Wedding Invitations - Wedding Planning Calendar

12-6 MONTHS BEFORE YOUR WEDDING

Select a wedding date and time.
Announce your engagement in the newspaper.
Send out Safe the Date Cards so your guests can reserve your special day on their calendar.
Set an initial budget.
Schedule a meeting with both sets of parents to openly discuss wedding expectations, costs, and responsibilities.
Choose size and style of wedding (day/night, indoor/outdoor,formal/casual, special theme).
Select and book your reception location.
Research availability of reception locations.
Find a caterer if not already provided by the reception facility.
Buy a wedding planner or a notebook to be organized.
Invite attendants to be in your wedding.
Determine how many guests you wish to invite. Keep in mind the relationship, this helps if the list needs to be shortened.
Interview caterers, florists, photographers, videographers, wedding bands, etc. Be sure that you get contracts from all the professionals
Create a preliminary guest list, including addresses. Ask all parents to do the same.
Begin planning the wedding ceremony and reception.
Create a bridal registry.
Write out directions to be included on a direction card with invitation.
Shop for a wedding gown and accessories. Order your dress at least 6-8 months in advance.
Shop the grooms formal wear/tuxedo.
Choose and order attire and accessories for bridesmaids. Keep in mind the time of year and style of wedding.
Start planning the honeymoon. If you are leaving the country, make sure your passport is up to date and verify any visa requirements.
Marital Counseling.

6-3 MONTHS BEFORE YOUR WEDDING

Start compiling the guest list, inform your families to do the same.
Order wedding invitations, response cards, place cards, thank you cards and accessories. Always order extra invitations to allow for mistakes. It is less expensive to order extras from the start.
Start making final decisions and arrangements for the ceremony and reception, including food, music, flowers, transportation.
Plan rehearsal dinner.
Research and reserve accommodations for out-of-town guests. Draw up a welcome letter with list of local attractions.
Order wedding rings and make arrangements for engraving.
Have both mothers select their wedding attire.
Confirm the delivery date for the wedding gown and bridesmaids dresses.
Choose and order formal wear for groomsmen.
Begin shopping for trousseau.
Finalize honeymoon plans.
Shop for special attire for parties, showers and honeymoon.
Write thank you cards as gifts are received.

2 MONTHS BEFORE YOUR WEDDING

Mail the invitations, response cards and direction cards.
Order wedding programs and reception accessories.
Order wedding cake.
Make final menu decisions.
Work out seating plan.
Order the place cards for the reception.
Choose wedding favours for your guests.
Set rehearsal time and verify with all participants.
Have first wedding dress fitting.
Make sure members of the wedding party have their fitting.
Make an appointment with your hairdresser to practice your wedding-day hair style. Bring headpiece. Have a makeup consultation at the same time. Schedule hair and makeup appointments for yourself and bridal party on the wedding day. Schedule a manicure for the day before wedding.
Give photographer a list of all pictures you would like taken.
Give videographer list of all shots you would like included in the video.
Purchase gift for fiancé, if gifts are being exchanged.
Choose thank you gifts for parents and any others who helped with wedding.
Submit wedding announcement and photograph to newspaper. Specify date for publishing.
Continue to write thank you cards.

1 MONTH BEFORE YOUR WEDDING

Have your final wedding dress fitting.
Verify that all members of the wedding party have had their final fitting.
Get blood test and obtain your marriage license.
Make sure you have all accessories, toasting goblets, cake knife, ring pillow, guest book, etc.
Create a detailed wedding schedule for all attendants. List all events participants are expected to attend. Include date, time, location and any responsibilities. Give attendants the schedule two weeks before the wedding.
Give musicians final music list for the ceremony and reception. Specify any music you do not want played. Have the music start 30 minutes before the ceremony.
Prepare your wedding toasts.
Pick up and try on your wedding bands.
Confirm honeymoon reservations.

2 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR WEDDING

Delegate responsibilities to reliable individuals on your wedding day.
Confirm final details with all wedding professionals you have hired. Confirm wedding night hotel reservation.
Give a wedding-day schedule to all attendants.
Pick up wedding dress.
Have your bridal portrait taken.
Break in your wedding shoes.
Fill out a change-of -address form at the post office.
Arrange for someone to collect gifts brought to the ceremony and bring them to your home.

A WEEK BEFORE YOUR WEDDING

Review and rehearse all the details of your participants.
Verify that all wedding attire has been picked up and fits.
Confirm that all attendants know when to arrive at the rehearsal, rehearsal dinner, and the wedding ceremony. Confirm that all attendants have a copy of the wedding schedule you created.
Get a manicure or massage to relax yourself.
Pack for your honeymoon.
Pay bills that will be due while you are away.
Continue to write thank you cards.
Pick up your marriage license.

THE WEDDING DAY

Relax and enjoy your BIG day!