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Weddings
For a printable version of the Planner, click here
* Agree on a budget
* Start collecting inspiration—keep photos or magazine pages of flowers, dresses, cakes and venues in a folder or binder.
* Start researching photographers, bands, florists and caterers. Keep their contact info in your folder or binder
* Choose a date. If possible, choose a few extra dates in case the venue you want is already booked.
* Hire a wedding planner, if desired.
* Choose your wedding party. Their help will be invaluable in the months to come.
* Decide on a head count and start your guest list. Start a database to keep track of RSVPs, gifts and other relevant information.
* Book your venues and the officiant.
* Throw an engagement party
* Book the entertainment
* Start shopping for caterers and book one if you need one.
* Purchase your dress or find a seamstress if you’re having one custom made.
* Book a block of hotel rooms for guests coming from out of town.
* Register for gifts
* Launch a wedding website. You can create your own through free providers such as ewedding.com or theknot.com.
* Plan and book your honeymoon. If you’re going abroad, make sure your passports are up to date and you receive any necessary shots from your doctor ahead of time.
*Shop for bridesmaids’ dresses
* Meet with the officiant to map out the ceremony and gather all the official documents you need for the wedding. If either bride or groom are converting to a new religion, schedule the requisite counseling.
* Send out save-the-date cards
* Reserve any necessary structural or electrical necessities such as tents, lights or chairs
* Book a florist
* Book transportation for yourself and your bridal party
* Start making a day-of schedule so you have an idea of when each event, such as the cake cutting and the first dance, will take place
* Choose a pastry chef and order your cake
* Purchase your veil, jewelry and other accessories
* Check on your wedding invitations. Make any necessary revisions.
* Send your guest list to the host of the shower
* Purchase shoes and any lingerie your dress requires and begin fittings
* Have hair and makeup consultations. Take pictures so you can remember the look and make your wedding day hair and makeup appointments.
* Choose songs for your reception. Discuss your choices with your band or Deejay and also provide them with a list of songs you do not want played.
* Plan welcome baskets for guests, if you wish to. These can include lists of restaurants and attractions in the area, transportation options and a small gift.
* Purchase or reserve attire for the groom and groomsmen
* Purchase wedding rings and have them resized or engraved if necessary
* Sign up for dance lessons, if desired
* Choose favors
* Book a room for the wedding night, if necessary
* Choose attendents’ gifts
* Make a list of people who are giving toasts. If you want someone besides the best man and maid of honor to give a toast, ask that person now so they can plan their speech.
* Finalize the readings notify those you wish to do the readings
* Have a second dress fitting
* Finalize the order of the ceremony and the reception
* Print menu cards and programs
* Send the event schedule to your vendors
* Write your vows, if you choose to do so
* Review the playlist with the band or the deejay
* Send invitations six to eight weeks ahead of the date, setting the RSVP cutoff date three weeks after the postmark date
* Touch base with your vendors to answer any questions or to ask any you might have
* Submit a newspaper wedding announcement
* Enjoy a bachelorette party
* Mail thank you notes as gifts arrive
* Get your marriage license. Order several extra copies if you’re changing your name.
* Mail rehearsal dinner invitations
* Have your last dress fitting
* Order wine, beer, and liquor for the reception
* Send out as many final payments as possible
* Confirm your hair and makeup appointments
* e-mail and print directions for drivers of transport vehicles to give chauffeurs time to learn the route
* Make your seating chart
* Get your hair cut and colored, if desired
* Buy a guest book
* Prepare the necessary documents if you’re planning on changing your name
* Make appointments for blood tests if your state requires them
* Notify caterer of head count
* Write toasts for rehearsal dinner and wedding reception, if necessary
* Break in wedding shoes
* Designate a house and pet sitter, if necessary, for the time you’re away on your honeymoon
* Find out where your guests are staying if you intend to deliver notes or welcome baskets to their rooms
* Delegate small tasks for the wedding day—someone to be in charge of gifts, someone to carry your things, someone to give out tips, etc.
* Send your bridal party a timeline that includes every member’s contact information and contact information for the vendors
* Arrange for the dress to be delivered or pick it up yourself
* Supply the photographer with a list of the moments you want captured on film
* Write and set aside checks for the vendors and tips in envelopes
* Book a massage and a manicure and pedicure for the day before the big day
* Send a final head count to the caterer and the venues
* Assemble welcome baskets and distribute them as guests arrive
* Confirm honeymoon arrangements and pack
* Give announcements to an attendant or relative for mailing after the wedding
* Have a manicure and pedicure
* Rehearse ceremony and hold a rehearsal dinner. Give gifts to the wedding party and, if you choose, thank-you gifts to the parents.
16 to Nine Months Before the Big Day
* Decide on the type of wedding you want and what time of year you want to have it.* Agree on a budget
* Start collecting inspiration—keep photos or magazine pages of flowers, dresses, cakes and venues in a folder or binder.
* Start researching photographers, bands, florists and caterers. Keep their contact info in your folder or binder
* Choose a date. If possible, choose a few extra dates in case the venue you want is already booked.
