planner
Download our Wedding Plan Checklist HERE!
6 TO 12 MONTHS AHEAD
Announce your engagement
Create a wedding budget
Decide on the number of guests
Have your family create an invitation list
Set the date
Hire a Wedding Officiant
Choose a venue
Select a caterer (often, this is connected to the reception site)
Choose your attendants
Begin your search for wedding attire, florist, bakery, Photographer/Videographer & Band/DJ
4 TO 6 MONTHS AHEAD
If you're getting married in a church or synagogue, meet with the officiant to discuss the ceremony
Order invitations, announcements, programs, and thank-you cards.
Shop for attendant’s attire and shoes.
Urge your mother and future mother-in-law to shop for their outfits
Register for gifts
Plan your honeymoon and make reservations
2 TO 4 MONTHS AHEAD
Address invitations
Buy your wedding bands
Buy gifts for the attendants
Arrange for the rehearsal dinner
Arrange wedding transportation
Purchase a guest book
1 TO 2 MONTHS AHEAD
Mail the invitations
Write thank-you notes as gifts are received
Pick up your wedding bands
Apply for your marriage license
Arrange accommodations for out-of-town guests.
Book final wedding attire fitting
Make wedding-day appointments with your hairstylist and manicurist.
2 Weeks Ahead
If changing your name, make arrangements with Social Security, the Department of Motor Vehicles, credit card companies, and your bank.
Plan the seating arrangement
Confirm your honeymoon travel arrangements
1 WEEK AHEAD
Notify the caterer of the final count
Go over final details with the reception site coordinator, florist, bakery, DJ or band, photographer, and videographer.
Be sure the attendants have directions to the venues and are aware of the schedule of events
1 TO 3 DAYS AHEAD
Remind everyone of the rehearsal dinner schedule and location
Arrange for out-of-town guests to be met at the airport and directed to their accommodations
Pack everything you'll need for the ceremony
THE WEDDING DAY
Eat breakfast
Give your designated attendants the wedding bands
See your stylist for final preparations
Get married and live happily ever after!