to apply for the marriage license.
Develop a song list and give it to the DJ/band.
Send rehearsal dinner invitations.
Call or meet with your officiant to finalize ceremony details.
Confirm wedding night and honeymoon reservations.
Pick up your gown and make sure it fits right. Pick up veil and headpiece.
Determine wedding day assignments for attendants and family members.
Establish receiving line order, if necessary.
Call guests who haven’t RSVP’d in order to get a final head count.
Inform caterer of final head count and go over other vital information.
Call reception site to make sure vendors will be able to get in.

1 – 2 weeks before:

Shop and pack for the honeymoon.
Put together a seating plan, if desired, and give to whomever is in charge of the tables.
Contact transportation providers with a list of times and locations.
Confirm location, date and time with the DJ/band.
Confirm location, delivery time and final arrangement count with the florist.
Confirm location, date and time with the photographer and videographer.
Confirm all final payment amounts with vendors.
Designate someone to meet with and handle all of the vendors on the wedding day.
Put final payments and tips in envelopes for vendors to hand out after the wedding.
Groom should pick up and try on tux to ensure proper fit.
Groom should get a hair cut (don’t wait until the last minute!).
Distribute wedding day tasks, directions, and schedule to wedding party and family.
Prepare your toast and ask close family and friends to work on theirs.
Pack an overnight bag for the wedding night.
Designate someone to collect wedding gifts.
Check to see wedding announcements are ready to be sent on the day after the wedding.

Day Before:

Get a manicure and pedicure (plus waxing or tanning if desired).
Collect wedding gown, accessories, and overnight bag in one place so you don’t forget anything.
Confirm all honeymoon travel plans.
Drop off favors, guest book and pen at the reception site.
Rehearse the ceremony with the officiant and wedding party the evening before.
Enjoy yourself at the rehearsal dinner.
Wrap and give the attendants their gifts.

Day Of:

Confirm with the people you have asked to give toasts.
Relax and enjoy yourself!

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