Do-it-yourselfers may need to revise much of this list. Some
things, like flowers from the supermarket rather than a florist,
require less lead time. Other things, like making your own invitations,
need more. Some things don’t have to be done at all. Don’t
have 16 months to plan? We know couples who’ve thrown together
beautiful weddings in six months or less. But these are some tasks that
lie before you as you prepare for your wedding.
Sixteen to twelve months before
Start a wedding folder to prepare for organized chaos.
Start brainstorming: Look at magazines, blogs, websites, talk to
married friends for inspiration. Decide what you’d like the size,
tone and style of your wedding to be.
Pick your wedding party.
Decide your budget after finding out what your families are willing
to contribute.
Start a guest list. Sad but true: Know that the shorter it is, the
less expensive your wedding will be.
Visit potential wedding venues and bakers for cake tastings.
Twelve to nine months
Hire a planner. Or make a list, like this one, of all the tasks that
need to be done, and designate willing friends and family members to
carry them out.
Reserve your date and venues.
Book the officiant.
Hire the photographer and videographer.
Book the entertainment.
Hire caterers.
Register for gifts.
Reserve a block of hotel rooms for out-of-town guests.
Buy invitations or materials
to make them.
Plan the honeymoon. Make sure passports are current, and schedule
any shots you may need.
Nine to six months
Buy the wedding dress and bridesmaid dresses. It can take six months
for alterations, so do this early.
Send save-the-date cards, either formally or electronically.
Reserve rental equipment.
Arrange transportation, from the getaway car to renting vans for
guests to be transported from the hotel to the site.
Six to four months
Book the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner venues.
Order a cake.
Schedule hair and makeup, if hiring others to do them.
Choose music for the ceremony, first dance and other important
moments.
Four to two months
Reserve groom and groomsmen attire.
Finalize the menu.
Make or order favors.
Finalize the readings, order of ceremony and reception.
Buy wedding rings.
Make a slide show of the bride and groom’s lives leading up to
this day to show at rehearsal dinner, or hire someone to create this
for you.
Review the playlist, be it with a band, DJ or your iPod.
Send invitations.
One month
Get your marriage license.
Have the final dress fitting with accessories.
Confirm details with all vendors.
Buy wedding party gifts.
Write vows.
Have program printed, if using.
Get a guest book, flower basket and ring bearer pillow.
Week of
Pick up the dress and groom’s apparel.
Book mani-pedi treatment, if desired.
Break in your shoes.
Pack for the honeymoon.
Day before
Get manicure and pedicure.
Have rehearsal.
Have rehearsal dinner.
Prepare tip and payment envelope for vendors and officiant.
Confirm transportation for getting guests and couple to the ceremony
and reception.
The big day
Have your hair and makeup done.
Enjoy yourself. It’s your wedding day.