Wedding Time Table

Immediately After the Engagement:
-  Discuss a budget, the size and style of the wedding.
-  Decide who pays for what.
-  If you will be using a wedding consultant, enlist their services.
-  Meet with officiant; schedule pre-marital counseling.
-  Reserve wedding/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 for your cake. Get estimates. Book the date.
-  Plan beauty preparations (nails, diet, hair, skin care, and makeup).
-  Make all transportation arrangements for the day of the wedding.
-  Complete all honeymoon plans.

Four Months Before:
-  Complete the guest list and confirm final details with the caterer.
-  Order invitations and personal stationery or “Thank You” notes.
-  Order napkins and purchase any other items needed.
-  Check with the caterer to see what he/she includes.
-  Get estimates and order flowers and floral arrangements.
-  Get estimates and order decorations and favors.
-  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 (6 weeks before wedding; 8 weeks to out-of-town guests).
-  Make appointments with the hairdresser for the bride and attendants.
-  Buy a wedding gift for your future spouse and gifts for attendants.
-  Finalize arrangements of accommodations for out-of-town 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.
-  Contact the photographer again to discuss specifics.
-  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.
-  Complete change-of-address information for post-office.
-  Keep current with “Thank You” notes.

Two Weeks Before:
-  Get the marriage license. Be sure to bring all needed documents.
-  Inform those who will attend the rehearsal and dinner.
-  Inquire about a dressing room for you and your attendants.
-  Walk through the entire event in your mind. Consider things like parking, access for handicapped guests, etc.
-  Confirm all transportation plans.
-  Check in with vendors to confirm all arrangements.
-   “Break in” wedding shoes at home.

One Week Before:
-  Appoint someone to be the “organizer” to handle any last minute issues.
-  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 friends. Visit a day spa and relax.

One Day Before:
-  Attend the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner and give gifts to attendants.
-  Give the rings and officiant’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!

Wedding Time Table by Jen O’Sullivan.

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