This is a check list that can be tailored to your wedding plans, and used as a guide to accomplish all of your prenuptial activities in a suggested time frame.
12 to 6 months before the wedding-
Choose type of wedding
Choose and reserve venues for ceremony and reception
Choose professionals for wedding day: (908 provides preferred vendor list)
Photographer
Videographer
Florist
Musicians, Band, DJ
Caterer (908 has incredible in house catering)
Cake(s)
Invitations
Set Budget (who pays for what)
Select Bridal Party
Choose colors and themes
Create Guest List
Select Wedding Attire:
Choose and order bridal gown
Order bridal headpiece and shoes
Choose and order bridesmaids’ gowns
Determine groom’s and ushers’ attire
Discuss attire with parents
Start thank you log
Start planning for honeymoon
6 to 4 months before the wedding-
Hire or choose wedding and reception coordinator (908 offers this in house)
Decide on menu with the caterer and give approximate head count
Order wedding cake
Finalize guest list
Order invitations and other paper products: stationary, napkins
Plan rehearsal dinner- usually given by groom’s parents
Consult clergy or chosen officiate
Determine all items that need to be rented and make arrangements. (908 will
help you with this and place the orders.)
Begin selection of wedding vows
Complete purchase of bridal attire
Coordinate mothers’ attire
Complete guest registries
Create maps and other inserts for invitations
Shop for wedding rings
Decide on decorations for ceremony and reception
Recruit volunteers for decorating (908 offers this service for a small fee)
Make your doctor’s appointment for your license
Start making lodging and transportation arrangements for out of town guests
3 to 2 months before the wedding-
Address and mail invitations 4 to 6 weeks before wedding
Plan bridesmaids’ luncheon and bachelor’s party (available at 908)
Give copies of selections and music for ceremony and reception to musicians
and/ or DJ
Finalize rehearsal time and date. Notify officiate, photographer, and DJ
Choose and arrange wedding favors
Have fittings for bridesmaids and groomsmen attire
Have bridal portrait taken for wedding announcement
Meet with florist and finalize flower arrangements
Buy gifts for attendants, parents, and each other
Make wedding day transportation arrangements for bridal party
Purchase cake knife and server- have engraved if desired
Finalize honeymoon plans
Confirm date, time, and delivery from:
Bridal shop
Florist
Caterer (prepared in house at 908)
Photographer, Videographer
Musicians
1 month before wedding-
Monitor RSVPs
Buy guest book and delegate guest book duties
Choose someone to cut the cake (or wedding planner will do it)
Pick up wedding rings, check the sizes
Have final fitting for gown and headpiece
Confirm men’s wedding attire order and readiness
Host bridesmaids’ luncheon
Have bachelor party
Review attendant duties with bridal party
Get blood test
Get wedding license
Select all wedding day accessories: ring pillow, goblets
Create timetables for ceremony and reception. (Planner can help with this)
Create seating charts for ceremony and reception with table cards, if desired
Shop and pack for honeymoon
2 weeks before the big day-
Finalize wedding count with caterer and pay balance due
Assemble favors
Pick up wedding attire, check fitting
Make wedding day schedule
Pick up decorations; rentals (are delivered to 908)
Create responsibility lists. Delegate duties to volunteers
Print Program
Practice vows
Delegate card and gift table duty to volunteer
Write thank you notes as gifts arrive
Confirm all purchased services
Arrange for photography at rehearsal dinner
Arrange for photography and dj at rehearsal (to adjust lighting and music)
Your Wedding Day-
Start the day off with a good breakfast
Confirm flowers are delivered to site of ceremony and reception
Have volunteers finalize any decorations necessary
Assemble all bridal attire in one place
Transfer your engagement ring to your right hand
Make sure the groom has given the best man your wedding ring
Give Maid of Honor the groom’s wedding band
Take marriage license with you to the ceremony
Pay professionals
Give wedding announcement to volunteer to mail with your portrait or
immediately after a photo of the bridal couple is secured (unless
newspaper has other policy)
Do hair and makeup (wear a button up shirt)
Wedding party should be dressed two hours before ceremony
Bride start getting dressed two hours before ceremony
One hour before ceremony, bridal party should be given flowers- photographer can take photos of attendants, family, bride and groom
Have ushers ready to seat guests 45 minutes before ceremony
Music begins 30 minutes before ceremony
Groom’s parents seated five minutes before ceremony (unless unity candle is
being used in ceremony- then they are in the front of processional)
Mother of bride seated immediately before processional ( unless unity candle
is used- then they follow the groom’s parents)
Groom and officiate take their places
Processional and entrance of bride and her father or escort
After Your Wedding-
Return all rentals (they are picked up from 908)
Change legal name and arrange for change of all business records
Write all remaining thank you notes |
