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"To Do" Timeline
The checklist below helps you plan all the details of your wedding from start to finish! Whether it is choosing flowers, deciding on a rehearsal dinner or reception site, selecting the perfect wedding gown, bridesmaid dresses and tuxedo, finding the best photographer or videographer, determining whether a band or DJ is best for you, or finding that delicious wedding cake, it is all right here:
Nine to Twelve Months
- Announce your engagement. Introduce your families. Send your photo to the local newspaper.
- Think about the type of wedding you want to have, whether it is a church or outdoor ceremony, day or night wedding, large reception or intimate afternoon affair. Determine how many guests you want to invite and the number of bridesmaids and groomsmen in your wedding party.
- Set a budget. Do an informal search of wedding vendors to get an idea of all the costs involved and determine who will pay for what.
- Consider the time of year you want to get married. Set a tentative wedding date.
- Hire a wedding coordinator (if you want one).
- Research, select and book your reception location. If you want an outdoor ceremony or reception, contact tent rentals and caterers.
- Contact your ceremony location and officiant.
- Find a hotel for out-of-town guests and block rooms.
- Interview and book: photographer, videographer, florist, band and/or DJ. Get signed contracts from the wedding vendors.
- Start looking for your wedding gown, bridal party's gowns, groom/groomsmen's formal wear/tuxedo.
- Create your registry and wedding website.
Six to Nine Months
- Compile a guest list. It is most efficient to create an A and B list.
- Ask your attendants to be in your wedding party.
- Shop for your wedding dress and bridesmaids' gowns.
- Decide on the groom's wear. Have your groomsmen get measured and reserve the formal wear.
- Research honeymoon destinations.
- If your wedding cake is not included in the reception package, look at the local cake shops and order a cake.
- Talk with the groom's parents about the rehearsal dinner.
- Consider transportation for the wedding day. Contact/book limos.
Four to Six Months
- Shop for your wedding rings.
- Decide on where you want to live once you get married.
- Think about the wording you want in your wedding invitation. Order invitations.
- Finalize menu for the reception.
- Complete your guest list.
- Shop for the mothers' dresses.
- Make honeymoon reservations.
- Set necessary hair/make-up appointments
Two to Four Months
- Finalize Menu and/or Catering Details.
- Prepare maps and directions for the ceremony and reception.
- Buy your wedding rings.
- Confirm the date and time for the wedding rehearsal with your officiant.
- Design and print your ceremony program.
- Buy a wedding guest book.
- Book your bridesmaid/groomsmen luncheon.
- Sign up for dance lessons.
- Finalize details with the florist, photographer, videographer, Band/DJ, ceremony musicians, cake baker and room arrangements for out-of-town guests.
Four to Eight Weeks
- Send invitations.
- Set appointments for your formal bridal portrait.
- Buy attendant/parent gifts.
- Buy gifts for your bridesmaids and groomsmen.
- Schedule a fitting for your gown and the bridesmaids' gowns. Get alterations.
- Buy wedding accessories like ring pillow, goblets, candles, garter belt, etc.
- Confirm florist and delivery times.
- Plan seating for the reception and create placement cards.
- Choose all the music necessary for the ceremony, first dance, parent and bridal party dances. Give all needed information to Band/DJ.
Two Weeks
- Arrange for your wedding gifts to be sent to your new home.
- Take care of the legal details such as name and address changes.
- Prepare wedding announcement for the newspaper.
- Confirm your wedding guests and their accommodations.
- Get marriage license. Pennsylvania does not require blood tests.
One Week
- Finalize seating details.
- Make sure wedding attire fits.
- Confirm honeymoon reservations and plane tickets.
- Pack for your honeymoon.
- Get in touch with guests that have not responded to the invitation.
- Give final head count to your reception location/caterer and finish place cards.
- Finalize all details with photographer, videographer, etc.
- Give responsibilities to various wedding individuals.
- Wrap wedding party gifts.
The Day Before
- Get manicure or massage to stay relaxed.
- Get payment envelopes for vendors. Remember to tip.
- Rehearsal with bridal party. Review all details with people with special jobs, e.g., the person who hands out programs.
- Hang out with family and friends. Get a good night sleep!
Your Wedding Day
- Make sure the best man and maid of honor sign wedding certificate.
- Allow plenty of time to have hair done and get dressed.
- Remember to eat.
- Enjoy your day!
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