The first things you should have done after becoming engaged was to announce your engagement, choose your wedding date and book your venue(s). Now that the initial steps have been taken towards the wedding of your dreams, you can concentrate on more details. The guide below helps to break down what should be done from 3 to 12 months before your wedding:
8 – 12 Months in Advance:
- Choose Bridal Party Members – determine how large you would like your bridal party to be. Ask bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girl, ring bearer, ushers, personal attendant(s) and reception hosts if they will participate in your special day. This advance notice will allow them time to save for their wardrobe, plan a bridal shower/bachelor party, and help you organize the details of your event.
- Finalize your vendor list – including the florist, photographer, videographer and caterer. Sign contracts and confirm that deposits are paid.
- Shop for your bridal gown and bridesmaid dresses. If you are having a custom-made gown this should be done even sooner to allow your seamstress sufficient time to fashion your one-of-a-kind gown.
- Draft a guest list. Depending on the size of your wedding this may include family, friends, co-workers and neighbors.
- Sign up for a Gift Registry – this will be used for your wedding and any bridal showers you may have. Be sure to include items from a number of price ranges.
5 – 7 Months Before Your Wedding:
- Finalize your guest list.
- Make arrangements for out-of-town guests. Contact a hotel that is close to your reception venue and inquire about reserving a block of rooms. You can then include hotel information in the invitations to guests who will be traveling more than 50 miles for your wedding.
- Research honeymoon destinations.
- Select your cake design – meet with your bakery and/or cake designer to sample their cake flavors, discuss your budget and size requirements.
3 – 4 Months Prior:
- Confirm your flower order – make sure the florist you choose has a backup plan in case flower deliveries are delayed or highly requested flowers become unavailable.
- Shop for Wedding Bands
- Order Invitations – if you would like matching stationery (thank you cards and wedding program paper), then order it at the same time.
- Finalize Menu with Caterer – make another payment if necessary and keep a copy of the signed contract in your wedding file.
- Schedule religious classes or marriage preparatory lessons with your officiant.
- Order incidentals such as wedding favors and bridal party thank you gifts.
