Your wedding should be coming up within the next 6 to 12 months.
Do you know what to do and when exactly you need to do them?
Here is a guided timeline that specifically gives you the approximate time tasks that should be completed within that time frame.
Use the following list as a guide to help you get the right things done, in the appropriate order.
Print this guide out and “check off” all the items that you have completed to make things less stressful and more fun for you.
Six To Twelve (6 -12) Months Before The “Big Day”!
 Announce your engagement
 Decide on what kind of wedding and the time of day. Are you prepared to feed your guests dinner or do you want a simple ceremony with cake and punch only? The time of day that you choose will dictate the food choices.
 Pick a date. Do this as soon as possible so that your bridal party and faraway family can begin making arrangements for hotels and scheduling time away from their workplace.
 Choose a location. Remember to take into consideration what the weather could be like on your wedding day. So keep an open mind. Set a budget. This is so important. Discuss it carefully between the two of you and your respective families.
 Start planning the reception. Secure a hall, hotel, lodge, or whatever suits you guys for your reception area.
 Select the bridal party. It is important to do this as soon as possible so these special people can set aside some time away from work to fulfill their duties and roles in your wedding.
 Secure the church and inquire about premarital counseling. Some churches require this for a marriage to be allowed.
 Choose your colors. Your flowers, attire, linens, and cake will reflect your choice. Since you have to shop for these items fairly far in advance, it’s important that you are rock-solid on your color decision.
 Choose and order the bridal gown, bridesmaids’ gowns and accessories. Choose wisely and stay within your budget.
 Start planning the honeymoon. The groom often takes the lead on this, but it should be a spot you will both enjoy.
 Begin your bridal registry. Visit your favorite stores and choose items that you will need to start your life together.
 Select and order wedding invitations and announcements.
 Select the caterer, photographer, florist, and musicians. Keep their phone numbers handy in case you need something.
 Choose and order the wedding rings.
Three Months Before The “Big Day”!
 Complete the guest list.
 Plan to have both mother select their dresses. The mother of the groom will often wait for the mother of the bride to select her dress.
 Make reservations for the honeymoon. Remember to tell them that you will be newlyweds. You’ll be surprised at how many perks you will get!
 Confirm the dates and times with the florist, caterer, photographer, musicians, and the church.
 Discuss transportation to and from the wedding and reception sites.
 Order the wedding cake.
 Choose and order the tuxes
 Schedule the bridesmaids’ dress fittings. It is also a good time to choose and dye the shoes if that is necessary.
 Place engagement announcement in the local newspaper (optional).
Two Months Before The “Big Day”!
 Prepare and mail the invitations.
 Get the marriage license.
 Finalize the honeymoon reservations.
 Make transportation arrangements
One Month Before The “Big Day”!
 Reserve accommodations for the guests.
 Record gifts received and send thank-you letters to each person. Many couples think that they must wait to send those thank you notes. Get them done as soon as the gifts begin to arrive to avoid stressful times later on closer to your wedding.
 Purchase the gifts for the bridal party. Brides often buy inexpensive earrings or necklaces that the bridesmaids can wear to the wedding. Popular choices for the groomsmen are money clips, key chains, or ball caps.
 Schedule the final fittings for the bride and bridesmaids.
 Get Wedding programs printed.
 Schedule appointments at beauty saloons for attendants, if needed.
 Host the bridesmaids luncheon.
 Purchase a guest book and decide where it will go. Some couples place the book just inside the door of the church or wedding area. Some prefer to display it at their reception. In either case, have someone stand nearby to invite guests to sign the book.
Two Weeks Before The “Big Day”!
 Arrange to have names changed on the driver’s license, social security, etc..
 Finalize the number of guests with the caterer.
One Week Before The “Big Day”!
 Start packing for the honeymoon. Be sure to choose clothing that you won’t need during this very big week for you.
 Plan the seating arrangements for all guests.
 Have a beautician practice fixing your hair. You may also want to practice your make-up or make an appointment at a department store so it can be done for you.
 Make sure that the wedding rings are picked up and fit.
The “Big Day”!!!
 Congratulations! You made it to your big day! The last thing to do is to just relax.. You’ve earned it and should enjoy your entire day!
