Here is a free wedding checklist to plan out your events in a time saving manor. WE also have free downloads of Wedding Planners, Wedding Checklists, Wedding Budget Planner, enjoy! and as ALWAYS If you need help, advice or more tools, feel free to email us here at Wedding Themes by Tess: AskTess@weddingthemesbytess.com
The following is a guideline for your Wedding Events, please feel free to customize it to your own schedule!
1 year Before or ASAP (as soon as possible):
- Pick your Wedding Theme (I suggest picking your Wedding Theme FIRST-because everything you choose/decide will depend greatly on your theme)
- Remember one of the most important things thru your entire wedding process….HAVE FUN!! This is supposed to be your special day!! Don’t let anything or anyone keep you from having fun!!!
- Purchase a wedding planning journal to keep track of important dates and appointments, fittings etc, as well as to write down feelings, ideas, enter any important thoughts, pictures, samples! You will want this as a keepsake for yourself to keep forever so treat yourself on this!!
- Announce your engagement in the local newspaper and decide if you will have an engagement party.
- I recommend you sign up for a wedding website or blog to keep everyone informed about details, events and important information, as well as keeping in touch and TO HAVE FUN!!!!!!!
OR
- Consider purchasing wedding planning software to organize everything, or hire a wedding consultant to help secure contracts, etc.
- Choose a Master of Ceremony to help with the overall timeline of events on your Wedding Day!
- Choose a wedding date
- Start the Wedding Budget
- Decide on Attendants; Bridesmaids, Groomsmen, Ring Bearer, Flower Girl, also pick your maid of honor and best man
- Choose a location for the ceremony, the reception and reserve them, send in deposits to secure them Add the payments, costs etc. to your Wedding Budget
- Begin a rough guest list and compile addresses (get your attendants or family to help with this)
- Begin shopping for your wedding gown or find a seamstress
6-9 Months Before
- Choose bridal gift registries
- Order your wedding gown
- Buy undergarments, shoes, hair embellishments (bring these with you to all fittings)
- Shop for bridesmaids dresses and flower girl dress
- Find an officiate who will perform your ceremony
- Choose and schedule ceremony musicians, a wedding band/ DJ, photographer/videographer, caterer and florist
- Book your honeymoon (verify that you have any necessary travel documents including passports and visas)
4-6 Months Before
- Select and order your wedding invitations, envelopes and thank-you cards, save-the-date cards if desired
- Purchase wedding favors
- Start researching wedding cake pictures and local bakeries for ideas
- Book a room for your wedding night, if you will be leaving for your honeymoon the next morning
- Book accommodations for out-of-town guests
- Finalize your guest list and send out save-the-date cards, if desired
- Print out directions, maps to the ceremony, reception, rehearsal dinner and hotel(s) for guests
- Compile a list of area information and things to do for out-of-town guests
- Reserve transportation for you and your wedding party to and from the wedding, as well as a bus or trolley for your guests (if necessary)
- Finalize your ceremony and reception music and song list for your wedding band or DJ
2-4 Months Before
- Find your state’s requirements for obtaining a marriage license (IE: get blood tests done -if required)
- Order tuxedos for the groom, groomsmen, ring bearer, father, father-of-the-groom
- Meet with caterer to discuss food menu
- Select wedding readings and speak with the people who will read them
- Meet with your officiate to discuss ceremony details, wording and wedding vows
- Order your wedding cake
- Buy thank-you gifts for your attendants
- Purchase gift for each other (bride/groom)
- Purchase wedding rings
- Coordinate and choose a location for the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
- Contact party-rental companies for tables, chairs, tents, etc.
- Pack/Purchase luggage and other travel necessities and attire for your honeymoon
- Order/renew passports if necessary
4-8 Weeks Before
- Mail invitations and send accommodation info to your out-of-town guests
- Compile and complete name change documents
- Fill out a change of address
- Have ceremony programs printed
- Purchase a guest book and other wedding accessories including toasting glasses, cake knife, ring pillow, etc.
- Keep your wedding website/blog updated with directions and event details
- Book appointments to have your hair, make-up and nails done on the day of the wedding (you may want to schedule a trial run to make sure the styles and times will work for your wedding day
- Plan a bridal luncheon with your bridesmaids
2-4 Weeks Before
- Create a seating chart for the reception, make place cards
- Contact your caterer with final guest count
- Print out a time-line of events for your Master of Ceremony, wedding party and vendors – include ALL contact information and cell phone numbers
- Meet with your photographer and florist to finalize details
- Confirm lodging reservations for out-of-town guests
- Place a wedding announcement in your local newspaper
- Pick up wedding bands –check sizes
- Schedule a final dress fitting
- Write rehearsal dinner toasts
- Schedule an appointment with your dentist, have your teeth whitened or cleaned before the wedding
1 Week Before
- Write out final checks for your minister, organist, DJ or musicians, etc. and organize in envelopes for your Master of Ceremony or one of your attendants to distribute at the wedding
- Pick up your wedding gown
- Confirm limo or other transportation reservations
- Pack for your honeymoon and confirm travel arrangements
- Have your local post office hold your mail, if necessary, while you are away on your honeymoon
- Treat yourself and your Maid of Honor to a spa day — you deserve it!
The Day Before
- Welcome out-of-town guests
- Attend the rehearsal dinner!
The Wedding Day
- Make sure to EAT a great breakfast! You will need the strength!
- ENJOY! it’s finally here…..Remember to breathe…. This is supposed to be your special day!! Don’t let anything or anyone keep you from having fun!!!
Congratulations MR. & MRS. YOU made it!!! Time to celebrate!!! WOOHOO!!!!
