Here is an easy to follow Wedding Planning Schedule that you might wish to print out and keep handy. The secret to a stress-free wedding is being prepared and handling the scheduled tasks on a timely basis. You should work with your partner on many of these tasks as it is his wedding too! Most importantly, decide on a budget and stick to it. If you follow these few steps, you will be able to enjoy a fantastic wedding!
10 months before wedding
□ Pick wedding theme/style, color
□ Plan budget, start a wedding folder or binder.
□ Make tentative guest list
□ Set wedding date & time
□ Book ceremony & reception location
□ Select members of wedding party
9 months before wedding
□ Pick DJ/Band & ceremony musicians
□ Book wedding day transportation
□ Book photographer and videographer and consult with photographer on scheduling your day to allow sufficient time for all photos. Allow a minimum of one hour for photos of just the two of you.
□ Book florist
□ Meet with ceremony officiant
8 months before wedding
□ Order your bridal gown and Select Bridesmaids’ dresses
□ Send Your Save the Dates
6 months before wedding
□ Register gift choices
□ Finalize guest list
□ Order wedding invitations
□ Plan hotel and transportation for out-of-town guests
□ Order wedding cake
5 months before wedding
□ Wedding-night hotel suite for bride and groom
□ Plan honeymoon
□ Select and order wedding favors
4 months before wedding
□ Order groom’s attire
□ Select groomsmen’s attire
□ Send out-of-town guests invitations
□ Select wedding bands
3 months before wedding
□ Send out invitations to in-town guests
□ Finalize and book menu for rehearsal dinner
□ Finalize menu and drinks for reception
2 months before wedding
□ Purchase gifts for wedding party & parents
□ Plan reception seating
□ Plan itinerary for out-of-town guests
□ Finalize arrangements with DJ/Band, Ceremony Musicians, Florist, Cake Baker, Photographer and Videographer
□ Schedule Hair & Makeup Trials and Create a Wedding Emergency Kit
1 month before wedding
□ Get final fitting of your wedding gown
□ Get marriage license
□ Get name-change forms (if changing your name)
□ Confirm all hotel accommodations
1-2 weeks before wedding
□ Have rehearsal & dinner
□ Have bridesmaid’s lunch
□ Have groomsmen’s’ day out
□ Confirm wedding day transportation
□ Confirm guest count with caterer
□ Confirm time and location with Officiant, Florist, Cake baker, Photographer, DJ/Band, and Videographer
Congratulations! It’s your Wedding Day! Turn over all wedding planning activities to a close friend who you trust to handle any issues and just enjoy your day!!!