Bride’s Planner

A wedding should be planned in stages with every decision made as early as possible. Begin by setting deadlines, then check off each task as you complete it.

6-12 Months

■    Choose the kind of wedding you will have, date and time.
■    Discuss the budget, and who will pay for what.
■    Make arrangements with the officiator.
■    Reserve the wedding and reception locations.
■    Select your wedding dress, veil and accessories.
■    Choose the bridesmaids, groomsmen, ushers and honored roles.
■    Have formal black/white photo sitting for announcements.
■    Send announcements of your engagement to bride’s and groom’s local and hometown newspapers.
■    Meet with the florist, photographer, caterer, videographer, and DJ or entertainment to discuss budgets and options.
■    Draw up guest list with fiancé and families.
■    Plan reception music and reserve band or orchestra.
■    Contact rental coordinator for equipment reservations.
■    Discuss honeymoon and reservations. (Traditionally the groom makes all the honeymoon arrangements.)
■    Arrange for time off work if necessary.
■    Buy a good sturdy notebook to store brochures and notes
■    Develop record-keeping system for invitations, RSVPs, gifts, and thank-you notes.

4-6 Months

■    Plan new living arrangements and home furnishings.
■    Select and register wedding gifts and patterns.
■    Select color scheme.
■    Order dress and accessories.
■    Order bridesmaids’ dresses, shoes and accessories.
■    Contact men’s formalwear specialist for men’s attire.
■    Have parents select attire.
■    Order invitations, announcements, programs, napkins, matchbooks and thank-you notes.

2 Months

■    Choose wedding bands and engraving.
■    Order wedding cake.
■    Check marriage license requirements.
■    Plan ceremony, reception, menus, master of ceremonies and music.
■    Plan rehearsal dinner and bridesmaids’ luncheon.
■    Complete guest list and address invitations.
■    Make arrangements for lodging for out-of-town guests.
■    Purchase gifts for attendants and groom.
■    Plan reception seating if necessary.

1 Month

■    Confirm all arrangements and contracts.
■    Mail invitations so they will arrive three weeks before the wedding.
■    Pick up wedding rings.
■    Arrange for transportation to ceremony and from ceremony to reception.
■    Attend final fittings.
■     Have your hair and makeup done as you would like to have it on your wedding.
■    Schedule any tanning, manicures, etc.
■     Purchase guest book and keepsake album.
■     Contact your insurance agent about naming your fiancé as beneficiary on your life insurance, will and auto policies, and about buying homeowners’ and floater insurances to protect wedding gifts.
■     Open joint checking and savings accounts. Decide on a budget and savings program. Discuss them with your financial representatives.
■     Write thank-you notes as gifts are received.

2 Weeks

■     Get marriage license.
■     Give caterer final guest count. Don’t forget the wedding party, photographer and DJ.
■     Arrange to have your own gown pressed and delivered.
■     Arrange to change your name on driver’s license, Social Security card, credit cards, bank accounts, insurance, etc.
■     Make arrangements for moving into your new home.

1 Week

■     Pack for honeymoon.
■     Give bridesmaids’ luncheon/party; give attendant gifts.
■     Confirm directions, housing, timetables with attendants.
■    Brief head usher of any special seating arrangements.
■    Arrange for rental returns.

1 Day Before

■    Pack the “going-to-church” bag and “emergency” bag.
■    Attend rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.
■    Find a quiet moment to give your fiancé his wedding gift.

The Wedding Day

■    Have a nice relaxed breakfast.
■    Have hair and make-up done.
■    Relax and let the planning take care of itself.

Paul Retherford Wedding Photography

Up North Bride Home » Fall 2011 Edition » Bride’s Planner