So you’ve just gotten engaged. Awesome! Now what? When entering the first stages of wedding planning, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the stuff you’ve got to accomplish before the big day. If you aren’t sure where to start, here’s a checklist of what needs to be done when and avoid getting sidetracked. An organized bride is a happy bride!
3-8 Months Before
- Pen your guest list and collect addresses (see “Tried-And-True Wedding Hacks”, page ###).
- Have the money talk (sort out the budget early).
- Designate who’s paying for what.
- Book your ceremony and reception venue. Make sure you have an officiant!
- Hire a wedding planner.
- Dream up your wedding vision (a good start is a color scheme and/or a theme).
- Shop for and book vendors. The major vendors include the photographer, caterer, florist, decorator, entertainer and cake designer. Plan to meet them in person.
- Once you’ve selected a photographer, schedule an engagement session.
- Dress shopping! Order your gown and headpieces early.
- Select bridal party and order wedding attire for them.
- Shop for wedding bands.
- Order invitations and thank-you cards.
- Book transportation for the big day.
- Order wedding cake.
- Book your honeymoon.
- Register for gifts (consider store locations for out-of-state guests).
- Plan wedding luncheon or rehearsal dinner.
2-3 Months Before
- Set up your hair and makeup trial with a salon. Schedule your wedding day beautification.
- Write vows, if you so choose.
- Address invitations and announcements.
- Apply for a marriage license.
- Finalize honeymoon plans. If you’re leaving the country, update or apply for a passport.
- Get a premarital exam.
- Draft a map and directions for getting to and from your ceremony and reception site. Include this with your invitations.
- Request time off work.
- Finalize all details with the wedding vendors you’ve chosen.
- Keep records of gifts you’ve received and start writing thank-you notes.
- Schedule a bridal shoot with your photographer and submit your shot list (pictures you’d like taken).
- Pay your deposits for decor and other supplies and sign contracts. Approve final details.
- Start shopping for your post-wedding residence.
- Arrange for accommodations for out-of-town guests.
1 Month Before
- Mail out invitations.
- Obtain marriage license.
- Announce your engagement in the newspaper.
- Buy gifts for the bridal party (including your fiancé).
- Submit change of address to the post office.
- Give playlists and “no play” lists to the DJ or band.
- Arrange for help at the reception.
2-3 Weeks Before
- Have a final dress fitting.
- Pick up all wedding attire and be sure it fits everyone.
- If possible, move belongings to your new place. Arrange for utilities to be turned on.
- Verify vendors have correct information regarding details and deliveries.
- Plan bouquet preservation, if desired.
1 Week Before
- Review RSVPs and give final head count to caterer and venue.
- Double-check all reservations and accommodations.
- Pamper yourself (and future spouse!). Get haircuts, facials, waxings, manis and pedis, etc.
- Pack for the honeymoon.
- Hold rehearsal dinner. Give your bridal party their gifts.
Wedding Day
- Eat breakfast!
- Give rings to the best man and maid of honor.
- Pack an emergency kit (see “Tried-And-True Wedding Hacks”, page ###).
- Get beautified and accessorized a few hours before the ceremony.
- Give yourself one to two hours to dress.
- Get married and enjoy the party!
After the Wedding
- Go on your honeymoon and have a wonderful time with your new spouse!
- Send thank-you notes as soon as possible to guests.
- Thank the bridal party, especially parents, for wedding help.
- Return duplicate gifts.
- Have dress cleaned and preserved.
- Change your name! (Social Security card, driver’s license, passport, credit card companies, tax forms with your employer)