As Soon As You’re Engaged
Get Prepared • Set a Budget • Discuss Time Frame and Dates
THE PLAN Countdown to the Big Day
ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE!
Set budget, Discuss time frame and dates
Determine wedding basics:
formal vs. informal • indoor vs. outdoor
day vs. night • in-town vs. destination
9-12 Months to Go:
Envision the big picture
- Do your research
- Put an organization system in place
- Pick a date
- Book venues for the ceremony and reception
- Send out save-the-dates
- Set spending limits; budget in shared expenses
- Consult with clergy
- Start to compile guest list
- Hire a wedding planner, if necessary
- Shop around for vendors
- Select a theme and colors
- Choose the wedding party
- Hunt down a gown
- Start a gift registry
4-6 Months to Go:
Consider the details
- Check wedding license requirements
- Coordinate colors and themes with vendors
- Select ceremonial details (music, readings)
- Order wedding cake
- Order wedding rings
- Bring in the pros: choose the caterer, florist, officiant, photographer/videographers, and entertainment
- Hire your glam squad (hair, stylist, makeup artist)
- Arrange the honeymoon
- Find a location for the rehearsal dinner
- Book wedding night accommodations
- Determine attire for groom and wedding attendants
- Order guest favors
- Register for gifts
2 Months to Go:
Leave nothing to chance
- Send out invites
- Plan the rehearsal dinner
- Coordinate and prepare for out-of-town guests
- Schedule hair and makeup appointments
- Prep documents if you are changing your name
- Take final guest count
- Confirm the catering plan
- Plan bachelor and bachelorette parties
- Pick up wedding rings
- Make travel and hospitality arrangements for out-of-town guests
- Script wedding vows,if necessary
- Take stock of wedding day accessories (garter, rings, pillow)
1 Month to Go:
You’re really doing this
- Schedule final gown and formalwear fittings
- Confirm ceremonial details with vendors and officiant
- Finalize transportation details
- Get marriage license (at least 30 days prior to the wedding)
- Arrange for a “practice” hair and makeup session
2 Weeks Away…
- Finalize the entertainment
- Determine the music set list
- Finalize seating chart for the reception
- Track down missing RSVPs
1 Week Away…
- Pick up your dress
- Pack for the honeymoon
- Gather travel documents
- Work in your wedding heels around the house
- Delegate everything you can!
1 Day Away…
- Wake up to a massage and a mani/pedi
- Confirm wedding day transportation
- Set aside vendor tips and payments
- Run down the wedding day plan
- Host the rehearsal dinner; hand out gifts, if necessary
The Big Day…
Have the best day of your life