Give yourself as much time as possible to plan your wedding.
As soon as you become engaged
• Pick a day and date for your wedding
• Think about, and work on, your guest list. This will be one of the most important and probably one of the most contentious elements of the whole wedding planning process. You will have to learn how to diplomatically say no to your future in-laws and future husband (and maybe to your own family as well!).
• Think about money. Be very clear on how much you can spend and begin to think about from where the money will come. Create a budget – this is where the number of guests you decide on will have the greatest impact.
10-11 months prior
• Think about who you really want in your bridal party and invite them to join you
• Think about where you want to be married, discuss your and your partner’s (and the families’) preferences, then choose the site for the ceremony
• Begin to shop for the bridesmaids dresses
• Begin to think about the theme and color scheme you want for your big day 8-9 months before
• Discuss your wedding plans with the person you want to officiate the ceremony, book them and the venue
• Shop for and order your wedding dress, make sure you have sufficient time for the dress to be made and the fittings that will be required.
• Discuss your ideas for honeymoon destinations, find out as much as you can so you’ll be well prepared to make decisions and put down deposits
• Research affordable hotel accommodation for out-of-town guests, and where you’ll spend your wedding night, reserve both.
• Make a decision about where you want to prepare for the wedding on the day – at a hotel, your mom’s, etc.
6-7 months before
• Make sure everyone is happy with the choice of bridesmaids dresses and order them
• Register with a gift registry
• Research the DJ/band/musicians you want at the ceremony and reception, book them so you know they’ll be available on the day
• Decide on, and order, wedding stationary
• Shop for wedding rings
3-5 months before
• Finalise the guest list
• Finalise where tuxedos for the groom and his attendants will be obtained. Depending on how much time they need, order them
• Mail out the “save-the-date” cards
• Research who will do the flowers for the ceremony venue, book them if they are very busy and decide on the flowers if possible
• Research venues for the rehearsal dinner, book to ensure you have the date you want
• Depending on the laws in your state, organise getting the marriage license and blood tests
• Find out if the church, synagogue, mosque etc. has pre-marriage classes you have to attend in order to be wed there
• Think about the decorations for the reception, begin to collect various elements of the decorations, favors, etc.
• Organise what you want from the photographer/videographer, and book the date with them
2-3 months prior
• Mail out the wedding invitations
• Order the wedding rings
• Make appointments for hair, make-up and nails for the bride, bridesmaids and mothers
• Organise an appointment for a massage on the day before the wedding
• Discuss with the relevant people, what the order of the ceremony will be
• Organise and book the transportation
One month before
• Confirm arrangements with each and every vendor, make sure deposits have been paid
• Shop for gifts for members of the bridal party
• Shop for accessories for the ceremony, for example the aisle runner, unity candle, etc.
• Have your final gown fitting (don’t decide to go on a diet then!)
• Select the wedding music
• Discuss, and decide on, the vows you want to use
One week before
• Pay whatever is remaining to all of your vendors
• Go to bachelor party and bridal shower
• Be sure to get as much rest as possible
The day before
• Attend the rehearsal at the church and the rehearsal dinner
• Have that relaxing massage you arranged so long ago
• Be sure to get as much rest as possible
The wedding day
• Eat lightly
• Because you arranged it that way, each of the people who are doing your hair, nails and makeup will be coming to you
• Be available for the photos to be taken
Most of all, Enjoy your day
