When you first get engaged the number of things that have to be done before the big day can seem overwhelming. A good wedding-planning timeline can give you great peace of mind. We’ve started our wedding checklist at 12 months, but if you’re having a shorter engagement you still have plenty of time to get everything done — just reduce and delegate.
When you first get engaged the number of things that have to be done before the big day can seem overwhelming. A good wedding-planning timeline can give you great peace of mind. We’ve started our wedding checklist at 12 months, but if you’re having a shorter engagement you still have plenty of time to get everything done — just reduce and delegate.
- Start your research: Visit OneWed.com’s Savvy Scoop blog and advice section for inspiration, pictures and ideas.
- Create your wedding pre-party and website at weddingpreparty.com
- Decide on your budget
- Choose and hire a wedding planner, if desired
- Finalize the date
- Think about guest list size
- Secure and reserve ceremony and reception venue
- If having a religious ceremony, discuss any pre-wedding requirements with a member of the clergy
- Start shopping for The Dress! Don’t forget to check OneWed.com’s style gallery for inspiration
- Start compiling your guest list
- Use OneWed.com’s vendor search to begin researching caterers, florists, photographers, musicians and other vendors
- Choose your wedding party
- Reserve reception band or DJ
- Reserve caterer
- Buy your wedding dress!
- Reserve florist
- Reserve photographer
- Finalize guest list
- Select invitations
- Reserve blocks of hotel rooms
- Send Save-the-Date cards
- Begin researching honeymoon options
- Book wedding officiant or clergy
- Find and order accessories such as bridal shoes, veil and lingerie
- Create your wedding gift registry
- Find and order bridesmaids’ dresses
- Order cake
- If not using your regular stylist, choose a salon near the wedding site or a stylist who will travel
- Reserve a room for the wedding night
- Finalize and reserve wedding day transportation
- Choose rehearsal dinner location
- Order wedding favors (if desired)
- Purchase wedding rings
- Write vows and select readings
- Mail wedding invitations
- Create wedding day timeline
- Have dress fitting
- Decide on hairstyle
- Finalize menu with caterer
- Discuss photo wish list with photographer
- Mail rehearsal dinner invitations
- Submit newspaper wedding announcement
- Have a trial run for makeup
- Have bridal shower
- Get marriage license, request copies
- Finalize and print programs
- Ask a friend or relative to harass guests who haven’t RSVP’d
- Have dress fitting
- Make table seating chart
- Buy wedding party gifts
- Plan and make welcome bags for out of town guests
- If necessary, request name change documents
- Finalize head count with caterer
- Make escort cards, menus
- SPA DAY!
- Write toasts
- Send final payments, set aside cash for tipping
- RELAX!
Wedding Checklist Nirvana
Wedding Vendors are People Too
Leave a Comment