Nine to Twelve Months Before
  • Learn the facts about diamonds, and find the engagement ring.
  • Propose.
  • Set an initial budget.
  • Select a wedding date and time.
  • Announce your engagement in the newspaper.
  • Determine the type of wedding you want (day/night, indoor/outdoor, formal/casual).
  • Research availability of reception locations.
  • Select and book your reception location, or get a tent if that is what you decided upon.
  • Find a caterer if not already provided by the reception facility.
  • Research availability of ceremony locations, if not included with your reception site.
  • Select and book your ceremony location.
  • Determine who will officiate at the ceremony, if not provided with the ceremony location.
  • Determine how many guests you wish to invite.
  • Set aside blocks of hotel/motel rooms for out-of-town guests.
  • Get a band or DJ, get one early because they can get booked quickly.
  • Decide if you want a bridal party, and if so, then how large.
  • Start to research your bridal gowns.
  • Start to research the groom’s formal wear/tuxedo.
  • Start to research bridesmaids' dresses.
  • Start to research formal wear for the groomsmen.
  • Compare and find a photographer.
  • Compare and find a videographer.
  • Find local florists and set appointments to look at their work.
  • Be sure that you get contracts from all the professionals you choose.
  • Create a bridal registry, and/or an engagement registry.
  • Visit bridal shows. Check the schedule of upcoming bridal shows in your areas.
Six to Nine Months Before
  • Start compiling the guest list (inform your families to do the same).
  • Select the attendants for your wedding party.
  • Purchase the bride's gown.
  • Purchase/rent the groom's tuxedo.
  • Purchase bridesmaids' dresses.
  • Arrange for your groomsmen to be measured and reserve the tuxedos. TIP: If your
    groomsmen do not live close to the formal wear shop you choose, tell them to go to a local
    shop - most shops will measure them as a courtesy.
  • Shop for the wedding dress, headpiece, veil, and other accessories.
  • Start planning for honeymoon, research you destinations. Will it be a Caribbean Island, the
    South Pacific, Hawaii, a cruise, or a trip through Europe. Whatever, you decide research
    thoroughly.
  • Choose and reserve your florist.
  • Order the wedding cake, if not provided by the caterer or reception hall.
  • The parents of the groom should begin to arrange the Rehearsal Dinner, and reserve a
    restaurant or make other arrangements.
  • Arrange for transportation for the wedding. Limousines, Horse & Carriage, vans, etc.
Four to Six Months Before
  • Make appointments for a physical exam with your doctor/dentist.
  • Check requirements for blood test and marriage license in your state.
  • Shop for wedding rings.
  • Select and order the invitations and stationery.
  • Make sure all the men's attire has been ordered.
  • Decide where to live after the wedding.
  • Complete the guest lists.
  • Begin shopping for trousseau.
  • Send your engagement announcement to the newspaper.
  • Inform mothers to select their dresses.
  • Select and order the men's attire.
  • Finalize honeymoon details and make the necessary reservations.
Two to Four Months Before
  • Confirm the menu and catering details with the caterer.
  • Prepare all maps and directions for the ceremony and reception.
  • Select your wedding rings.
  • Buy a wedding guest book.
  • Set the dates and times with the officiant for the rehearsal.
  • Plan the bridesmaids' luncheon and any other parties.
  • Determine your resources for designing and printing the program for the ceremony.
  • Finalize the florist details, photographer, videographer, musicians, etc.
  • Arrange the necessary accommodations for out-of-town guests.
  • Plan a rehearsal dinner, time and place.
  • Confirm the wedding cake details with the baker.
Six to Eight Weeks Before
  • Mail invitations and announcements.
  • Prepare a portrait for the newspaper. Check your local newspaper for details and timing.
  • Set appointment with photographer for your formal bridal portrait.
  • Select gifts for all your attendants.
  • Set appointments with any hairdressers and/or makeup artists.
  • Hire the limousine or other forms of transportation for the wedding.
Four to Six Weeks Before
  • Decide what your menu is going to be for the reception. Estimate the expected number of
    guests.
  • Buy a gift for the groom.
  • Schedule a final fitting for your gown so it can be ready for your formal bridal portrait.
  • Purchase a going away outfit.
  • Pick up your wedding rings.
  • Purchase (borrow) all wedding accessories such as the ring pillow, goblets, garter belt,
    candles, etc.
  • Confirm florist details and delivery times.
  • Plan the seating for the reception as well as other details for the ceremony and reception.
  • Start writing placement cards.
  • Make sure all bridesmaids' attire has been fitted.
  • Buy a gift for the bride.
  • Choose the music for your ceremony, first dance, parent dances, and party and give
    information to band, DJ, or other musicians.
Two Weeks Before
  • Make arrangements to have your wedding gifts moved to your new home.
  • Handle business and legal details such as name changes, address changes, etc.
  • Prepare the wedding announcement for the newspaper.
  • Reconfirm your guests' accommodations.
  • Make sure all clothing and accessories for you and the bridal party are ready.
  • Get your marriage license.
One Week Before
  • Review any seating details with the ushers.
  • Make sure all wedding attire fits.
  • Finalize the seating arrangements.
  • Reconfirm your honeymoon reservations. Ensure you have any necessary plane tickets.
  • Start packing for your honeymoon.
  • Call any guests who have not responded yet.
  • Finish all the place cards for the reception.
  • Review all the final details with your photographer, videographer, etc.
  • Give a final head count to the caterer.
  • Confirm the availability of the musicians and vocalists.
  • Delegate responsibilities to reliable individuals on your wedding day.
  • Wrap and present the wedding party gifts.
  • Finalize your rehearsal dinner arrangements or other plans.
One Day Before
  • Get a manicure or massage to relax you.
  • Stay with your family the night before and sleep early.
  • Review and rehearse all the details of your participants.
The Big Day
  • Make sure the best man and maid of honor sign the wedding certificate.
  • Allow yourself plenty of time to get dressed.
  • Be sure to eat properly.
  • Rest and relax with a good bath.
  • Prepare for your hairdresser and makeup appointments.
  • Enjoy your wonderful wedding and cherish each and every moment!