Having a wedding planning checklist is the easiest way to organizing all the details of your ceremony and reception. It will help you to remain calm and collected, while ensuring that everything is done on time! Timing is everything and if you have your heart set on a particular reception site for instance, you'll quickly realize that trying to book them seven months in advance is nearly impossible to do because, they're most likely booked already!
The earlier you start using a wedding planning checklist as your to-do list, the less stressed out you'll be and of course, you'll have a better opportunity of landing the ceremony and/or reception site(s) of your choice!
Below, you'll find an easy to use one year wedding to-do list that will be your guide to ensuring that nothing is left out of the agenda. You may wish to print this out and keep it with you as you arrange your wedding plans.
Your Wedding Planning Checklist
9-12 MONTHS BEFORE
Announce your engagement to your friends and family.
Arrange for parents to get together.
Pick a wedding date.
Discuss your budget with everyone who'll be contributing to the event example: parents, step parents, your fiance/fiancee.
Schedule interviews with wedding planners/coordinators if you intend to hire one.
Select a ceremony site and meet with the officiant.
Start composing a guest list to get a rough head count.
Start visiting reception sites and book one.
Browse through magazines for bridal gown ideas and start shopping for a dress.
6-9 MONTHS BEFORE
Choose your wedding party.
Select a caterer.
Register with a bridal gift registry.
Place the order for your wedding gown.
Shop for bridal attendants' dresses.
Choose your photographer and/or videographer.
Hire a florist.
Book a Deejay, band or other entertainers.
Start researching honeymoon spots.
Mail save-the-date cards to friends and family, especially if you intend on having a destination or holiday-weekend wedding. Keep this wedding planning checklist handy so you won't forget!
4-6 MONTHS BEFORE
Order wedding stationary and if you'll be using a calligrapher, now's the time to book one.
Start shopping for the weeding cake and optional groom's cake if you'll be having one.
Hire all necessary transportation.
Book your favorite beauty professionals for the big day.
Search for accomodations for out-of-town guests.
Complete your guest list.
Start planning your honeymoon trip and make hotel and plane reservations.
Arrange the rehearsal dinner.
2-4 MONTHS BEFORE
Call your county clerk's office to find out about marriage license requirements.
Place the order for the tuxedos for the groom and groomsmen.
Have an appointment with the caterer or banquet manager to discuss possible menus, service style, wine selections etc.
Order your wedding cake and optional groom's cake.
Choose the ceremony and reception music.
Buy thank-you gifts for the attendants.
Select favors and welcome baskets.
Shop, select and order your wedding bands.
Meet with party rental companies if necessary.
Book a hotel for your wedding night.
4-8 WEEKS BEFORE
Mail your wedding invitations no later than 8 weeks ahead of the wedding date.
Do a hair, makeup and headpiece rehearsal.
Decide on insurance-policy changes you'll need.
2-4 WEEKS BEFORE
Plot the seating for the reception.
Confirm the details in writing with the photographer, florist, DJ, band, other entertainers etc.
Have your final dress fitting.
Prepare and write your rehearsal-dinner toast.
1 WEEK BEFORE
Place the fees due on the wedding day in envelopes.
Give the caterer a final head count. Make sure it's accurate, as you do not want to have an excess or shortage on food! An excess amount of food, would cause you to spend more money than necessary! You may want to highlight this part of your wedding planning checklist so you won't forget.
Assign someone reliable to transport the cake knife, toasting glasses or other heirlooms to and from the reception site, including the arrangements to freeze the top layer of the wedding cake for you. Be sure to also ask someone to ensure that a parting gift basket or bag is made for you and the groom, containing samples of everything that was served before leaving the reception. Everyone enjoys left overs from a great party!
Get final beauty treatments: facials, waxing, brow-shaping etc.
Pack your suitcase for the honeymoon. Ask someone to bring your luggage to the reception site if you're leaving from there.
The Wedding Day
Get yourself gorgeous!
Lights, camera, action, be the star of your day and have a great time!
As you can see, there are a lot of steps involved in planning this event and a wedding planning checklist is an important tool for you to have, so that you can organize and plan a successful wedding. There are far too many details involved, making it impossible for a person to remember from the top of their head! I urge you, to make life easier on yourself by making a print out of this list; you'll be happier and won't have the nagging feeling of being "lost on what to-do next." Great weddings take time to compose, so use your time wisely!
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