Wedding Preparations
Feel like you're forgetting something?
Use this handy checklist to help you prepare for your big day.
Decide on the size and type of wedding and wedding reception you would like. Number in the wedding party. Number of guests at the wedding & wedding reception. Inside or outside ceremony. Hor d'oeuvres or sit down wedding reception.
Set a budget. Often the most difficult thing you will do.
If you decide to use a wedding coordinator and planner now is the time to hire her.
Decide the date, time and location for your wedding & reception and sign the contract(s) to lock in the wedding ceremony and wedding reception site.
Make arrangements for your wedding rehearsal dinner.
Choose your wedding officiant and attendants.
Shop for your engagement and wedding rings.
Select the bride's wedding gown and bride's maids dresses.
Choose and book the wedding photographer and wedding videographer.
Choose and book your florist, caterer, and musicians.
Assemble your invitation list for your wedding and wedding reception.
Mail “save the date” cards to out-of-town guests.
Reserve rooms for out-of-town guests.
Have an engagement photo taken of you and your fiancé and send with your wedding announcements to your local newspapers.
Mail invitations for your engagement party.
Order wedding announcements, wedding invitations, wedding programs, and wedding stationary.
Go over your final decisions with your wedding planner and caterer.
Rent and get measured for tuxedos for groom and groomsmen.
Have final fittings of brides maids gowns and shoes
Purchase unity candle, wedding favors, and any other special items for your wedding and wedding reception.
Sign up for the bridal wedding gift registry at your favorite stores.
Schedule limousine, horse and carriage, or other transportation.
Shop for furniture and appliances for your new home.
Make your honeymoon reservations.
Get birth certificates.
Obtain and fill out name change forms for your driver's license, social security, banks, and credit card companies.
Purchase your wedding rings and order engravings.
Order wedding bouquets and other floral decorations.
Order your wedding cake (if not taken care of by caterer.)
Select thank you gifts for your wedding party and ushers.
Finalize your guest list.
Buy postage stamps for invitations (have an invitation weighed at the Post Office for proper postage).
Address and stamp wedding invitation envelopes and thank you envelopes.
Finalize your honeymoon plans.
Finalize wedding reception menu.
Make hair and makeup appointments for you and your bridal party.
Confirm musicians and discuss final music choices.
Decide on living arrangements after the wedding.
Get marriage license.
Mail wedding invitations.
Attend bridal showers.
Pick a “go to person” whom you trust to make decisions for you on your wedding day so you don't have to be bothered if anything comes (and it probably will).
Arrange for someone to check your home periodically while you're away on your honeymoon.
Have final fittings for wedding party.
Have final fitting for wedding gown.
Sit for wedding portrait.
Move belongings to your new home.
Give final count to caterer for wedding reception.
Pack for your honeymoon.
Make a final checklist of items you need for your wedding ceremony and wedding reception.
Make final confirmations are with florist, photographer, musicians.
Pack an emergency kit for your wedding day including, makeup, tissues, hairbrush, hairs pray, personal items, extra pantyhose, aspirin, safety pins, sewing kit and anything else you can think of that you hope you won't need.
Enjoy your wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.
Try to relax. If possible, have a massage or spend some time at a day spa. You'll feel better.
Go to sleep early so you rise alert and refreshed for your wedding day.
Even if you're nervous be sure to eat. You will need your strength.
Have your hair and make up done.
Give yourself plenty of time to dress.
You dreams have come true. Enjoy. This is your wedding day!
