Wedding Plans Timetable

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9 to 12 months before:
Decide on style of wedding.
Decide on date of wedding.
Decide and reserve location for ceremony.
Reserve officiant.
Set a tentative budget.
Decide how expenses will be shared.
Decide on guest list.
Announce engagement.
Select and invite your attendants.
Book a Certified Wedding Specialist.
Select engagement ring with fiancé if he has not done so.
Shop for wedding rings.
Reserve reception location as soon as you have set the date.
Select and book caterer.
Select and book photographer.
Start compiling names and addresses for guest list.
Decide on your color scheme.
Start shopping for your wedding dress and headpiece.
Discuss where you will live after the wedding.

6 to 9 months before:
Send your engagement announcement to the newspaper.
Select and register your gift preferences in the cities of both families.
Select florist.
Select balloonist.
Select and book videographer.
Select and reserve rental equipment for ceremony and reception.
Select and book reception entertainment.
Order bridal gown.
Order bridesmaids' dresses.
Select bakery for wedding cake.
Select a travel agent and start planning your honeymoon.

3 to 6 months before:
Complete your guest list and compile in alphabetical order.
Select and order invitations and announcements.
Start health and fitness program.
Check on wedding dress.
Select and reserve formalwear for men.
Select and order mothers' attire.
Experiment with hair style, nails, and makeup.
Discuss service with officiant.
Order favors.
Discuss rehearsal dinner with your fiancé.
Shop for lingerie and honeymoon clothes.
Check state requirement for blood tests.
Order wedding rings.

2 months before:
Address invitations and add correct postage. Check with Post Office.
Send invitations six weeks before the wedding.
Confirm all contracts and services with the professionals hired.
Plan and book rehearsal dinner.
Finalize honeymoon plans.
Arrange accommodations for out-of-town guests.
Purchase attendants' gifts.
Choose person to attend your guest book. Plan its placement.
Make reservations for the wedding night hotel.
Make appointment with your hair stylist on the wedding day.
Write thank-you notes as you receive gifts.
Send your announcement to newspapers.

1 month before:
Get blood test and marriage license.
Have wedding dress final fitting.
Have bridal portrait done.
Complete shopping for your trousseau.
Purchase your accessories such as garter, candles, toasting goblets, ring pillow, etc.
Have wedding and engagement rings taken to jeweler for attachment and cleaning.
Maintain records on gifts received and send thank-you notes out immediately.
Meet with photographer and give him/her a list of shots you would like taken.
Meet with the entertainers and give them a list of music you would like played.
Assign responsibilities for: rental returns, clean up, guest transportation, and pick up of any last minute items.

2 weeks before:
Pick up wedding rings and make sure they fit properly.
Continue writing thank-you notes for gifts.
Final confirmation of all services.
Address your announcements to mail on the wedding day.
Attend to business and legal details.
Get necessary form for name changes.
Give a change of address card to the post office, 1 week before.
Contact any guests who have not responded.
Provide caterer with total guest count.
Provide wedding party and guests a map and timetable for rehearsal, ceremony and reception.
Plan seating arrangements.
Pick up marriage license.
Determine what to do with floral arrangements after reception.
Pack for honeymoon.
Purchase traveler's checks.
Give the bridesmaids' party.

The Wedding Day:
Eat! Otherwise you may faint!
Allow time for hair appointment/nails.
Take a long relaxing bath.
If pictures are to be taken before ceremony, be dressed and at site one hour prior to time of wedding.
Be sure florist knows to have flowers at site 1 and 1/2 hours prior to ceremony hour.
45 minutes before ceremony ushers are in place.
30 minutes before ceremony music begins.
5 minutes before ceremony groom's parents are seated.
Mother of bride seated just prior to processional.
Aisle runner is rolled out.
Clergy groom and best man take their place.
Processional begins.
Ceremony.
Recessional.
Pictures and signing of wedding certificate. Best Man and Maid of Honor sign as witnesses.
Reception.
Say thank you's and good-bye's to parents.
FINALLY - alone and off to honeymoon destination.

After the Wedding:
Send thank-you notes as soon as possible after the wedding.
Have bridal gown cleaned and preserved.
Change your name on ID and important documents.