Step by step planning and checklist

No matter what type of wedding you are planning to have, it always helps to have a detailed timeline checklist to follow. This will help you to stay on your toes and it will also give you a planning guide. Just cross them off as you complete each task. Please note that this checklist was adapted from an online resource, 

Nine to Twelve Months Before

• Decide who will officiate at the ceremony.
• Select a wedding date and time.
• Announce your engagement.
• Determine how many guests may attend.
• Determine the type of wedding you want and theme.
• Select and order the bridesmaids' dresses.
• Establish a starting budget.
• Select and hire a photographer.
• Select a caterer if not already provided by the reception.
• Select and secure your reception location.
• Select and secure your ceremony location.
• Begin choosing your wedding cake baker, videographer, musicians, and florist. Sign necessary contracts.

Six to Nine Months Before

• Start making the guest list
• Select the attendants for your wedding party.
• Shop for the wedding dress, headpiece, veil, etc.
• Start planning for honeymoon.
• Register with a gift bridal registry. Four to Six Months Before
• Make appointments for a physical exam with your doctor/dentist.
• Check requirements for blood test and marriage license in your state.
• Shop for wedding rings.
• Select and order or print the invitations and stationery.
• Make sure all the men's attire has been ordered.
• Decide where to live after the wedding.
• Complete the guest lists.
• Begin shopping for trousseau.
• Send your engagement announcement to the newspaper.
• Inform mothers to select their dresses.
• Select and order the men's attire.
• Finish honeymoon details and make the necessary reservations. Two to Four Months Before
• Confirm the menu and catering details with the caterer.
• Prepare all maps and directions for the ceremony and reception.
• Select your wedding rings.
• Buy a wedding guest book.
• Set the dates and times with the officiate for the rehearsal.
• Plan the bridesmaids' luncheon and any other parties.
• Determine your resources for designing and printing the program for the ceremony.
• Finalize the florist details, photographer, videographer, musicians, etc.
• Arrange the necessary accommodations for out-of-town guests.
• Plan a rehearsal dinner, time and place.
• Confirm the wedding cake details with the baker. Six to Eight Weeks Before
• Mail invitations and announcements.
• Prepare a portrait for the newspaper. Check your local newspaper for details and timing.
• Set appointment with photographer for your formal bridal portrait.
• Select gifts for all your attendants.
• Set appointments with any hairdressers and/or makeup artists.
• Hire the limousine or other forms of transportation for the wedding. Four to Six Weeks Before
• Decide what your menu is going to be for the reception. Estimate the expected number of guests.
• Buy a gift for the groom.
• Schedule a final fitting for your gown so it can be ready for your formal bridal portrait.
• Purchase a going away outfit.
• Pick up your wedding rings.
• Purchase (borrow) all wedding accessories such as the ring pillow, goblets, garter belt, candles, etc.
• Confirm florist details and delivery times.
• Plan the seating for the reception as well as other details for the ceremony and reception. Start writing placement cards.
• Make sure all bridesmaids' attire has been fitted.
• Buy a gift for the bride. Two Weeks Before
• Make arrangements to have your wedding gifts moved to your new home.
• Handle business and legal details such as name changes, address changes, etc.
• Prepare the wedding announcement for the newspaper.
• Reconfirm your guests' accommodations
• Make sure all clothing and accessories for you and the bridal party are ready.
• Get your marriage license and any blood tests which are needed. One Week Before
• Review any seating details with the ushers. • Make sure all wedding attire fits.
• Finalize the seating arrangements.
• Reconfirm your honeymoon reservations. Ensure you have any necessary plane tickets.
• Start packing for your honeymoon.
• Call any guests who have not responded yet.
• Finish all the place cards for the reception.
• Review all the final details with your photographer, videographer, etc.
• Give a final head count to the caterer.
• Confirm the availability of the musicians and vocalists.
• Delegate responsibilities to reliable individuals on your wedding day
• Wrap and present the wedding party gifts.
• Finalize your rehearsal dinner arrangements or other plans.

One Day Before

• Get a manicure or massage to relax yourself.
• Stay with your family the night before and sleep early.
• Review and rehearse all the details of your participants. The Big Day
• Make sure the best man and maid of honor sign the wedding certificate.
• Allow yourself plenty of time to get dressed.
• Enjoy your wonderful wedding and cherish each and every moment!!!
• Be sure to eat properly.
• Rest and relax with a good bath. • Prepare for your hairdresser and makeup appointments.