Wedding Checklist Timeline

9 to 12 months before the wedding
    Announce your engagement to friends and family.
    Discuss the formality, size and location of the wedding / reception with both families
    Set wedding date and time.
    Meet with clergy or judge to confirm date and time.
    Research, if applicable, premarital counseling and sign up for the appropriate classes.
    Research locations for wedding and reception
    Start a wedding file, collecting tear sheets of dresses, flowers, etc.

8 months to go
    Set the wedding budget.
    Determine the approximate number of guests. Start compiling guest list and addresses.
    Reserve wedding and reception sites.
    Select and invite attendants.
    Interview and select wedding coordinator, if applicable.
    Interview and select photographer/ videographer.
    Select wedding and engagement rings and arrange for engraving.

7 months to go
    Have your engagement party
    Discuss honeymoon plans.
    Begin shopping for wedding attire.
    Interview and select caterer, if necessary
    Interview and select florist

6 months to go
    Begin shopping for invitations.
    Place final order for bridesmaids’ gowns, accessories.
    Have mothers coordinate and select dresses.
    Reserve rental equipment, such as chairs, tables, tents, linens, etc.

5 months to go
    Finalize budget.
    Confirm with church officials, if applicable, on music, decorations.
    Select readings and music for ceremony.
    Select music for reception.
    Schedule rehearsal dinner.
    Meet with caterer to plans reception details.
    Begin shopping for groom’s attire.
    Send out tuxedo forms to all groomsmen.
    Finalize dates for showers, parties.

4 months to go
    Register at gift and department stores.
    Meet with florist, photographer, baker
    Complete honeymoon details.
    Make doctor / dental appointments.
    Shop for trousseau.
    Finalize and order invitations.

3 months to go
    Confirm deliver dates for all attire and schedule fittings
    Purchase wedding album and guest books.
    Schedule wedding portrait.
    Make all appointments for make-up, hair, nails, a massage, etc.
    Finalize details of rehearsal dinner
    Purchase wedding weekend outfits, including clothes for rehearsal dinner, post-wedding brunch and other honeymoon outfits.
    Make lodging arrangements for out-of-town guests.
    Address invitations.

2 months to go
    Mail invitations
    Submit egagement announcement to the Daily Journal through (the wedding page address)
    Select gifts for wedding party.
    Have formal portraits taken.
    Purchase plenty of stamps and pens for thank you notes.
    Arrange transportation for the bridal party to and from the ceremony and reception sites.
    Finalize arrangements for flowers, menu wedding cake(s) and music.
    Make arrangements to change insurance policies, bank accounts, drivers’ license, etc.
    Prepare out-of-town guest information letter / maps.

1 month to go
    Apply for marriage license.
    Set up table for wedding gifts.
    Record all fights and write thank-you notes as they arrive.
    Finalize wedding program.
    Finalize all details with caterer, florist, musicians.
    Finalize wedding day schedule.
    Make arrangements for bridesmaids’ luncheon.
    Finalize jewelry selection
    Prepare photo / video shot list, naming important family and guests.

One to two weeks to go
    Double check all arrangements.
    Have final fittings for all attire.
    Confirm duties with wedding day participants.
    Give caterer final estimate of guests.
    Pack for honeymoon.
    Get hair colored and trimmed.
    Pick up wedding gown and veil and organize accessories.

One day before
    Have a manicure and pedicure.
    Attend bridesmaids’ luncheon
    Attend rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.