Wedding Planning Checklist

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Feel free to adjust the schedule according to your timeline, whether you're planning two years or two months in advance

12 Months Before Wedding Day

    * Announce your engagement to family and friends and plan an engagement party
    * Place an engagement announcement in your local newspaper
    * Sign up for a wedding website to keep your guests informed about event details, area information, etc.
    * Choose a wedding date
    * Work on the budget
    * Consider purchasing wedding planning software to organize everything, or hire a wedding consultant to help secure contracts, etc.
    * Choose a location and reserve your ceremony and reception site(s)
    * Begin a rough guest list and compile current addresses
    * Decide on who you'd like to have as your attendants, including your maid of honor and best man
    * Begin shopping for your wedding gown
    * Purchase a wedding planning book/journal, or a simple calendar to keep track of important dates and appointments (fittings, showers, etc.)

6-9 Months Before Wedding Day

    * Research and choose one or more bridal gift registry
    * Order your wedding gown and buy undergarments that you will wear with it (bring these to all fittings)
    * Order other bridal accessories - shoes, gloves and veil
    * Begin shopping for bridesmaids dresses
    * Find an officiant who will perform your ceremony
    * Choose and book ceremony musicians, a wedding band/ DJ, photographer/videographer, caterer and florist

4-6 Months Before Wedding Day

    * Select and order your wedding invitations, envelopes and thank-you cards
    * Hire a calligrapher, if desired
    * Select and purchase wedding favors
    * Start researching wedding cake pictures and local bakeries for ideas
    * Book your honeymoon and verify that you have any necessary travel documents including passports and visas
    * Book a room for your wedding night, if you will be leaving for your honeymoon the next morning
    * Book accommodations for out-of-town guests
    * Finalize your guest list and send out save-the-date cards, if using
    * Print out directions to the ceremony, reception, rehearsal dinner and hotel(s) for guests
    * Compile a list of area information and things to do for out-of-town guests
    * Reserve transportation for you and your wedding party to and from the wedding, as well as a bus or trolley for your guests (if necessary)

2-4 Months Before Wedding Day

    * Find out what your state's requirements are for obtaining a marriage license and get blood tests done, if required
    * Order tuxedos for the groom and groomsmen
    * Meet with your caterer to discuss the menu and wine list
    * Meet with your officiant to discuss ceremony details, wording and wedding vows
    * Select wedding readings
    * Order your wedding cake
    * Buy thank-you gifts for your attendants
    * Shop for a gift for your new spouse-to-be
    * Select and purchase wedding bands, and have them engraved if desired - check out Mondera.com's Top Ten wedding Bands
    * Coordinate and choose a location for the rehearsal dinner
    * Contact party-rental companies for tables, chairs, tents, etc. if necessary
    * Purchase luggage and other travel necessities and attire for your honeymoon
    * Order or renew passports if necessary
    * Schedule an appointment with your dentist if you'd like to have your teeth whitened or cleaned before the wedding

4-8 Weeks Before Wedding Day

    * Mail invitations out eight weeks prior to the wedding date and send accommodation info to your out-of-town guests
    * Compile and complete name change documents or purchase a bridal name change kit online which contains all of the necessary forms to file
    * Fill out a change of address form at the post office, if necessary
    * Pick up your marriage license
    * Have ceremony programs printed
    * Purchase a guest book and other wedding accessories including toasting glasses, cake knife, ring pillow, etc.
    * Keep your wedding website updated with directions and event details
    * Choose your hair and make-up stylists and schedule a trial for both; also book appointments to have your hair, make-up and nails done on the day of the wedding
    * Review insurance information with your fiancé to see if any updates need to be made prior to the wedding (car, home, medical, etc.)
    * Plan a bridal luncheon or dinner with your bridesmaids

2-4 Weeks Before Wedding Day

    * Create a seating chart for the reception and make place cards (or have your calligrapher work on these, if you have hired one)
    * Contact your caterer with a final guest count
    * Print out a timeline of events for your wedding party and vendors - include contact information and cell phone numbers
    * Meet with your photographer and florist to finalize details
    * Finalize your ceremony and reception music and song list for your wedding band or DJ
    * Confirm lodging reservations for out-of-town guests
    * Place a wedding announcement in your local newspaper
    * Pick up wedding bands and make sure the fit is good
    * Schedule a final dress fitting
    * Write rehearsal dinner toasts

1 Week Before Wedding Day

    * Write out final checks for your minister, organist, DJ or musicians, etc. and organize in envelopes for your wedding coordinator or one of your attendants to distribute at the wedding
    * Pick up your wedding gown
    * Confirm limo or other transportation reservations
    * Pack for your honeymoon and confirm travel arrangements
    * Have your local post office hold your mail, if necessary, while you are away on your honeymoon
    * Treat yourself to a spa day -- you deserve it! Check out Spa Finder to find services in your area.

The Day Before Wedding Day

    * Welcome out-of-town guests as they arrive
    * Take a yoga class or go for a walk during the day
    * Schedule a hair appointment for prior to the rehearsal dinner
    * Attend the rehearsal and enjoy the rehearsal dinner!

The Wedding Day Wedding Day

    * Wake up early and do some light exercise, or just go for a peaceful walk outdoors and soak up the beauty of the day ;)
    * Set aside some time before the festivities to exchange gifts with your bridesmaids or close family members
    * Eat a healthy breakfast - you'll need your energy for the big day ahead!
    * Enjoy it; it's finally here and everything will be wonderful... Congratulations!!   

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