Wedding Planning 101

Twelve to Nine Months Before:

Start a Wedding Binder or Folder

Work Out Your Budget

Pick Your Wedding Party

Start the Guest List

Hire a Planner

Reserve Your Date and Venues

Book Your Officiant

Research Photographers, Bands, Florists, and Caterers

Throw an Engagement Party

Eight Months Before:

Hire the Photographer and the Videographer

Book the Entertainment

Meet with Caterers

Buy a Dress

Reserve a Black of Hotel Rooms for Out of Town Guests

Register

Make a Wedding Website

Seven to Six Months Before:

Select and Buy Invitations

Start Planning a Honeymoon

Shop for Bridesmaid Dresses

Meet with the Officiant

Send Save the Date Cards

Reserve Structural and Electrical Necessities

Book a Florist

Arrange Transportation

Start Composing a Day of Timeline

Five to Four Months Before:

Book the Rehearsal Dinner and Day After Brunch Venues

Check on the Wedding Invitations

Select and Order the Cake

Send Your Guest List to the Host of Your Shower

Purchase Wedding Shoes and Start Dress Fittings

Schedule Hair and Makeup Artists

Choose Your Music

Three Months Before:

Finalize the Menu and Flowers

Order Wedding Favors

Make a List of the People Giving Toasts

Finalize the Readings

Purchase Your Undergarments

Finalize the Order of the Ceremony and the Reception

Print Menu Cards and Programs

Purchase the Rings

Send Your Event Schedule to the Vendors

Two Months Before:

Touch Base Again with All the Vendors

Meet with the Photographer

Review the Playlist with the Band or DJ

Send Out the Invitations

Submit a Newspaper Wedding Announcement

Enjoy a Bachelorette Party

One Month Before:

Enter RSVPs into Your Guest List Database

Get Your Marriage License

Mail the Rehearsal Dinner Invitations

Visit the Dressmaker for Your Last Dress Fitting

Stock the Bar

Send Out as Many Final Payments as You Can

Confirm Times for Hair and Makeup and All Vendors

E-mail and Print Directions for Drivers of Transport Vehicles

Assign Seating

Purchase Bridesmaid Gifts

Write Vows

Get Your Hair Cut and Colored

Week of the Wedding:

Reconfirm Arrival Times with Vendors

Delegate Small Wedding Day Tasks

Send a Timeline ot the Bridal Party

Pick Up Your Dress

Check in One Last Time with the Photographer

Set Aside Checks for the Vendors

Book a Spa Treatment

Send the Final Guest List to the Caterer and All Venues Hosting Your Wedding Related Events

Break in Your Shoes

Assemble and Distribute the Welcome Baskets

Pack for Your Honeymoon