Organized advance planning will ensure you enjoy every minute of your special
day. Start planning your wedding 12 months ahead of time if possible and use
the following timeline as a guide through the process. Once the planning is
complete, relax and get plenty of rest - the festivities are about to begin.
THE WEDDING TIMELINE
12
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Decide on the budget
Reserve ceremony site and o ciant
Work on guest list for a rough count
Visit reception sites and reserve one
Hire wedding consultant (for help with all
planning, certain aspects of it, or day of
coordination only)
Shop for and order wedding gown, veil
and accessories
Compile guest list
Choose attendants
Select bridesmaids' attire
Plan details of reception: colors,
decorations, balloons
Select photographer
Select videographer
Select band or DJ for reception
Discuss honeymoon plans
Mail save-the-date cards if necessary
Get engagement photo taken
Reserve wedding day transportation
Register for gifts at one to three stores
Book musicians for ceremony
Select orist
Select caterer
Reserve party rental equipment (table,
tent, chairs, etc.)
Order wedding cake
Order invitations, personal stationery and
thank you notes
Reserve accommodations for out-of-town
guests
Finalize honeymoon plans (get your
passport if needed!)
Order men's formalwear
Book stylist or salon for bridal party hair,
nails and make-up
Select and purchase guest favors
Find and reserve rehearsal
dinner location
Reserve accommodations for
wedding night
Finalize guest list
Address wedding invitations
Buy and wrap attendants' gifts
Buy wedding rings and order engraving
Announce engagement in local newspapers
Con rm delivery dates of bridal gown and
bridesmaids' dresses
Meet with caterer to discuss menu
Select ceremony music, readings and vows
and meet with o ciant
Arrange ceremony rehearsal and notify
participants
Call county clerk's o ce for marriage license
details, and schedule date to obtain
Mail invitations
Arrange for nal ttings on your gown
Make reservations for bridesmaids' luncheon
Con rm honeymoon arrangements
Record gifts received and write thank you
notes promptly
Prepare printed program for ceremony
Start reception seating chart and
placecards
Purchase wedding accessories (guest book
and pen, unity candle, toasting glasses, cake
knife and server, and ower girl/ring bearer
accessories)
Arrange for professionals to preserve your
gown and bridal bouquet
Follow up on missing RSVPs and nish
seating chart/place cards
Con rm nal guest count to caterer and
reception site
Write rehearsal dinner and wedding toasts
Con rm honeymoon arrangements
Have nal consultation with caterer, orist,
musicians, photographer and videographer
Host bridesmaids' luncheon
Begin packing for honeymoon
Put fees due on the wedding day in
envelopes, for the best man to distribute
P2 · THE PREMIER BRIDE PLANNER
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