A wedding is such an important event for everyone involved. Anyone getting married wants to make the occasion—from the ceremony to the honeymoon—as special as possible. It’s important to keep your role in the wedding well-defined and as stress-free as possible. One way to ensure a fantastic time is to stay organized throughout the entire planning process.
Planning Your Wedding
9-12 Months
- Select Wedding Date: An engagement isn’t complete without a time frame for your wedding.
- Hire Wedding Consultant: Find a professional who knows what they’re doing to guide you through the planning.
- Determine Setting: Figure out the location, theme, number of guests, and the time of day for your wedding. This will help you plan more specific details later on.
- Set Your Budget: Decide how much money you want to spend on your wedding, so you stay on track with your individual expenses.
- Buy a Daytimer: Use a daytimer to keep track of your planning appointments, events, and payments.
- Select Your Locations: Book your wedding and reception venues.
- Choose Your Colors: Your color scheme will guide you in selecting decorations, flowers, bridesmaid dresses, and groomsmen tuxes.
- Purchase Your Bridal Gown: Look around and find the right dress for your wedding.
- Obtain Identification: Make sure your passports and other documentation are ready for travel arrangements—and don’t forget your marriage license.
6-9 Months
- Choose Caterer: If you’re having a catered reception, find a caterer that suits your needs.
- Choose Photographer: Find a wedding photographer who will capture your special day in the best light.
- Select Wedding Party: Choose your closest friends or family members to be part of your wedding party.
- Hand Out Responsibilities: Your wedding party can help with planning tasks.
- Select Bridesmaid Dresses: Make sure the bridesmaid dresses match your theme and color scheme.
- Select Other Attire: Find the right attire for the flower girl, mothers of the bride and groom, and others involved.
- Choose Musicians: Select musicians for the ceremony and reception.
- Select Videographer: If you want to capture your wedding on video, look for a specialized videographer.
- Find a Florist: Flowers are an important part of your decorations. Find a florist that fits within your budget.
- Register Wedding Gifts: Register at a few stores early to give guests plenty of time to find the perfect gifts for you.
4-6 Months
- Fit The Dresses: Schedule fitting appointments for all bridesmaids to ensure the dresses fit perfectly.
- Arrange Prep Courses: If you want marriage prep courses, schedule them early.
- Reserve Rentals: If you’re renting anything for the ceremony or reception (like audiovisual equipment), reserve it in advance.
- Choose a Decorator: If you’d like a professional decorator, book one early.
- Finalize Guest List: Choose your A-list and B-list guests.
- Choose Invitations: Select and order invitations that match your style and theme.
- Organize Rehearsal Dinner: Set the date, time, and location for the rehearsal dinner.
- Find Accommodations: Arrange a place for you and your partner to stay on the wedding night, as well as accommodations for out-of-town guests.
- Start Planning the Honeymoon: Research honeymoon destinations and choose a budget you’re comfortable with.
- Shop For Wedding Gifts: Buy gifts for your wedding party, parents, and each other.
- Purchase Shoes and Accessories: Find shoes and accessories for the bride, bridesmaids, and groom.
- Order Wedding Bands: Make sure you have the perfect rings to seal the deal.
2-4 Months
- Take Engagement Pictures: A formal engagement picture makes a great keepsake and can be sent to family and friends to build excitement.
- Purchase Wedding Cake: Choose a cake that’s big enough for your guest list but fits your budget.
- Select Decorations: Finalize decoration choices and purchase them so you’re ready to go.
- Honeymoon Preparation: Get luggage, suitable clothing, and other items needed for your honeymoon.
- Find Transportation: Arrange transportation for the ceremony, photo location, and the trip to your accommodations afterward.
- Send Wedding Invitations: Get addresses and stamps ready for mailing.
- Trials: Book hair and makeup appointments, and do trial runs for both.
- Obtain Marriage License: Ensure your marriage license doesn’t expire before the wedding (usually 3 months).
- Select Helpers: Choose ushers, a guest book attendant, MC, and other helpers for the big day.
- Photography Permit: If you’re marrying in a location that requires a permit for photography, make sure to get it in advance.
6-8 Weeks
- Purchase Accessories: Buy the guest book, toasting glasses, ring pillow, garter, and any other accessories you’ll need for the wedding and reception.
- Reserve Tuxedos: Ensure everything is ready for the groomsmen.
- Rehearsal Invitations: Send out invitations for the rehearsal dinner.
2-6 Weeks
- Finalize Catering: Confirm that all food and drink arrangements are ready for the wedding and reception.
- Finalize Decorations: Make sure flowers and other decorations are taken care of.
- Finalize Details: Set a wedding-day plan and itinerary, and make sure each member of the wedding party has a copy.
- Finalize Contacts: If you haven’t received RSVPs from all your guests, check in with them to confirm attendance.
- Finalize Vendor Details: Confirm that vendors are ready and set for the wedding day.
- Final Organizations: Decide on the order of the head table, photo checklist, reception floor plan, seating plans, song selections with musicians, and VIP seating.
- Pick Up the Rings: Make sure you have the rings on hand for the ceremony.
- Honeymoon Tickets: Double-check your honeymoon plans and pick up tickets if needed.
Final Plans
- Arrange Mail Collection: Ensure that someone will pick up your mail while you’re on your honeymoon.
- Get Organized: Pack everything you need for both the wedding and honeymoon.
- Rehearse: Make sure the wedding party has everything they need for the big day.
- Enjoy: You are now ready for your wedding day—have a blast!
