General Wedding Planning Tips 


6 - 12 Months

• Choose the "theme" of your wedding and establish date and time.
• Discuss the budget, and who will pay for what.
• Consider hiring a professional wedding planner.
• Make arrangements with the marriage officiator.
• Reserve the wedding ceremony and reception locations.
• Select  & order your wedding dress, veil and accessories.
• Order bridesmaids' dresses, shoes and accessories.
• Choose the bridesmaids, groomsmen, and ushers.
• Send announcements of your engagement  your local and hometown newspaper.
• Meet with the florist, photographer, caterer, videographer, and D.J. or entertainment to discuss budgets and options.
• Discuss the guest list with fiancé.
• Contact a rental coordinator for equipment reservations.
• Discuss honeymoon and reservations. 
• Arrange for time off work, if necessary.
• Create a special file or binder to store brochures and notes.
• Develop record-keeping system for invitations, gifts, and thank-you notes.

4 - 6 Months

• Select and register wedding gifts and patterns.   
• Arrange & order  men's attire.
• Have parents select attire.
• Order invitations, announcements, programs, napkins, matchbooks, and personal stationery.  

2 Months

• Choose and order wedding bands and engraving.
• Order wedding  cake. 
• Check  marriage license requirements.
• Plan ceremony, reception, menus, master of ceremonies, music, and timetables.
• Plan rehearsal dinner.
• Complete guest list and address invitations.
• Make arrangements for accomodations for out-of-town guests.
• Purchase gifts for attendants and groom.  

One Month

• Confirm all arrangements and contracts.
• Mail invitations so they will arrive three weeks before the wedding.
• Pick up wedding rings.
• Arrange for transportation to ceremony and from ceremony to reception.
• Attend final fittings.
• Have a trial for your  hair and makeup.  Schedule any tanning, manicures, etc.
• Purchase guest book and keepsake album.
• Contact your insurance agent about  buying homeowners' and floater insurances to protect wedding gifts.
• Write thank you notes as gifts are received.

2 Weeks

• Get marriage license.
• Give caterer final guest count.   

1 Week

• Pack for honeymoon.  
• Brief head usher of any special seating arrangements.
• Arrange for rental returns.

 The Wedding Day

• Have a nice relaxed breakfast. Take time to breath and prepare your mind for the day.
• Have hair and make-up done.
• Most of all, enjoy!