Wedding Planning Timeline

A wedding planning timeline can help you stay organized and keep your stress levels under control. There are many ways to handle stress management for smooth wedding planning. A timeline guide is one of them. It will help you stay on track.

You can savor your wedding celebration more fully by preparing thoroughly for the big day. Arrangements for a large, formal wedding ideally should begin eight to 12 months in advance, but many beautiful weddings – in all degrees of formality – are put together in considerably less time than that. The most important rules of preparation are to follow a timeline and to share the joyful tasks involved with your fiance, your families and your attendants.

Six to Twelve Months Before the Wedding

•Determine your budget and discuss the sharing of expenses

•Decide on your wedding type (formal, semi-formal, informal)

•Choose the ceremony site Phone __________________

•Discuss date with clergy or officiant

•Decide wedding party size and choose attendants

•Select gown/Headpiece/Veil Phone __________________

•Select attendants apparel Phone ____________________

•Choose reception site Phone ________________________

•Select caterer/wedding consultant Phone _______________

•Plan reception details

•Select Photographer Phone__________________________

•Have engagement photos taken Date/Time ______________

•Select reception music Phone ________________________

•Select videographer Phone __________________________

•Select Florist Phone________________________________

•Compile invitation list from both families

•Discuss gown colors and styles with mothers of bride and groom

Four to Six Months Before the Wedding

•Select and order men’s formal wear Phone_________________

•Select ceremony music and musicians Phone_______________

•Make honeymoon plans Travel agents Phone_______________

•Decide on new living arrangements (buying/Renting/Leasing)

•Register gift preferences with one or more bridal registries

•Order invitations/stationary/programs Phone______________

•Prepare and print maps to include in invitations

•Reserve hotel rooms for out of town guests

•Have physical exams and update immunizations

Two to Four Months Before the Wedding

•Reserve rental items (candelabra/arches/canopy/linens/etc.)

•Arrange rehearsal dinner Phone_______________________

•Shop for trousseau/honeymoon/prenuptial apparel

•Reserve limo/carriage/trolley or coach

•Address wedding invitations

•Review florist’s arrangements and finalize order

•Buy attendants gifts and gifts for each other

•Experiment with hair styles and make-up changes

•Buy bridal and attendant shoes. Send to dyer

•Order wedding and groom cakes

One to Two Months Before the Wedding

•Mail invitations (four to six weeks before the wedding)

•Confirm all contracted arrangements

•Have final bridal fitting Date and Time _________________

•Have final attendants’ fittings Date and Time _____________

•Confirm honeymoon reservations/begin packing

•Select reception decorations (balloons/candles/flowers/table favors

•Select reception accessories (handbag/garter/engraved goblets

•Arrange stag/stagette or combine for one big party

•Buy marriage license. Have blood tests if needed

Two Weeks Before the Wedding

•Schedule hair styling/facial/manicure/massage

•Invite wedding party and guests to rehearsal dinner

•Move personal and mutual belongings to new home

•Review reception seating and order place cards

•Confirm out-of-town guest lodging at hotel

•Confirm wedding party transportation and arrival times

•Record gifts as you receive them and send thank-you notes

•Schedule caterer for gift opening party Phone____________

•Arrange for gown cleaning/preservation for after the wedding

One to Two Weeks Before the Wedding

•Pick up wedding rings. Check engraving and sizing

•Have final consultations with florist/musicians/photographers

•Give final guest count to reception facility and caterer

•Pick up and check fit for mens’ formal wear

•Make a wedding day schedule/hand out copies at rehearsal dinner

•Relax the day before the wedding/ Keep personal appointments and finish honeymoon packing

•Have a Wonderful wedding day

Remember this is only a timeline guide. Depending on the style of wedding you have, there may be other things you add or don’t do. The important thing is to have fun. It may seem like a daunting list, but taking small steps through out the planning process will lead to a successful wedding day. Remember things may not go as planned that day. If it doesn’t just keep your wits. It will be a great story one day to tell your kids or grand kids when they begin their own wedding planning timeline.

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