The Timetable

calendar checklist

The following checklist is an "ideal" timetable. Couples who do not have as much time as shown should plan their wedding in much the same order, using the checklist as a guide.
Be sure to check things off as you complete them.

immediately after the engagement:

• Discuss a budget and the size and style of the wedding with your parents. Decide who pays for what.

• If you will be using a wedding consultant, enlist their services.

• Meet with clergymember; schedule pre-marital counseling.

• Reserve wedding and reception sites; make initial catering contacts.

• Register at local bridal registries.

• Contact photographers; hire one.

six months or more before:

• Compile the guest list.

• Reserve a block of hotel rooms for out-of-town guests.

• Choose wedding rings.

• Send your engagement announcement to newspapers.

• Select and order wedding gown.

• Select the attendants (bridesmaids and groomsmen). Choose and order bridesmaids dresses.

• Select one usher for every 50 guests.

• Check out videographers. Hire one.

• Make arrangements for the music at the wedding and reception.

• Check out bakers. Get estimates. Book the date.

• Plan beauty preparations (nails, diet, hair, skin care and makeup).

• Make all transportation arrangements to and from the wedding and the reception. Consider hiring a limousine, party bus, trolley or horse-drawn carriage.

• Complete all honeymoon plans. If traveling outside the country, check on visas, passports and inoculations.

four months before:

• Complete the guest list and confirm final details with the caterer.

• Order invitations (25 extra) and personal stationery or "Thank You" notes.

• Order napkins and purchase any other items needed for the ceremony and reception. Check with the caterer to see what he/she includes.

• Visit the photographer again to discuss specifics. Use the “Photography Worksheet”.

• Get estimates and order flowers and floral arrangements for wedding and reception.

• Get estimates and order balloons, decorations and favors for wedding and reception.

• Book room for wedding night.

three months before:

• Order wedding rings. Allow time for any final engraving.

• Order tuxedos for the groomsmen and fathers.

two months before:

• Mail invitations (six weeks before the wedding; eight weeks to out-of-town guests).

• Make appointments with the hairdresser for the bride and attendants or out-of-town guests.

• Buy a wedding gift for your future spouse and gifts for attendants and helpers.

• Finalize arrangements of accommodations for out-of-town attendants and guests.

one month before:

• Choose all accessories, shoes and lingerie for bridal gown.

• Have final fitting for bridal gown and bridesmaids’ dresses.

• Have beauty consultant do a trial run with bride’s hair and makeup. Schedule this appointment on the day the bridal portait is taken and/or a party is planned.

• Have bridal portrait taken.

• Have groomsmen registered and measured at the formal wear store.

• Check with the newspapers on wedding announcement requirements.

• Finalize plans for rehearsal dinner.

• Plan seating arrangements for the rehearsal dinner and reception.

• Review your checklist to be sure nothing has been missed.

• Complete change-of-address information for post-office.

• Keep current with "Thank You" notes for shower and early wedding gifts.

two weeks before:

• Get the marriage license. Be sure to bring all needed documents.

• Inform or send invitations including exact time and location to those who will attend the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.

• Inquire about where you and your attendants will dress for the ceremony.

• Walk through the entire event in your mind. Consider things like parking, access for handicapped guests, etc.

• Confirm all transportation plans.

• Check in with caterer, photographer, videographer, musicians, DJ, florist, etc. to confirm all arrangements.

• "Break in" wedding shoes at home.

one week before:

• Appoint someone to act as an "organizer" to handle any last minute problems.

• Give a final guest count to the caterer.

• Review final details for those in the wedding party.

• Confirm honeymoon arrangements.

• Pack for the honeymoon. Know what you’ll wear from the reception.

• Enjoy a day with your family and friends. Visit a day spa, have a massage, a facial and relax.

one day before:

• Attend the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner and give gifts to attendants.

• Give the rings and clergymember’s fee to the best man.

• Organize gown, accessories, etc. to go to ceremony.

wedding day:

• Mail wedding announcements.

• Get hair, makeup, etc. done.

• Enjoy the day!