8-12 MonthsLet's start Planning
- Select a wedding date, time, and location.
- Decide the type of wedding you would like to have. (size, formality, and setting)
- Begin your guest list.
- Consider possible color schemes.
- Explore pre-marital counseling.
- Start health and fitness plan.
- Select and hire your professional: photographer, caterer, consultant, disc jockey, etc. it is never too early to reserve your wedding professionals)
- Shop together for your wedding rings.
- Decide upon your budget.
- Determine who will pay what expenses.
- Book your wedding location(s).
- Choose your attendants.
- Select dress and headpiece, and set a date for fittings and delivery. Select your bridesmaids' dresses and accessories.
- Give thought to your honeymoon location.
5-8 MonthsKeep up, for a no stress wedding.
- Check the requirements for marriage license.
- Select and discuss your color schemes with the florist and/or balloonist of choice. Again consider pre-marital counseling.
- Reserve your wedding day rental equipment (tables, chairs, china, silverware, gazebo, etc.). Decide upon a gift registry and select your gift choices.
- Begin your record of gifts received.
- Send thank you notes as soon as possible.
- Order your invitations and related stationary needs.
- Start shopping for the men’s’ wedding attire.
3-5 MonthsLet's start Planning
- Finalize your guest list.
- Decide upon and order your favors.
- Select your baker, then choose your cake, groom’s cake, and mints.
- Help both mothers coordinate and find their wedding day clothing.
- Review your written agreements forms with all of your professionals (photographer, caterer, D.J., site coordinator, transportation, etc.).
2-4 WeeksPressure's On!
- Final wedding dress fitting.
- Final fitting for your wedding attendants.
- Obtain marriage license.
- Have your attendants' parties.
- Purchase your going-away outfit.
- Draw a map to direct your guests to the site(s), if necessary. Create a calendar of events for the wedding day.
- Make sure your accessories are in order (rings, pillow, garter, etc.)
1-2 WeeksGetting close.
- Finalize arrangements with the entertainer(s)
- Provide list of music to be played during special events such as first dance, garter removal and bouquet toss.
- Pick up your wedding rings and make sure that the engravings are correct and they fit properly.
- Contact the guests who have not responded to your invitations.
1-7 DaysIt's gong to happen!
- Make sure your marriage license is in order.
- Prepare seating arrangements, if necessary.
- Purchase travelers checks, confirm honeymoon reservations.
- Pack your baggage for your honeymoon.
- Have your wedding ceremony rehearsal.
- Instruct your wedding party on what you would like them to do on the day of the wedding.
- Have your rehearsal dinner.
- Make sure all wedding attire fits properly.
- Give the best man the amount the professionals are to be paid on the day of the wedding. Inform your caterer of the total guest count.
- Confirm out-of-town guests have transportation and sleeping accommodations.
- Check with your florist and/or balloonist to make sure they will arrive when scheduled.
1-0 DaysRelax and have fun!
- Relax, enjoy yourself, and remain calm! Allow at least two hours for dressing.
- Allow plenty of time to apply your makeup and style your hair.
- If professionals are doing your hair and/or makeup, ask them in advance how much time they will need.
- If photographs are to be taken before the ceremony, allow at least one and one-half hours.
- Remember to bring the rings and marriage license.
- Seat guests as they arrive. The groom’s parents should be seated about 5 minutes before start time, the mother of the bride is normally seated last.
- Take a deep breath, don't worry, and SMILE!
- Let your Entertainment make your day an unforgettable experience!