Bridal Wedding Planning Schedule

Complete Wedding Schedule

Below is a list of everything you will need to do to make your wedding a complete
success, along with a time line when each task should be done. . Tasks in pink
are for the bride, and tasks in blue are for the groom. Tasks in black can be
done by either the bride or groom, preferably by both together (especially the 10-
12 month tasks).

10 - 12 months before the wedding
• Announce your engagement to family and friends
• Arrange for both families to meet if they haven't already done so
• Have an engagement party (optional)
• Decide on the style and size of the wedding
o Traditional or casual
o Religious or non-religious
o Decide whether to include ethnic traditions
• Set your wedding budget
• Start creating your guest list
• Set the wedding day and time
• Choose and book your wedding officiant
• Choose your maid of honor, bridesmaids, best man and groomsmen
• Choose and book your ceremony and reception locations
• Purchase wedding insurance (optional)
• Interview caterers and taste samples
• Interview florists
• Interview and audition musicians, bands, and/or DJs
• Interview photographers and/or videographers and review their portfolios

7 - 9 months before the wedding
• Shop for and order your wedding dress
• Shop for and order/purchase bridal accessories (veil, shoes, jewelry, etc.)
• Shop for and order bridesmaids dresses (should include bridesmaids, if
possible)
• Select caterer and sign contract

7 - 9 months before the wedding (continued)
• Select florist and sign contract
• Select musicians, band and/or DJ and sign contract
• Select photographer and/or videographer and sign contract
• Start planning your honeymoon
• Finalize the guest list
• Start making wedding favors (if you're making your own)
• If you're having an outdoor wedding , reserve rental equipment (such as
tents, chairs, etc.)
• Meet with bakers and sample wedding cakes
• Start looking at wedding invitations
• Start thinking about the wording of your wedding invitations
• Start planning the rehearsal dinner

4 - 6 months before the wedding
• Join one or more bridal registries
• Select the baker for your wedding cake and sign contract
• Order your wedding invitations
• Book a block of hotel rooms for out-of-town guests
• Contact out-of-town guests about the wedding (prior to sending out
invitations)
• Finalize dinner menu with caterer
• Select flower girl's dress and pass details on to the parents
• Purchase wedding guest favors
• Book the limousine or other wedding day transportation
• Book the rehearsal dinner site
• Book a calligrapher (if you're using one)
• Start looking at tuxedos or other formal wear
• Book the honeymoon
• Book a hotel room for the wedding night
• Book a photo session for engagement announcement in local newspapers
• Start thinking about wedding ceremony decorations
• Buy bridal lingerie in time for first dress fitting

2 - 3 months before the wedding
• Give the photographer your list of photos you want taken
• Purchase your wedding rings
• Purchase maid/matron of honor and bridesmaids gifts
• Purchase best man and groomsmen gifts
• Purchase the groom's gift
• Purchase the bride's gifts
• Finalize tuxedo/formal attire and pass on rental/purchase details to
groomsmen
• Finalize ring bearer attire and pass details on to the parents
• Send engagement announcement in local newspapers
• Schedule your dress fittings
• Make sure your maid/matron of honor and bridesmaids have purchased
their accessories
• Book your hair and makeup appointments
• If you're changing your name, complete the proper documents
• If your state requires it, have blood tests done
• Talk to your maid/matron of honor about a bridal shower
• Address and send out wedding invitations (invitations should be mailed at
2-month mark)
• Purchase your accessories including shoes, cuff links, handkerchiefs, etc.
• Start writing wedding vows, especially if writing your own
• Decide on whether to light a unity candle or honor past loved ones during
the ceremony
• Start working on wedding program

1 month before the wedding
• Order liquor and wine, if not provided by the caterer
• Confirm parking at the ceremony and reception locations
• Get your marriage license
• Finalize wedding vows
• Have your final dress fittings
• Finalize and print wedding program

1 month before the wedding (continued)
• Finalize your music list with musicians, band and/or DJ
• Buy a guest book and pen
• Contact any guests who haven't replied to the invitation
• Write speeches for rehearsal and wedding dinners
• Attend your bridal shower
• Sent out thank-you cards for bridal shower gifts
• Send rehearsal dinner invitations, if necessary
• Do trial-runs of your hair and makeup
• Start working on the ceremony and reception seating plans
• Confirm honeymoon details and reservations
• Have your bachelor party
• Have your bachelorette party
1-2 weeks before the wedding
• Finalize seating plan and write place cards
• Create a seating chart to hang in the reception site
• Break in your wedding shoes by wearing them around the house
• Pick up your wedding dress
• Pick up wedding rings and check that the inscriptions are correct
• Pick up "something old”, “something new”, “something borrowed” and
“something blue"
• Purchase a garter
• Plan your wedding day itinerary
• Plan your receiving line
• Leave your honeymoon travel plans and itinerary with a family member
• Confirm headcount with caterer, baker and liquor/wine provider
• Confirm details musicians, band, photographer, limousine, florist and any
other vendors
• Confirm ceremony details with officiant
Day before the wedding
• Get manicure and pedicure
• Pick up your tuxedo
• Decorate the ceremony and reception locations (if possible)
• Drop off wedding favors, guest book and seating chart at reception site
• Rehearse the ceremony with the officiant and wedding party
• Give your wedding party their gifts
• Enjoy the rehearsal dinner
• Get a good night's sleep!

Day of the wedding
• Take a relaxing bath or shower and enjoy the moment of solitude
• Have breakfast; you'll need your energy
• Give your partner their wedding gift
• Get dressed
• Relax and enjoy the day!