Wedding Planning Guide...

9 to 18 Months Prior...

Select a wedding date and time.
Make a preliminary budget.
Arrange to have engagement photo taken for bride
and groom's hometown newspapers.
Determine the wedding theme and style.
Examine different ceremony locations and reserve a site.
Examine different reception locations and reserve a site.
Examine different rehearsal dinner sites and reserve a space.
Determine who will officiate at the ceremony.
Determine the size of the guest list.
Select engagement ring with your Fiance, if he has not already done so.
Inform all of your friends.
Choose your wedding party - including the flower girl and ring bearer.
Interview caterers. Request information form various catering
businesses including menus, price lists, and services available. Be sure to ask about payment options.
Locate your passports, Visas, and birth certificates. You need to
order new ones for the honeymoon and marriage license.

6 to 9 Months Prior...

Hire a wedding consultant, if you plan to use one.
Select your caterer and finalize reception.
Decide on color scheme.
Start compiling names and addresses of guests.
Select professional photographer and videographer.
Select a professional florist.
Announce engagement in newspapers.
Meet with officiating authority to discuss ceremony arrangements. Also review wedding vows, music and special requests.
Register for china, silver patterns, crystal and other household accessories.
Discuss and book honeymoon.
Interview Disc Jockey or band for reception.
Review bakeries for wedding cake.
Select and order your wedding dress and headpiece.
Select bridesmaids dresses. Have attendants make arrangements for fittings and deposits if necessary.
Research and choose a rental shop for grooms and groomsmen attire.
Schedule fitting and delivery dates for all wedding attire.

3 to 6 Months Prior...

Make final arrangements for ceremony (deposits should be paid, contracts signed.)
All bridal attire should be ordered.
Have both mothers select their dresses.
Order invitations and personal stationary.
Reserve lodging for out-of-town guests.
Order wedding bands and any special engravings.
Plan for transportation, for example limousines.
Select gifts for wedding party.
Check requirements for blood test and marriage license in your state.
Begin shopping for your trousseau.
Order the wedding cake.
Finalize catering arrangements.
Secure required rental items for the reception and/or ceremony.

2 Months Prior...

Treat yourself to some relaxing time at the spa.
Make rehearsal arrangements, finalize arrangements for the dinner (deposits and contracts signed.)
Mail out wedding invitations (4-6 weeks prior to the wedding.)
Complete all final fittings.
Select music for the ceremony and select a "Master of Ceremonies"
Finalize the menu plans.
Maintain a detailed list of all guests that RSVP. (Helpful hint: to ensure guests RSVP give the guests a menu item to select requesting that they respond by a specific date.)
Open new bank accounts, life insurance, consolidate auto insurance, etc.
Research how and when you need to change your name.
Research legal requirements and apply for a marriage license.
Make medical and dental appointments keeping in mind blood test and health certificates.
Have formal wedding photo taken to send to newspapers with announcement.
Mail invitations for the rehearsal dinner and notify wedding party of the dinner.
Plan a bridesmaid luncheon.
Make appointment with hairdresser.
Finalize honeymoon plans.
Confirm arrangements for catering, wedding cake, photographer, videographer, wedding attire, music and officiator services.

1 Month Prior...

Prepare bridal trousseau. Arrange for necessary dry cleaning.
Final fittings for bride and attendants.
Purchase going away outfit.
Select wedding gift drop-off area.
Arrange for a location for the wedding party to dress.
Keep careful record of all gifts received (write thank you notes immediately 10-15 per day instead of letting them pile up.)
Make sure you have all the accessories, toasting goblets, ring pillow, garter, candles, etc.
Select guest book attendant.
Create all place cards and organize seating arrangements.
Prepare an outline of the wedding day and give copies to your service providers and wedding party.
Arrange the receiving line and decide when and where it will be formed.
Pick up wedding bands and make sure that both fit properly.
Meet with photographer and videographer about special requests.
Meet with DJ or band about special music.

2 Weeks Prior...

Prepare wedding announcements and send to newspapers.
Reconfirm accommodations for out-of-town guests.
Arrange to have possessions and gifts moved to your new home.
Give a change-of-address card to the post office.
Finalize all wedding arrangements and services.
Pack for the honeymoon.
Pick up and wrap presents for wedding party.
Meet with hairstylist about how to wear hair with headpiece.
Make an appointment at a spa for a massage, manicure, pedicure and facial to help relieve stress.
Follow-up again with caterer, reception facility, florist, baker, etc.

1 Day Prior...

Make sure you have marriage license.
Make sure all wedding attire is picked up.
Have a rehearsal with all participants.
Spend some relaxing time at the spa.
Put suitcases in your car.
Give the best man checks for the officiating authority.
Select someone to bring accessories such as ring pillow, flower basket, guest book, etc. to the ceremony.
Designate a person to return all rental items.
Review ceremony seating with the ushers and wedding party.
Review the schedule of events with the wedding party.

Wedding Day

morning of wedding...

Give the groom's ring to the maid of honor.
Give the bride's ring to the best man.
Have hair styled three to four hours prior to the ceremony.
Make sure nails are done. Allow plenty of time to apply make-up.
Have all accessories together.
Eat a good breakfast!

2 hours prior...

Have the wedding party arrive at the selected site to dress and help with last-minute details two hours before the ceremony.
Dress and apply make-up one-to-two hours before the ceremony.
Florists arrive to decorate.

1 hour prior...

Individuals who pass out programs need to arrive at the church 45 minutes prior to the ceremony.
Wedding party and immediate family members should be ready at least one hour prior to ceremony. (Many photographers like to take some pictures of groom and bride separately with family members prior to the ceremony. This helps to get everybody to the reception quicker.)
Also, guest book attendant and ushers should be in place 45 minutes prior to ceremony.

1/2 hour prior...

The groom and best man arrive at the ceremony.
Introductory music begins.
Bride and bridesmaids meet at the ceremony site and wait in private room. (Traditionally, the bride arrives with her father 10 minutes before the ceremony.)
The best man confirms last minute instructions to the groom and ushers.
Marriage license should be present.

15 minutes prior...

Family members and guests should be escorted to pews.

5 minutes prior...

The groom's mother and father are ushered to seats, mother first, father second.
The bride's mother is the last person to be seated.
White carpet or aisle runner, if used, is rolled down at this time.
The bride's father prepares to walk his daughter down the aisle.
The bridal party is escorted in proper order.

the ceremony...

The officiator takes his place up front.
The groom enters, accompanied by the best man.
Processional music begins.
The Bride is escorted to the front by her father.

after the ceremony...

Take pictures
Party, Party, Party!
Enjoy your Honeymoon
Write 10-15 thank-you notes per day for gifts received and for the help from friends/family.

Article By wwlp.com