Wedding Timeline | Don't Forget the Small Things
“Weddings are a time of love and happiness, butterflies and rainbows!” -- Is something someone who has never actually planned a wedding would say. While yes weddings are an amazing time to get all of your family and friends together, they are also super stressful. While I have not planned my own wedding (yet) I have lived vicariously through my own sister as her maid of honor during her 2018 wedding. Creating a timeline cut out a lot of the stress (and arguments) that would have been present without her over the top planning.
Engagement-12 Months Before Wedding
- Announce your engagement with an engagement party!
- Budget your wedding and hire a consultant if it is within your budget
- Make a guest list to help you pick the right-sized venue
- Book reception and ceremony venues
- Make note of any venue restrictions and liability insurance
8-11 Months Before Wedding
- Choose your wedding party
- Go dress shopping!
- Begin interviewing and researching photographers, videographers, entertainment, and caterers (if your venue doesn't cater)
- Reserve blocks of hotel rooms for out of town guests
- Register for your wedding and bridal shower
- Book officiant and discuss if premarital counseling is required
6-7 Months Before Wedding
- Send save the dates
- Hire videographers/photographers
- Hire entertainment
- Book honeymoon
- Remind your bridesmaids to order their dresses
- Finalize floral arrangements
- Reserve any rental items not provided by your location
- Sign with a caterer and develop a menu
4-5 Months Before Wedding
- Book rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
- Review and order wedding invitations
- Shop for and purchase wedding rings
- Set dates of the bridal shower, bachelor, and bachelorette parties
- Cake Tasting! (the yummiest part!)
- Ask family and friends that are needed to participate in the ceremony, such as readers, ushers, and singers
- Make a guest list for bridal shower
- Schedule hair, makeup, and nail appointments
2-3 Months Before
- Finalize guest list and send invitations
- Order wedding favors for guests
- Order wedding sparklers for an exit to remember
- Finalize menu, wedding transportation, and rehearsal plans
- Rent men's formal wear
- Make a list of songs you do and don’t want at your wedding. This will your DJ’s job easier and make your wedding more personalized to you.
1-2 Months Before Wedding
- Have dress fitting with appropriate accessories
- Prepare photoshoot list including any long exposure photos
- Write thank you notes for a bridal shower gift and any gift received before the wedding
- Get marriage license
- Touch base with vendors
1 month before the wedding
- Break-in your wedding shoes
- Call guests that haven't rsvp'd
- Pick up rings
- Finalize hair and make-up
1 Week till Your Perfect Day!
- Have final gown fitting
- Pack a bag for your wedding night
- Pack an emergency kit with hair spray, sewing kit, bobby pins, and other essentials
- Confirm schedule for the day with your vendors
- Designate someone to gather important items throughout the day such as candles, cake topper, etc.
- Get a manicure and pedicure
- Have rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
- Give gifts out to wedding party
Day of your wedding
- Have a perfect day!
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