8 months or more before your wedding date...

• Make a list of guests. Calculate  the approximate number which will be used  to determine the size hall you choose.
• Plan a general budget.
• Set an approximate date.
• Make a list of reception sites you wish to visit.  Contact each to find out general availability for the dates you are considering.  Find out the best time for visiting the facility and set up appointments if necessary.  Request brochures, literature, directions.
• Call your clergyman or officiant and discuss their time frames, fees, etc.
• Visit the reception sites you wish to and keep a good set of notes.
• Finalize your date and book your reception site.  Reserve your ceremony site.
• Review and reserve a band or Disc Jockey.
• Interview and reserve a Photographer and/or Videographer.
• With date and location in mind, begin shopping for your bridal attire.
• Choose your bridal party and begin shopping for your gown and bridal dresses.
• Plan your honeymoon.
• Place any engagement announcements in you local newspaper if you desire.
• Don’t forget to start chatting about new living arrangements-apartment, co-op, house!

6-8 months

• Choose and reserve your florist. Discuss arrangements for both the ceremony and the reception.
• Choose a formal wear company for the groom, best man and ushers.
• Choose & reserve your limousine service.
• Register with the stores of your choice.

4-6 months

• Finalize your guest list.
• Order invitations. Obtain direction cards from the reception hall and the ceremony site.
• Schedule fittings for bridal party attire.
• Meet with make-up professionals, discuss options.
• Experiment with hair styles, discuss options with your hair stylist.
• Determine need for out of town guest accommodations. Contact a local hotel and discuss reservation procedures.
• Appoint responsibilities to bridal party members.
• Obtain Visa/Passport if traveling abroad.
• Finalize honeymoon, airline, rental car, hotel plans.  Purchase luggage if necessary.

2-3 Months

• Inquire about the marriage license and time frame required.
• Purchase cake ornament, cake cutting set, guest book, favors, toasting glasses.
• Address & mail invites with an R.S.V.P. date 4-6 weeks prior to the wedding.
• Schedule hair & beauty appointments.
• Order wedding rings.
  
• Schedule ceremony rehearsal and rehearsal dinner if necessary.

1-2 Months Prior

• Make an appointment with your caterer to finalize your menu and discuss seating arrangements.
• Obtain marriage license.
• Pick up wedding rings.

2-4 weeks Prior

• Arrange final fittings for gowns & tuxedos.
• Work on seating arrangements. Return to caterer 1-2 weeks prior with final count and floor plan arrangements.
• Confirm all time/location details with music, photo, video, florist, limo.

Wedding Week!

• Final fitting/pick up gown, dresses, tuxes.
• Prepare final payments for all services. Review with assigned bridal party member.
• Ceremony rehearsal at site (if necessary) and rehearsal dinner.
• Wedding day - let it go!!!!  All details in place, relax and enjoy the day.  Celebrate life’s joys with family and friends....laugh, cry, eat, drink, dance, love!