The Bride's Calendar
Eighteen to Twelve months before the wedding, you should:
Announce your Engagment!
Decide on a wedding date.
Discuss with your fiancee and family how much you want to spend.
Assemble your wedding guest list in consultation wth both families.
PIck a reception venue and make the necessary reservations.
Shop for the engagement ring.
Consider working with a professional wedding planner.
Eight to ten months before the wedding:
Choose color scheme.
Shop for your wedding dress and veil. Several fittings are usually required.
Register with your favorite store's wedding registry.
Select and order your groomsmen's attire.
Select and order dresses for the bridesmaids and attendants.
Pick a Honeymoon destination. Check to see if your passports need to be renewed and if any inoculations are required for foreign destinations.
Make an appointment with your clergyman or officiant.
Hire a photographer and inform him/her of the location of the wedding, reception, and any other functions you want photographed.
Book your music or entertainment.
Book your florist and talk about which colors and flowers will best match your color scheme.
Six to eight months before the wedding:
Finalize your guest list and compare it with your fiance's. Divide the list into those receiving invitations and those receiving announcements only.
Order your invitations and announcements. Your invitations should be mailed four weeks before the wedding.
Order your personal stationery and thank-you notes.
Arrange transportation for all members of your wedding party to and from the ceremony and reception by reserving limousines or other transportations.
Three months before the wedding:
Confirm the delivery date of Gown and other wedding party attire.
Make an appointment for your bridal portrait.
Order your wedding cake, if it is not to be made by the reception caterer.
Discuss the details of your reception with the caterer and/or hotel manager. If you're renting any equipment, reserve it now.
Order/confirm any & all rental items (i.e. tables, linens, candlebras, back-drops, etc.) with the respective rental companies.
One month before the wedding:
Mail the invitations.
Have the final fitting for your gown and confirm the date for your bridal portrait.
Select and order gifts for the attendants. Bridesmaids usually receive the same gift. For the maid or matron of honor get something a little more special.
Choose wedding bands.
Make room reservations for out-of-town attendants.
Make necessary arrangements for the bridesmaids' luncheon or dinner.
Discuss plans for the rehearsel dinner with the hosts.
Finalize and confirm all last minute details with your vendors (photographer, entertainer, florist, caterer & bakery)
Keep up with your correspondence. It's a good idea to start addressing your announcements now so they can go out together the day after the wedding.
Two weeks before the wedding:
Go with your fiance to fill out the necessary forms for your marriage license.
Plan with your hairdresser for a wedding hair-do. Bring your headpiece and veil, and make an appointment if you want your hair done the day of the wedding.
If you are changing your name, arrange to change your name and address on official documents (driver's license, bank accounts, insurance & health policies.)
Confirm honeymoon arrangements.
Deliver your wedding announcement to the local paper's society editor.
One week before the wedding:
Start your honeymoon packing.
Check to see wedding announcements are all addressed, stamped and ready for your parents to mail the day after the wedding.
Have luncheon or dinner for the bridesmaids.
Schedule your rehearsal for one or two days before the wedding.
Inform participants of the exact time and place.
Wrap and present gifts to your attendants at the bridesmaids' party.
Inform the caterer of the exact number of confirmed guests at the reception and finalize seating chart.
Go over the final details of the ceremony & reception with all parties involved.
Relax. Take a day off just before the wedding to pamper yourself with a facial, pedicure, manicure and massage. It's the perfect way to prepare for the big day.