You’ve said yes to the big question, now what?
12-Month Wedding Planning Checklist For Every Bride To Be
These easy and straightforward tips will help you run through your wedding planning in one year.
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If you’re starting to become overwhelmed with the thought of planning your big day, sit down, take a deep breath and go through this 12-month planning guide.
You’ll see that planning a wedding is simply a matter of getting organized. You can do it!
11-12 Months Before the Wedding
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*Officially announce your engagement.
*Your own personal wedding site is a great way to share the plans as they develop. Your out of town family and friends will definitely appreciate it!
*Set a time and date for the wedding.
*Decide style of ceremony (size, setting, formality, etc.)
*Contact a wedding officiate.
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*Arrange for your families to meet if they haven’t met before.
*Develop a budget and decide who will pay for what.
*Begin compiling your guest list.
*Visit and reserve your reception site.
9-10 Months Before the Wedding
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*Order your wedding gown and determine who will make any necessary alterations.
*Choose your wedding party.
*Decide on a color scheme (consider the reception site).
*Meet with potential wedding professionals for your ceremony and reception. Interview local videographers, photographers, florists, DJs & Musicians, caterers, and bakeries. Be sure to get a contract that states wedding date, time, and location for each vendor, as well as the schedule for payments.
*Scout out accommodations for out-of-town guests.
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7-8 Months Before the Wedding
*Start shopping for wedding rings.
*Decide on honeymoon plans and take care of any special travel requirements such as passports or visas.
*Decide on and order attendants gowns.
*Order invitations and other stationery needs.
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*Register for wedding gifts at select stores and online outlets. Don’t forget to register for shower and engagement party gifts as well!
5-6 Months Before the Wedding
*Let your out-of-town guests know the date of your wedding so that they reserve the date and make any necessary travel plans. Send out Save-the-Date cards & magnets.
*Complete guest list.
*Shop for and taste test the wedding cake.
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*Select and reserve attire for men in the wedding.
*Determine marriage license requirements for the state in which you are getting married.
3-4 Months Before the Wedding
*Finalize the menu with your caterer.
*Order wine, champagne, liquor, etc., if not included in the caterers service.
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*Finalize flowers, including those needed for the reception decorations.
*Mail out information about hotels and city attractions to your out-of-town guests so they can make their plans.
*Order wedding favours.
*Order wedding rings to allow time for engraving.
*Begin working on vows, especially if you are writing your own.
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2 Months Before Wedding
*Finalize and book honeymoon.
*Mail out invitations.
*Do hair/make-up dry run, complete with your veil or headpiece.
*Book wedding day beauty appointments.
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*Complete name change paperwork for bank accounts, insurance, etc.
*Finalize music play list.
*Finalize order of service and write the wedding program.
*Touch base with your florist, caterer, and DJ to confirm date and times, etc. Get their mobile phone number if you don’t already have them.
*Book rehearsal dinner.
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*Order wedding cake, if not ordered already.
1 Month Before
*Order any rental items needed such as chairs, tents, lighting, if not included at wedding/reception sites.
*Purchase bridesmaid gifts.
*Purchase groomsmen gifts.
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*Schedule final fitting for wedding gown. Remember to bring wedding shoes, veil, and proper lingerie needed.
*Purchase your accessories: guest book and pen set, ring pillow, flower girl baskets, unity candle, etc.
*Arrange for transportation needs for wedding party and out-of-town guests for the rehearsal and wedding day. Be sure to give the driver the addresses and schedules for all who will need transportation.
2-3 Weeks Before
*Get marriage license. Call ahead to make sure you know what is required to bring.
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*Organize any accessories needed such as ring pillow, flower girl basket, garter, and “something old, new, borrowed, and blue.”
*Contact guests who haven’t sent in RSVPs so that you can give the caterer a final headcount.
*Pick up wedding rings and check engraving before leaving the store. Store in a safe place!
*Confirm honeymoon hotel, airline reservations, and wedding night reservations, if not leaving until the next day.
1 Week Before
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*Pack for honeymoon.
*Host attendants party and give out gifts along with a thoughtful thank you note to each bridesmaid.
*Make final payments to vendors. Put gratuities in envelopes and arrange to have a trusted friend distribute the envelopes on the big day.
1 Day Before
*Take a long walk or schedule a massage to reduce stress. Gather your thoughts and mentally prepare yourself!
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*Greet out-of-town guests.
*Make some time for each other to exchange gifts and a congratulatory kiss (or several)!
*Attend rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.
*Get in bed at a reasonable hour so that you’ll look and feel your best for your wedding.
Wedding Day
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*Awake early and eat a good breakfast.
*Go to beauty appointments.
*Arrive at wedding site early enough to dress and to visit with bridesmaids.
*Allow enough time for photography.
*Relax, smile, and enjoy your well-organized day!
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