Right off the bat you will want to buy a wedding planning binder, decide on a theme, research your vendors and venues, research wedding planners if you'll be using one and find out how far in advance orders must be made for gowns, favors, food, etc.
6-12 months before your wedding:
Announce your engagement - newspaper and/or engagement partySet your budget and decide who pays for whatDecide your time and place for the weddingBook your photographer before you announce your engagement. Many photographers offer engagement portraits with their wedding packages and this will give you a beautiful portrait for your newspaper announcement and engagement party!Choose and book your venues for the wedding and receptionBook your vendors: caterers, DJ and/or band, vidoegrapher, stylists, transportation services, lodging, bakery, etc.Decide on your scheme and colors since many decisions will be based on your schemeChoose your bridal party and decide who will be responsible for whatChoose your wedding gown and the bridesmaids gowns - there will be ordering and fittings required more than likely so you want to give yourself plenty of time.Choose your guest list since caterers and the bakery will need to know how many guests to expect and can accommodate the number in their estimatesChoose your bridal party gifts and find out how far in advance they will need to be orderedHire your wedding planner if you will be using one4-6 months before the wedding
By now your gowns should be in so time for a fittingDecide on the men's apparelChoose your wedding ringsChoose your honeymoon destination and book it, get passports if you will be honeymooning abroadOrder favors, gifts, guestbook, and accessoriesHave the mother-of-the-bride and future mother-in-law shop for and/or order their attire for the weddingOrder announcements, invitations, save the dates, RSVP cards, thank you cards and mapsBridal registries are a must!Confirm bookingsSelect your music for the reception - especially the bride and groom's song!Get with your stylist for hair and makeup decisionsFinalize your menu selection with the caterer and your wedding cake with your bakeryFinalize your rehearsal arrangements including dinner and transportationFind out the information needed for your wedding license and make sure you send out for anything you don't have, such as birth certificates, etc. Some states still require blood tests so you may need to schedule those as well.2 months before the wedding
Address your invitations (if you didn't have the printer address them) and get them in the mailFinalize all your decisions with your vendors and venues such as menu selection, music selection, hair and makeup, limos, etc. Confirm all dates and times and remember to leave enough time with the hair and makeup for all the bridal party and still make it to the wedding on time!Confirm all arrangements for the rehearsal, rehearsal dinner and transportation for the rehearsal.Confirm all lodgingFinalize your wedding license information and find out when you will need to get your license (varies state-to-state)Bridal luncheon with your bridesmaids and the mothersOrder flowers1 month before the wedding
Final fitting for gownsMake sure you that all orders have arrived for gifts, favors, accessories, etc.By now you should be receiving RSVP's and/or gifts so start your guest list and if you will be doing seating assignments, begin arranging seatingSend thank you notes for gifts you are receivingConfirm the men's apparel and arrival date/timeConfirm the flowers and arrival date/timeTake care of legal needs such as name changes, social security forms for changing the name on your social security card, forms for changing your drivers' license, finalizing the wedding license, passports (if you will be honeymooning abroad), etc. Prepare your wedding announcement for the newspaper - some have forms to fill out, others you can just e-mail or call them with your information. After the wedding they will need a photo of you and the groomCheck with your jewelry and make sure that your wedding rings fit - find someone trustworthy to hold on to the rings until the wedding (usually the best man)2 weeks before the wedding
Address and stamp the wedding announcements to be mailed on the wedding dayRe-check that all favors, gifts, apparel, accessories, etc have been deliveredMeet with your photographer and vidoegrapher to go over your portraits, album and what you would like photographed and videoed1 week before the wedding
Contact guests who have not RSVP 'd just to be sureFinal guest counts need to be given to the venue and catererMake sure you have your wedding license and any other documents needed such as passportsMake sure all gowns have arrived and fitRe-confirm all honeymoon arrangements and make sure you have your plane ticketsBachelorette Party! Do you really want to have it the night before the wedding? I think not!1 day before the wedding
Rehearsal and dinner with the wedding partyConfirm times and events such as portrait sittings, flowers, men's apparel, etc with the bridal partyMake sure the rings are still in safe handsArrange for someone to receive the flowers that should be delivered the morning of the wedding dayArrange for someone to receive the men's apparel that should be delivered either today or the wedding dayMake final arrangements for the transportation and who will ride with who, etc.Wedding Day
Hair and makeupConfirm that the rings are still in safe hands and ready for the ceremonyPresent the wedding officiate with your wedding license before the ceremonyMail out wedding announcementsGet married!I know it seems like there's so much to do - but by breaking it down it doesn't feel as overwhelming. For additional help, there is a site that provides a "wedding checklist" that can be handy - www.weddingwire.com
Other things to do - set up a free wedding website that way everyone can stay informed about your wedding. These sites offer free wedding sites:
www.weddingwire.com
www.weddingchannel.com (free for members)
www.theknot.com
www.mywedding.com
Airfair.com
Find your perfect airfare for that perfect honeymoon with Airfair.com!
Ann's Bridal Bargains
Save on wedding invitations, save-the-dates, accessories and more at Ann's Bridal Bargains!
Best Of Vegas
Planning a Vegas wedding? Best of Vegas has all the info on the hottest attractions, tours, hotels and more!
Cafe Press
Find your perfect Bachelorette shirts or create your own at Cafe Press!
Cocodot.com
Create and celebrate with invitations, announcements and more at Cocodot! Print or send online, it's your choice.
eInvite.com
Shop fresh new wedding invitations! Exquisite designs inspired by Brides Magazine at eInvite!
Relax in comfort with Sleepwear by Alexander Del Rossa!
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UniquePearl.com
Unique Pearl offers you a wide selection of affordable yet elegant pearl jewelry.
Fine Tuxedos
Fine Tuxedos and Formal Wear Accessories
Limos.com
Save 40% or More at Limos.com
Wedding Channel Store
Shop the Wedding Channel Store for all your wedding needs!
ExclusivelyWeddings.com
Wedding Invitations, Favors & Accessories
Gift Tree
Find the perfect gifts for your bridal party and more at the Gift Tree!
Organic Bouquet
Eco-Elegant Flowers & Gifts Nationwide Delivery
House of Brides
Choose from designer wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, flowergirls, mother of the wedding and more - Worlds Largest Online Wedding Store. Over 50,000 items at the lowest prices!
