By the time your wedding is a few short months away you should have already booked your venue, decided on your reception food and ordered your invitations. In the 1-3 month time frame it’s time to focus on little details like wedding favors, transportation and final dress fittings. This guide will help you along.
3 Months Before Your Wedding:
- Decide on wedding rentals (arches, chairs, fountains, even place settings) and sign the rental contract. Make sure you agree on pickup and return times, and ask someone you trust to return these items while you are relaxing on your honeymoon.
- Select tuxedos and schedule a fitting. If possible, schedule a time where all tuxedo-wearing wedding members (including the father of the bride and groom, ushers and ring bearer) can attend. Confirm pickup date and time, make sure all men have this information.
- Finalize reception menu. Meet with your caterer and discuss what time they will arrive at your reception venue. Make sure they have access to the venue and sufficient working space. Give them a date when you will have a final headcount.
- Meet with your photographer. Discuss the package options you have chosen and schedule the time allotted for photographs. Make a list of any special photos you would like taken (grandparent shots, immediate or extended family, special friends, etc). Discuss different backgrounds (outdoors vs. indoors) and close-up shots that you want taken.
- Order wedding favors and ceremony accessories.
2 Months In Advance:
- Schedule Wedding Day Transportation – reserve enough limos to transport your entire wedding party or let them know they must make their own arrangements.
- Send out Invitations – be sure to include sufficient postage so all invitations arrive in a timely manner. Invitations may include response cards, directions to the ceremony and/or reception site, details for hotel accommodations and a note to indicate where your bridal gift registry can be found.
- Schedule dress fittings for yourself, bridesmaids and flower girl. Make sure the alterations will be completed at least a week before your wedding date.
- Meet with your DJ and select songs for your wedding dance. Let the DJ know who he/she should meet with (typically the reception host and hostess) when they arrive. Confirm an arrival time and ask if his microphone can be used for bridal party toasts.
- Schedule Dance Lessons or order our Wedding Dance Lessons DVD to sharpen your dance floor skills.
- Confirm your order with the florist. Find out what time the flowers will be delivered or available for pickup. Include an extra boutonniere in case of breakage.
- Select a location for your rehearsal dinner and make any necessary reservations.
1 Month Before The Big Day:
- Apply for a Marriage License
- Make an appointment with your hair and makeup stylists. Bring your veil along and experiment with different hairstyles/makeup applications.
- Schedule a final appointment with your seamstress. Try on the dress, walk around in it and sit down to make sure you will be comfortable all day and night. Have the dress steamed/pressed.
- Design Wedding Programs – include ceremony readings, songs and special guests.
During this stressful time it is very important to stay organized. A wedding planner will take care of organization for you, but if you’re a do-it-yourself bride it is possible to keep yourself organized as well. Schedule time each day to review your “to-do” list and give yourself a pat on the back when you can check something off that list!
