Essential Wedding Checklist

The Great Wedding Checklist
Planning the ultimate wedding celebration? Help yourself out and otherwise make life easier by using the following checklist:Essential-Wedding-Check-List

16 to Nine Months Prior to the Wedding :

  • Start A Wedding Binder. Fill it with pages from wedding and lifestyle magazines–this way you’ll have a ton of great ideas in one place.
  • Create A Budget. Work out a reasonable budget that includes what you and your groom can spend, as well as family contributions.
  • Choose The Wedding Party. Friends and family will start wondering who you’ll pick as soon as you announce your engagement, so choose the party asap.
  • Start The Guest List. Create a head count database to use throughout the planning, Use columns for contact info, RSVPs, gifts and any other necessary info.
  • Hire A Planner. Always a good idea–especially because they have vendor connections and can tell you who’s worth it and who isn’t.
  • Reserve The Date/Venues. Decide if you want two locations for the ceremony and reception and go from there.
  • Book The officient. Find one you love!
  • Research Photographers, Florists. Etc. This also includes DJs, bands and caterers.
  • Throw Your Engagement Party. If you want to have one, that is!

Eight Months Prior :

  • Hire The Photographer/Videographer. You don’t have to get into specifics, just make sure they’ll do what you want.
  • Book Entertainment. Band, DJ, ceremony musicians…you get the idea.
  • Meet With Caterers. Your wedding venue may not feature caterers, so meet with those of interest.
  • Purchase Your Dress. Schedule at least three fittings.
  • Reserve Hotel Rooms. This is necessary for out-of-town guests.
  • Register. Do so with at least three retailers.
  • Launch Your Wedding Website. Use a free provider, then send the link to guests.

Six Months Prior :

  • Select Invites. Purchase them as well–hire a calligrapher if you wish.
  • Plan Your Honeymoon. This includes checking that your passports are up-to-date, if necessary.
  • Shop For Bridesmaids Dresses: Six months is required for any alterations and whatnot.
  • Meet With The Officiant. Discuss the ceremony and ensure you have all the right documents.
  • Mail Save The Date Cards.
  • Reserve Structural/Electrical Necessities. Portable toilets? Outdoor chairs? Anything else?
  • Book A Florist.
  • Arrange Transportation. Mini buses, limos, trolleys, town cars…
  • Make A Day-Of Schedule. This is a good time to create you wedding day itinerary.

Five to Four Months Prior :

  • Book Rehearsal Dinner Venues. Negotiate cost and menu as needed.
  • Check Wedding Invites. Make any necessary revisions before sending them out.
  • Select And Order The Cake. Attend tastings to find out what you like best.
  • Send Guest List To Shower Host. Assuming you know about it, of course!
  • Purchase Wedding Shoes, Start Dress Fittings. Bring shoes to your first fitting so the tailor can make adjustments.
  • Select Hair And Makeup Artists: Make a few appointments, then take pictures of results to compare.
  • Choose The Music. When do you want music played? Make decisions based on this.wedngchcklst

Three Months Prior :

  • Finalize Menu And Flowers: See what’s available since these things are affected by season.
  • Make A List Of “Toasters.” Which people are giving toasts?
  • Finalize Readings? Who are giving readings? Finalize plans with these people.
  • Order Favors. Want favors? Order them now.
  • Purchase Wedding Undies. Also schedule your final fitting.
  • Print Menu Cards And Programs. Only do the cards if you want!
  • Purchase Rings. This allows enough time for resizing and engraving.
  • Send Vendors Your Event Schedule. Provide a first draft now, which allows for adjustments and feedback.

Two Months Prior :

  • Touch Base With Vendors. Ensure they’ve answered all of your questions.
  • Meet With Your Photographer: This is to discuss shots and anything else you want.
  • Review Playlist. Do this with your band or DJ.
  • Send Out Invites: The general rule is to do this about two months before the wedding.
  • Do The Newspaper Announcement. Note newspaper photo rules, if applicable.
  • Have Fun At The Bachelorette Party. You’ve earned it!

One Month Prior :

  • Enter RSVPs. Do this in your guest-list data base.
  • Get Your Marriage License. This can take up to six days.
  • Mail Rehearsal Dinner Invites.
  • Have Your Last Fitting.
  • Stock Venue Bar. Beer, wine. hard liquor…whatever you want!
  • Confirm Hair And Makeup Times With Artists.
  • Assign Seating. The old “table map” is awesome for a reason.
  • Mail Out As Many Final Payments As Possible.
  • Purchase Bridesmaid Gifts. Give them out at the rehearsal dinner.
  • Get Hair Cut And Colored, If Applicable.
  • Write Vows, If Applicable.

Week Of :

  • Confirm Arrival Times With Vendors Yet Again.
  • Assign Wedding Day Tasks. Have someone bustle your dress, carry your things, don’t forget to put someone in charge of gifts…
  • Provide Bridal Party With Your Wedding Day Timeline.
  • Pick Up Your Dress. Or have it delivered.
  • Check In With Your Photographer. Do this one last time.
  • Book A Spa Treatment. Relax, darnit!
  • Break In Your Shoes.
  • Write And Set Aside Vendor Checks.
  • Send Final Guest List To Venues And Caterers.
  • Create Welcome Baskets.
  • Pack For Your Honeymoon!

There you have it! Keep this list with you and enjoy!

Reference : http://www.topweddingsites.com/wedding-blog/wedding-planning/your-wedding-checklist

 

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