Bridal Planning Checklist

Twelve-Month Planning Calendar for Brides

9 – 12 Months Before

• Determine your budget.
• Set the date and time.
• Reserve Ceremony & Reception location(s).
• Make arrangements with officiator.
• Create a guest list.
• Begin shopping for photographers, caterers, musicians, invitations and florists.
• Begin shopping for wedding dress, bridesmaid dresses and rings.
• Choose your wedding party and invite your attendants to participate.
• Start planning your honeymoon.

6 – 9 Months Before

• Order your wedding dress.
• Order bridesmaid dresses (or have your bridesmaids order themselves).
• Order invitations and stationary (for thank-you cards).
• Select men’s apparel and reserve any rental attire.
• Send a "Save-the-Date" announcement with hotel suggestions to those traveling.
• Hire photographer, caterer, music providers (for ceremony & reception) and florist.
• Determine rehearsal dinner plans and reserve location.

3 – 6 Months Before

• Order/purchase wedding rings.
• Order wedding cake.
• Create your wedding registry.
• Finalize guest list and gather addresses.
• Track any gifts and send thank-you notes as soon as possible.
• Finalize honeymoon plans.
• Plan ceremony; readings, music, programs, flower girl, ring bearers, etc.
• Select and order guest favors for the reception.
• Find out what is required to obtain a marriage license (blood tests, papers, etc.)

1 – 2 Months Before

• Finalize floral arrangements.
• Confirm menu with caterer.
• Schedule hair and make-up appointments.
• Send invitations (6-8 weeks before).
• Make sure all deposits and confirmations have been made with service providers.
• Select gifts for attendants.
• Make sure all fittings are finalized.
• Finalize rehearsal dinner plans and send invitations to included guests (send after wedding invitations).

2 –4 Weeks Before

• Track RSVP’s and finalize guest count.
• Make seating chart for reception and create placecards (alphabetize).
• Get marriage license.
• Send wedding announcement to newspapers.
• Pick up wedding dress.

1 Week Before

• Confirm final guest count with caterer.
• Hold wedding rehearsal.
• Confirm travel details and pack for Honeymoon.
• Prepare fees for officiator and service providers; mark in separate envelopes to give the appropriate parties.
• Confirm with those giving speeches and/or toasts.
• Arrange snacks and emergency basket for bridesmaid with mints, hairspray, extra nylons, etc.
• Prepare cake knife and toasting glasses or arrange with caterer.

1 Day Before

• Make any final confirmations with service providers.
• Make sure dress, shoes, veil, rings, marriage license, etc. are ready to take to the ceremony.
• Do something to relax!!!

Wedding Day

• Attend beauty appointments.
• Take photographs before or after ceremony.
• Arrive and dress 1 to 2 hours before ceremony starts or scheduled photographs.
• Enjoy!!!