* Hire a wedding planner, if desired.
* Choose your wedding party. Their help will be invaluable in the months to come.
* Decide on a head count and start your guest list. Start a database to keep track of RSVPs, gifts and other relevant information.
* Book your venues and the officiant.
* Throw an engagement party
Eight Months Before
* Book the photographer and the videographer, if you’re using one.* Book the entertainment
* Start shopping for caterers and book one if you need one.
* Purchase your dress or find a seamstress if you’re having one custom made.
* Book a block of hotel rooms for guests coming from out of town.
* Register for gifts
* Launch a wedding website. You can create your own through free providers such as ewedding.com or theknot.com.
Seven to Six Months Before
* Select and purchase invitations and hire a calligrapher, if you want one* Plan and book your honeymoon. If you’re going abroad, make sure your passports are up to date and you receive any necessary shots from your doctor ahead of time.
*Shop for bridesmaids’ dresses
* Meet with the officiant to map out the ceremony and gather all the official documents you need for the wedding. If either bride or groom are converting to a new religion, schedule the requisite counseling.
* Send out save-the-date cards
* Reserve any necessary structural or electrical necessities such as tents, lights or chairs
* Book a florist
* Book transportation for yourself and your bridal party
* Start making a day-of schedule so you have an idea of when each event, such as the cake cutting and the first dance, will take place
* Choose a pastry chef and order your cake
* Purchase your veil, jewelry and other accessories
Five to Four Months Before
* Book your rehearsal and rehearsal dinner venues. If you plan to host a day-after brunch, book that venue as well.* Check on your wedding invitations. Make any necessary revisions.
* Send your guest list to the host of the shower
* Purchase shoes and any lingerie your dress requires and begin fittings
* Have hair and makeup consultations. Take pictures so you can remember the look and make your wedding day hair and makeup appointments.
* Choose songs for your reception. Discuss your choices with your band or Deejay and also provide them with a list of songs you do not want played.
* Plan welcome baskets for guests, if you wish to. These can include lists of restaurants and attractions in the area, transportation options and a small gift.
* Purchase or reserve attire for the groom and groomsmen
* Purchase wedding rings and have them resized or engraved if necessary
* Sign up for dance lessons, if desired
* Choose favors
* Book a room for the wedding night, if necessary
* Choose attendents’ gifts
Three Months Before
* Finalize your menu and flowers.* Make a list of people who are giving toasts. If you want someone besides the best man and maid of honor to give a toast, ask that person now so they can plan their speech.
* Finalize the readings notify those you wish to do the readings
* Have a second dress fitting
* Finalize the order of the ceremony and the reception
* Print menu cards and programs
* Send the event schedule to your vendors
* Write your vows, if you choose to do so
Two Months Before
* Meet with your photographer to discuss shots and locations* Review the playlist with the band or the deejay
* Send invitations six to eight weeks ahead of the date, setting the RSVP cutoff date three weeks after the postmark date
* Touch base with your vendors to answer any questions or to ask any you might have
* Submit a newspaper wedding announcement
* Enjoy a bachelorette party
* Mail thank you notes as gifts arrive
One Month Before
* Phone invitees who haven’t responded* Get your marriage license. Order several extra copies if you’re changing your name.
* Mail rehearsal dinner invitations
* Have your last dress fitting
* Order wine, beer, and liquor for the reception
* Send out as many final payments as possible
* Confirm your hair and makeup appointments
* e-mail and print directions for drivers of transport vehicles to give chauffeurs time to learn the route
* Make your seating chart
* Get your hair cut and colored, if desired
* Buy a guest book
* Prepare the necessary documents if you’re planning on changing your name
* Make appointments for blood tests if your state requires them
* Notify caterer of head count
Two Weeks Before
* Finalize seating chart and write place cards* Write toasts for rehearsal dinner and wedding reception, if necessary
* Break in wedding shoes
* Designate a house and pet sitter, if necessary, for the time you’re away on your honeymoon
* Find out where your guests are staying if you intend to deliver notes or welcome baskets to their rooms
One Week Before
* Reconfirm arrival times with vendors* Delegate small tasks for the wedding day—someone to be in charge of gifts, someone to carry your things, someone to give out tips, etc.
* Send your bridal party a timeline that includes every member’s contact information and contact information for the vendors
* Arrange for the dress to be delivered or pick it up yourself
* Supply the photographer with a list of the moments you want captured on film
* Write and set aside checks for the vendors and tips in envelopes
* Book a massage and a manicure and pedicure for the day before the big day
* Send a final head count to the caterer and the venues
* Assemble welcome baskets and distribute them as guests arrive
* Confirm honeymoon arrangements and pack
The Day Before
* Confirm transportation arrangements* Give announcements to an attendant or relative for mailing after the wedding
* Have a manicure and pedicure
* Rehearse ceremony and hold a rehearsal dinner. Give gifts to the wedding party and, if you choose, thank-you gifts to the parents.
