Bridal Checklist:  


12 to 18 months ahead of the wedding

  • Determine your budget and the type of wedding (formal,informal)
  • Choose a location for the wedding (banquet hall, church, etc)
  • Visit your officiant (church) or clergyman/woman with your fiance
  • Agree with your spouse-to-be and your family on your wedding date
  • Plan and attend several bridal shows for ideas
  • Choose your attendants (wedding party/guest list)
  • Hire a wedding planner/coordinator, if you choose
  • Write up a tentative invitation list, for number of guests
  • Select your entertainment: band or disc jockey (DJ)
  • Choose your location for the reception; call around compare prices and services
  • Plan the reception. Most services will require a deposit
  • Plan and agree upon the rehearsal site
  • Pick your date, determine day or evening, color schemes, etc.
  • Enroll with a bridal registry at your local department store
  • Look for your dress, veil, accessories; allow time for alterations/fittings
  • Call up and select the bridesmaids
  • Select your bridesmaid’s dresses
  • The groom consults with a formal wear specialist
  • Agree on a date to order bridesmaids’ dresses
  • Choose a beautiful place for your honeymoon
  • Select photographer and/or videographer
  • Select a florist or floral supplier, determine fresh or artificial flowers
  • Shop for a caterer
  • Apply for passports and/or acquire appropriate proof of citizenship if needed



Four to six months ahead of the wedding

  • Shop for and order invitations, calligraphy, announcements & thank you notes
  • Order napkins, matchbooks and personalized favors
  • Plan accommodations for out-of-town guests
  • Arrange for your rehearsal dinner
  • Select a baker for your wedding cake. Decide the configuration of the cake(s)
  • Make airline & hotel reservations for the honeymoon
  • Fine tune the guest list
  • Shop for and order wedding favors
  • Draw a time line for the wedding reception
  • Call the photographer to set up a time for the bridal portrait
  • Book a limousine company for transportation on your wedding day
  • Shop for a Party rental place and make reservations for any rentals
  • Agree on a caterer, a florist and place an order for the wedding cake
  • Share and discuss the reception timeline with all parties involved



Two to four months ahead of the wedding

 

  • Address, stuff and seal wedding announcements
  • Draw up a seating plan for invited guests
  • If you’re planning on a custom-made wedding cake top, order at this time
  • Select music for your church service (if any)
  • Choose and purchase gifts for your attendants (bridal party)
  • Buy your wedding rings together
  • Make a date to get your marriage license
  • Make a map to the church and reception hall, for local and out-of-town guests
  • Mail wedding announcement to guests living abroad



One to two months ahead of the wedding

 

  • Buy wedding gift for your future spouse
  • Make appointment with hairstylist, manicurist, etc.
  • Have final dress fitting, bride and bridesmaids
  • Groom verify all groomsmen have been fitted for their outfits
  • Mail all other invitations
  • Visit the photographer to have formal wedding portrait taken
  • Pick up your wedding rings
  • Confirm with all hired professionals correct dates and times
  • Discuss with the officiant the specifics of the wedding ceremony
  • Set a date and time for the rehearsal dinner
  • Choose gifts for the groom and the attendants
  • Make final alterations and fittings for the wedding gown
  • Contact out of town guests and make necessary hotel reservations

 

Two weeks ahead of the wedding

  • Send your wedding announcement and photo to local newspaper
  • Review seating plan for reception
  • Confirm your honeymoon arrangements
  • Meet with DJ to select music and special events during the reception.
  • Make reservations for bridesmaids’ luncheon.
  • Send reminders to the rehearsal dinner attendees about the location & time
  • Fill out and submit application for the marriage license
  • Finalize music list and no-play list with band or DJ
  • Attend showers

 

One week ahead of the wedding

  • Have final consultation with caterer and florist
  • Write checks (or get cash) for hired professionals, give to best man to distribute
  • Verify tickets and seating (if flying), make sure all travel documents are handy
  • Start packing for your honeymoon – try to do most of it
  • Discuss final details of the ceremony and reception with the pertinent parties
  • Get final guest counts to necessary hired service professionals

 

The day before…

  • Visit the beauty salon for manicure and pedicure
  • Attend the rehearsal and dinner
  • Make sure the ushers have the final guest list

 

The wedding day…

  • Make sure you eat something
  • Visit the beauty salon for hair styling & make-up (bring veil/headpiece)
  • Make sure your wedding gown is pressed and steamed
  • Bring a change of clothes if you are leaving for your honeymoon
  • Try to relax… unwind yourself… and savor your special day