Tips for our Couples

Here is a checklist for your wedding countdown from 12 months until your wedding day. Remember, if you are planning a wedding for over a year away, the more you get done now will be the less you have to do within the year. Also, don't be intimidated if you are planning for under a year. With a little extra work and organizational skills, you can have the wedding you have always wanted in 3-6 months! 

 

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Post Engagement

  • Announce your engagement

  • Settle on a budget

  • Decide on a date

  • Choose the type of wedding you would like

  • Go over the budget with anyone who is contributing to the cost

  • Start gathering a guest list/ addresses

  • Start researching venue

  • Schedule a venue tour

12/11 Months Before

  • Choose & reserve venue

  • Send out save the dates (optional)

  • Decide on whether you will need a wedding planner

  • Engagement photos

  • Book your vendors

  • Create a wedding website (optional)

10/9 Months Before

  • Select your wedding party

  • Shop for a gown

  • Shop for attendants dresses

  • Shop wedding bands

  • Shop and select a florist

  • Book your transportation

  • Set up a registry

  • Confirm theme/color palette

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8/6 Months Before

  • Order invitations, thank you cards and other stationary

  • Do tasting for cake & food

  • Select tuxedos for groom and groomsmen

  • Shop for hotel rooms for out of town guests- Book room block

  • Shop bridal accessories

  • Make honeymoon arrangements, secure passports, if needed

  • Decorations/ favors

  • Wedding dress alterations (if needed)

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5/4 Months Before

  • Hair/Makeup trail

  • Bachelor party

  • Bachelorette party

  • Outline ceremony and select music

  • Shop for bridal party gifts

  • Confirm order with florist

  • Screen and select reception music

  • Finalize honeymoon plans

  • Meet with and rental agents for party or reception supplies

  • Confirm vendors check in

  • Arrange rehearsal dinner

3/1 Months Before

  • Write toast/ Vows

  • Talk with officiant

  • Bridal shower

  • Mail invitations 13 weeks before date

  • Finalize full day of timeline

  • Final dress fitting

  • Rsvp due month out at least

  • Give cater final head count

  • Finalize menu with cater

  • Obtain marriage license

  • Finalize seating chart

  • Finish registry

  • List any changes you need to make once you are married (license, insurance, name change)

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4/2 Weeks Before

  • Send vendors day-of timeline

  • Schedule appointments for hair, make-up, massage, nails etc.

  • Prepare lists for videographer and photographer

  • Give ceremony responsibilities

​One Week Before

  • Prepare envelopes with fees for transportation, band, maitre'd

  • Get manicure, facials, haircut and other beauty treatments over with

  • Pack for honeymoon; arrange for transportation of luggage

  • Have car serviced if you are doing a lot of driving

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The Day Before

  • Greet and settle out of town guests

  • Reduce stress by going to the gym, walking, or a hobby

  • Arrange beauty touch ups before rehearsal dinner

  • Attend rehearsal dinner

  • Secure rings and license with someone trustworthy

  • Get a good nights rest before the big day