Timeline Planner

9 Months Prior to Wedding Day

1. Finalize Your Wedding Date. Set date with church, facility, banquet hall, etc. where cermony will take place.
2. Set Your Budget. Discuss who will be paying for what.
3. Find a bridal consultant (if it fits in your budget). If it is not in your budget, consider finding help through family and friends that can help in the search and find process.
4. Set your guest list.
5. Send out a save-the-date notice.
6. Reserve reception site.
7. Choose your bridal party.
8. Select brides wedding gown, shoes, and accessories.
9. Decide on bridesmaids’ dresses.
10. Determine a theme or mood you would like to establish for your wedding day.
11. Interview process: musicians, photographers, videographers, florists, cake bakers, etc. Get written estimates of costs.


6 Months Prior to Wedding Day

1. Choose a caterer.
2. Choose your musicians.
3. Book your photographer/videographer.
4. Book your baker and order your cake.
5. Choose your florist.
6. Decide on your color scheme.
7. Shop for wedding rings.
8. Decide on your honeymoon destination.
9. Select your wedding invitations.


4 Months Prior to Wedding Day

1. Register for gifts.
2. Select music for your ceremony and reception.
3. Write wedding vows.
4. Reserve location for rehearsal dinner.
5. Arrange hotel accommodations for members of the wedding party who live out-of-town. Reserve a block of rooms for other out-of-town guests and let them know the rooms are available.
6. Reserve your wedding day transportation.
7. Make appointments for gown fittings.
8. Check the requirements for a marriage license.


3 Months Prior to Wedding Day

1. Carefully prepare directions, including simply drawn maps, if necessary, to help guide guests to the wedding.
2. Begin addressing invitations and announcements. Invitations should go in the mail six to eight weeks before your wedding day.
3. Purchase stamps from the post office.
4. Give caterer a close estimate of the number of guests that will be attending the reception.
5. Check with bridesmaids to make sure they have their gowns and are having them adjusted.
6. Shop for gifts for bridesmaids and groomsmen.
7. Make an appointment to get a trial run for your hair.


2 Months Prior to Wedding Day

1. Mail out your wedding invitations.
2. Finalize the music that will be played during wedding ceremony.
3. Meet with musicians who will provide entertainment during your reception. Go over details of what and when to play.
4. Plan your rehearsal dinner.
5. Purchase all special accessories for your wedding day attire.
6. Make appointments for make-up artist, hairdresser, etc.
7. Finalize honeymoon plans.


1 Month Prior to Wedding Day

1. Get your wedding license.
2. Purchase a book to keep track of wedding gifts as they come in.
3. Write thank you notes for any wedding gifts that you receive early.
4. Make place cards for seating plan at the reception.
5. Review wedding day transportation, make sure drivers are clear about times, addresses, etc.
6. Confirm dates and times of flower deliveries with your florist.
7. Make name and address changes official on documents: Drivers license, Social Security forms and financial accounts.
8. Fill out change-of-address forms at the post office.
9. Specify with photographer the formal shots that you want taken and the candid shots you want taken.
10. Review the video plans with videographer.


2 Weeks Prior to Wedding Day

1. Continue writing thank you notes for wedding gifts.
2. Pick up wedding rings. Inspect them to make sure everything is correct.
3. Begin packing for honeymoon.


1 Week Prior to Wedding Day

1. Confirm plans with all wedding vendors: musicians, florist, photographer, videographer, transportation, caterer, baker, etc.
2. Prepare and wrap gifts for bridesmaids and groomsmen for rehearsal dinner.
3. Arrange for wedding gifts to be delivered to your home after reception.
4. Confirm hotel and honeymoon plans.
5. Arrange for checks to be written and handed out at the appropriate time to vendors.
6. Confirm with caterer the final number of guests to attend the reception.


1 Day Prior to Wedding Day

1. Take time to relax and get a massage, manicure, pedicure, etc.
2. Rehearsal Dinner
3. Get Rest!


Wedding Day

1. Allow plenty of time for dressing, make-up, and hair styling.
2. Allow for time before the wedding for photos if needed.
3. Enjoy your special day!