Wedding Calendar
      A 12 month calendar to help you prepare for your special occasion.

      9 to 12 months before

      •    Learn the facts about diamonds, and find the engagement ring
      •    Propose
      •    Set an initial budget.
      •    Select a wedding date and time.
      •    Announce your engagement in the newspaper.
      •    Determine the type of wedding you want (day/night, indoor/outdoor, formal/casual).
      •    Research availability of reception locations
      •    Select and book your ceremony location, if not included with your reception location.
      •    Select and book your ceremony location
      •    Determine how many guests you want to invite.
      •    Set aside blocks of hotel/motel rooms for out-of-town guests.
      •    Get a band or D.J., get one early because they can get booked quickly.
      •    Decide if you want a bridal party, and if so, the how large.
      •    Start to research your bridal gown.
      •    Start to research the grooms’ formal wear/tuxedo.
      •    Start to research bridesmaids’ dresses.
      •    Start to research formal wear for the groomsmen.
      •    Compare and find a photographer.
      •    Compare and find a videographer.
      •    Find local florists and set appointments to look a their work.
      •    Be sure that you get contracts from all the professionals you choose.
      •    Create a bridal registry, and/or and engagement registry.
      •    Visit bridal shows.
      •    Marital Counseling


      6 to 9 months before

      •    Start compiling the guest list (inform your families to do the same).
      •    Select the attendants for the wedding party.
      •    Purchase the bride’s gown.
      •    Shop for headpiece, veil and other accessories.
      •    Purchase bridesmaid’s dresses.
      •    Purchase groom’s tuxedo.
      •    Arrange for the groomsmen to be measured and reserve the tuxedos.
      •    Start planning for honeymoon.
      •    Choose and reserve your florist.
      •    Order the wedding cake, if not provided by the caterer or reception hall.
      •    The parents of the groom should begin to arrange the Rehearsal Dinner.
      •    Arrange for transportation for the wedding. Limousines, Horse Carriage, vans, etc.
      •    Start to research for your wedding rentals for the ceremony and reception.


      4 to 6 months before

      •    Make appointments for the physical exam with your doctor/dentist.
      •    Check requirements for blood test and marriage license in your state.
      •    Shop for wedding rings.
      •    Select and order the invitations.
      •    Make sure all the men’s attire has been ordered.
      •    Decide where to live after the wedding.
      •    Complete the guest list.
      •    Send your engagement announcement to the newspaper.
      •    Inform mothers to select their dresses.
      •    Select and order the men’s attire.
      •    Finalize honeymoon details and make the necessary reservations.
      •    Book the Wedding rentals for your ceremony and reception.

      2 to 4 months before

      •    Confirm the menu and catering details with the caterer.
      •    Prepare all maps and directions for the ceremony and reception.
      •    Select your wedding rings.
      •    Buy a wedding guest book.
      •    Set the dates and times with the officiant for the rehearsal.
      •    Plan the bridesmaids’ luncheon and any other parties.
      •    Determine your resources for designing and printing the program for the ceremony.
      •    Finalize the florist details, photographer, videographer, musicians, etc.
      •    Arrange the necessary accommodations for out-of-town guests.
      •    Plan a rehearsal dinner, time and place.
      •    Confirm the wedding cake details with the baker.


      6 to 8 weeks before

      •    Mail invitations and announcements.
      •    Prepare a portrait for the newspaper. Check your local newspaper for details and timing.
      •    Set appointment with photographer for your formal bridal portrait.
      •    Select gifts for all your attendants.
      •    Set appointments with any hairdressers and/makeup artists.
      •    Hire the limousine or other forms of transportation for the wedding.


      4 to 6 weeks before

      •    Decide what your menu is going to be for the reception. Estimate the number of guests.
      •    Buy a gift for the groom
      •    Schedule a final fitting for your gown so it can be ready for your formal bridal portrait.
      •    Purchase a going away outfit.
      •    Pick up your wedding rings.
      •    Purchase (borrow) all wedding accessories such as the ring pillow, goblets, garter, candles, etc.
      •    Confirm florist details and delivery times.
      •    Plan the seating for the reception as well as other details for the ceremony and reception.
      •    Start writing placement cards.
      •    Make sure all bridesmaids’ attire has been fitted.
      •    Buy a gift for the bride.
      •    Choose the music for your ceremony, first dance, parent dances, and party and give information to band, D.J. or other musicians.

      2 weeks before

      •    Make arrangements to have your wedding gifts moved to your new home.
      •    Handle business and legal details such as name changes, address changes etc.
      •    Prepare the wedding announcement for the newspaper.
      •    Reconfirm your guests’ accommodations.
      •    Make sure all clothing and accessories for you and the bridal party are ready.
      •    Get your marriage license and any blood tests, which are needed.


      1 week before

      •    Review any seating details with the ushers.
      •    Make sure all wedding attires fits.
      •    Finalize the seating arrangements.
      •    Reconfirm your honeymoon reservations.
      •    Start packing for your honeymoon.
      •    Call any guests who have not responded.
      •    Finish all the place cards for the reception.
      •    Review all the final details with your photographer, videographer, etc.
      •    Give a final head count to the caterer.
      •    Confirm the availability of the musicians and vocalists.
      •    Delegate responsibilities to reliable individuals on your wedding day.
      •    Wrap and present the wedding party gifts.
      •    Finalize your rehearsal dinner arrangements or other plans.


      1 day before

      •    Get a manicure or massage to relax yourself.
      •    Stay with your family the night before and sleep early.
      •    Review and rehearse all the details of your participants.

      The Big Day

      •    Make sure the best man and maid of honor sign the wedding certificate.
      •    Allow yourself plenty of time to get dressed.
      •    Be sure to eat properly.
      •    Rest and relax with a good bath.
      •    Prepare for your hairdresser and makeup appointments.
      •    Enjoy your wonderful wedding and cherish each and every moment.