A Bride's Checklist

In a previous post, I suggested creating a timeline and checklist to keep your planning on track. An even better idea is to buy a wedding organizer to help you keep track of vendor contracts, contacts, appointments, lists, etc. Amazon has great deals on organizers, some even under $10.00! For the budget conscious bride, I have created a template based on a one-year planning period. Blissful planning to you all!

12 Months Before Your Wedding

Announce your engagement, finalize the date, hire a wedding planner, prepare your budget, book the venue and church (pay any deposits), determine if your venue requires proof of liability insurance (if you hire a wedding planner this will be their responsibility), select your bridal party, and prepare a guest list. This is also the time to start planning an engagement party, if you choose to do so!

10 to 11 Months Before Your Wedding

Choose wedding theme/colors, find your perfect wedding gown and accessories, and select your bridesmaid's dresses (flower girl dress as well). You should also book the caterer (if venue allows outside catering), the musicians/DJ, the photographer and the videographer.

8 to 9 Months Before Your Wedding

Book your florist, baker, & transportation. Purchase remaining bridal attire, such as shoes, veil, garter, etc. 

6 to 7 Months Before Your Wedding

Bridal party must be fitted for dresses, register for your gifts, submit any required deposits to vendors, and book your honeymoon (don't forget your passports!) Prepare arrangements for out-of-town guests and review all your vendor contracts. 

5 Months Before Your Wedding

Select music for ceremony and reception. Order flowers, centerpieces, favors, & candles. Finalize your guest list and select design for invitations, RSVP cards, programs, thank-you cards, etc. Submit music list to DJ/band with songs for your entrance, first dance, father-daughter dance, garter toss, etc. 

4 Months Before Your Wedding

Select wedding rings and make arrangements for engravings, have groom and groomsmen fitted for attire and accessories, meet with caterer for tasting and menu options, order wedding cake and groom's cake. This is the time to start talking to the maid of honor and best man about planning a bachelor party/bridal shower. Make arrangements for rehearsal dinner and book a suite to get ready in on the day of the wedding (optional).

3 Months Before Your Wedding

Make appointments for hair, makeup, nails, etc. Finalize menu with caterer, finalize rehearsal dinner plans, and prepare information for out-of-town guests. Have invitations, RSVP cards, programs, and thank-you cards printed.

2 Months Before Your Wedding

Mail out invitations (with RSVP cards, directions, and maps). Confirm with booked vendors and pay remaining balances. Bride and bridesmaids should attend a follow up fitting.

1 Month Before Your Wedding

Obtain marriage license, track gifts received and send thank-you cards, pick up rings, and purchase gifts for bridal party.

3 Weeks Before Your Wedding

Follow up with guests that have not sent an RSVP. Prepare seating plan and prepare seating cards. Have trail hair/makeup session and be sure to confirm your wedding day appointments.

2 Weeks Before Your Wedding

Reconfirm with all vendors and suppliers. Pick up your gown, accessories, etc. Prepare tickets and itinerary for honeymoon.

1 Week Before Your Wedding

Provide caterer/venue with final guest count. Confirm ceremony rehearsal and dinner with bridal party. Prepare final vendor checks and pack for your honeymoon!

2 Days Before Your Wedding

Have groom and groomsmen pick up attire. Pack items needed for wedding and drop off at venue (favors, centerpieces, cake knife, toasting flutes, etc.)

1 Day Before Your Wedding

Attend wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. Finish any last minute details. Pack items you will need for the wedding such as your planner (with contracts and contact list), snacks, emergency kit, etc. Assign a friend or family member to check the reception site for proper set up on the wedding day.

Day of Your Wedding

Have a blissful wedding!