Wedding Checklist: What To Do And When
6-12 Months Before The Wedding
° Choose the date of the wedding.
° Determine the wedding budget.
° Select the location of the ceremony and reception.
° Decide upon the time for the wedding: will it be an afternoon affair, an evening event, indoors or outdoors?
° Schedule an appointment with a pastor or rabbi for church or synagogue weddings.
° Meet with a judge or wedding officiant to conduct the ceremony, if applicable.
° Interview and select a wedding coordinator, if applicable.
° Call several florists and set dates to meet.
° Make appointments with several photographers who specialize in weddings.
° Set appointment with several videographers.
° Decide on the type of music you want. You’ll need music for entrance of groom, his parents and attendants; music for bride’s entrance and music for recessional.
° Set meeting dates with several musicians and/or bands and disc jockeys.
° Discuss who will be in the wedding party: attendants, honor attendants, groomsmen, ushers, flower girls, ring bearers and invite them to participate.
° Shop for wedding gown and accessories.
° Shop for attendants’ gowns.
° Determine the wedding theme and color scheme.
° Pick out wedding rings and order.
° Get a copy of Tucson Lifestyle Weddings and begin your checklist.
° Consider designing a wedding website for friends and family.
3-6 Months Before The Wedding
° Design and mail a "Save The Date" notice to family and friends.
° Select and order wedding invitations or announcements.
° Register for wedding gifts at several stores.
° Decide upon wedding flowers for ceremony, reception and bridal party. (To aid in this, bring a photo or fabric swatch of wedding gown and attendants' gowns).
° Discuss dates for showers and parties.
° Purchase hostess gifts.
° Discuss the time of wedding rehearsal and decide on location for rehearsal dinner.
° Reserve rooms at three hotels of varying price categories for out-of-town guests and attendants.
° Visit several bakeries that specialize in wedding cakes. Sample the cake, decide on type, design and size of cake. Place your order.
° Talk with mother of bride and mother of groom about coordinating dress colors and styles.
° Sign contract with band or disc jockey you select.
° Decide on wedding invitations and order them.
° Choose someone to handle the guestbook.
° Submit your wedding list to a calligrapher, if applicable.
° Decide upon a honeymoon location and book reservations.
° Interview a makeup artist and hair stylist for bride and attendants.
° Write thank you notes for shower gifts.
° Compile guest list for rehearsal dinner.
° Visit rental store and decide on attire for groom and attendants.
° Set dates for bachelor and bachelorette parties.
6-8 Weeks Before The Wedding
° Mail the wedding invitations.
° Schedule the final fitting of your wedding gown.
° Select gift for groom; select gift for bride.
° Finalize details with photographer, videographer, disc jockey or band.
° Consider assembling welcome baskets with snacks and drinks for out-of-town guests. Place maps to party and reception sites in the basket.
4-8 Weeks Before The Wedding
° Complete thank you notes for shower gifts.
° Begin writing thank you notes for wedding gifts.
° Devise seating chart for wedding guests.
° Obtain a marriage license.
2 Weeks Before The Wedding
° Do any necessary checks with vendors and verify delivery times and dates.
° Make any necessary name changes on bank accounts and official documents.
1 Week Before The Wedding
° Provide a final guest count to the reception coordinator.
° Arrange transportation for guests from airport.
° Confirm all appointments for makeup and hair.
° Have welcome baskets delivered to hotels for out-of-town guests.
° Compose wedding event schedules for wedding attendants.
° Have a facial and body treatments such as exfoliation and self-tanning application.
On The Wedding Day
° Have hair and makeup done.
° Drink lots and lots of water.
° Stay away from caffeine and alcohol prior to the ceremony.
° Eat a well-balanced breakfast.
° Get a little morning exercise. Just a simple walk will help alleviate pre-nuptial jitters.
° Consider a massage for relaxing.
° Take a minute to reflect upon this, your special day.
