Finding the guide is easy and it's FREE!

Your Time Table

Careful planning will enable you to truly enjoy every moment of your Wedding Day. Arrangements for a large formal wedding should ideally begin at least 8 – 12 months in advance. However, many beautiful weddings are put together in considerably less time. The important thing is to follow a timetable, read the articles in this guide and let your contracted suppliers help you. Share the planning duties with your fiancé, your family and your attendants — much of the fun is doing it together!

Six to Twelve Months

• Decide budget; discuss sharing of expenses.
• Decide type of wedding: a) formal, b) semi-formal, c) informal
• Choose location of ceremony.
• Discuss alternative dates with clergy or officiator.
• Decide size of wedding party; choose attendants.
• Select gown style.
• Select veil style.
• Select attendants & apparel.
• Choose reception facility.
• Select caterer/wedding consultant.
• Plan details of reception.
• Select photographer.
• Have engagement photos taken.
• Select music for reception.
• Select videographer.
• Select florist.
• Compile guest list.
  No. of Guests: Bride's _____________ Groom's ___________
• Discuss gown colors & styles with mothers of bride & groom.

Four to Six Months

• Select men's formal wear; order.
• Select ceremony musician & music.
• Make honeymoon plans. Travel Agent.
• Decide on new living arrangement; buying, leasing, renting?
• Consult decorator about home decor.
• Register gift preferences with one or more bridal registries.
• Order invitations, personal stationary, programs, napkins, etc.
• Stationer _________________ Del. date __________
• Professionally prepare & print map to include with invitations.
• Set aside hotel rooms for out-of-town guests.
• Have physical examinations & update immunizations.
• Buy wedding rings; order engraving.

Two to Four Months

• Reserve rental items (candelabra, arches, canopy, linens, etc.).
• Arrange rehearsal dinner.
• Shop for trousseau and apparel for honeymoon & prenuptial parties.
• Reserve limousine, carriage, trolley or coach transportation.
• Address wedding invitations; consider professional calligrapher.
• Review florist arrangements; finalize order.
• Buy attendants & gifts and gifts for each other.
• Experiment with hairstyles and make-up changes.
• Buy bride's and attendants' shoes; send to dyer.
• Order wedding and groom's cakes.

One to Two Months

• Mail invitations four to six weeks before wedding.
• Final bridal fitting.
• Final attendants & fittings.
• Confirm honeymoon reservations, begin packing.
• Select reception decorations (balloons, candles, flowers, table favors, etc.).
• Select ceremony accessories (unity candle, ring pillow, guestbook, etc.).
• Select personal accessories (handbag, garter, engraved goblets, guest mementos, etc.).
• Arrange bridemaids & brunch or luncheon.
• Buy marriage license; have blood tests if needed.

Two Weeks

• Schedule appointments for hair stylist, facial, manicure, massage.
• Invite wedding party & guests to rehearsal dinner.
• Move your personal and mutual belongings to new home.
• Review reception seating and order place cards from calligrapher.
• Confirm out-of-town guests & lodging with reserved hotels.
• Confirm wedding party transportation and arrival times.
• Record gifts as you receive them; write thank you notes.
• Schedule caterer for gift opening party.
• Arrange for gown cleaning and bouquet preservation after wedding.

One to Two Weeks

• Pick up wedding rings, check engravings and sizes.
• Final consultations: Florist, hall decorator, musicians, photographer, videographer.
• Give final guest count to reception facility and caterer.
• Remind men to pick up formal wear and shoes; check for fit.
• Make wedding day schedule and give everyone copies at rehearsal dinner.
• Relax the day before; keep personal appointments; finish honeymoon packing.
• Your planning is complete. Your day will be wonderful!!!

Home · Local Wedding Pros · Inside The Guide · Free Info By Mail · How To Advertise