Wedding Countdown

latino-bride-and-groom-12-month-wedding-countdownWedding Day Countdown

Our checklist will help guide you on what to do in the following months, so that you can set reasonable goals and have a timeline as a guide. Every wedding is different, so you may have your own additions or deletions to this list. It’s important to remember though, this is the most exciting time of your life, so enjoy it!

12 Months Before

  • Set the date (and alternate dates)
  • Set a budget for the wedding
  • Determine the type of wedding you will have (formal or informal, large or small)
  • Reserve ceremony site
  • Select the reception location and reserve it
  • Select and officiant for the ceremony
  • Determine the number of guests you wish to invite
  • Determine your need for Bridal Consultant services

10-12 Months Before

  • Begin shopping for bridal gown and accessories
  • Order gown
  • Determine the guest lists
  • Choose and notify wedding party attendants (bridesmaids, groomsmen, and others)
  • Send save-the-date cards (optional)
  • Select and order attendants wedding attire (bridesmaid gowns and accessories)

10 Months Before

Select and reserve the following:

  • Caterer
  • Florist
  • Photographer
  • Decorator
  • Musicians, DJ, and entertainment
  • Videographer
  • Party rental equipment (tents, tables, chairs, décor)
  • Select wedding cake design and baker
  • Select music for the wedding ceremony
  • Plan the details for the reception
  • Begin shopping for Rings

8-7 Months Before

  • Meet with officiant
  • Arrange rehearsal
  • Order invitations, announcements,
  • and thank you notes
  • Reserve transportation
  • Register for gifts
  • Reserve accommodations for
  • out-of-town guests
  • Arrange honeymoon plans
  • Meet with photographer for engagement portrait
  • Create guest list

4-6 Months Before

  • Choose stylist for bridal party hair and make-up
  • Select and order men’s formal wear
  • Choose florist
  • Select and order wedding guest favors
  • Confirm menu with caterer
  • Confirm schedule with all suppliers
  • Meet with officiant to discuss ceremony

4 Months Before

  • Select appropriate readings and vows for ceremony
  • Schedule ceremony rehearsal and notify participants
  • Arrange rehearsal dinner and notify participants
  • Create a time schedule for delivery and pick up of flowers, cake and food.
  • Select bridesmaid and groomsmen gifts
  • Address wedding invitations

1-2 Months Before

  • Schedule final gown fitting for bride
  • Remind bridesmaids to schedule final fittings
  • Purchase guest books, toasting glasses, knife and server, napkins and other accessories
  • Confirm honeymoon plans
  • Schedule a date to pick up marriage license
  • Mail invitations six weeks prior to the wedding date
  • Prepare place cards for reception (if applicable)
  • Plan pre-wedding party for bride and bridesmaids
  • Confirm ceremony and reception details with Bridal Consultant
  • Try hairstyle with headpiece
  • Give wedding day tasks to friends
  • Confirm request with photographer musicians, DJ, and videographer

2 Weeks Before

  • Finalize arrangements with your catering manager and liquor representative if needed
  • Confirm the number of guests
  • Pick up the wedding gown
  • Arrange for cleaning and preservation of wedding gown after wedding
  • Confirm arrangements for attire and accessories of all wedding party members
  • Confirm final guest count to caterer and reception facility
  • Schedule pre-wedding day manicure/pedicure, massage and spa treatments

1 Week Before

  • Make final contact with baker, caterer, florist, musicians, DJ, photographer, and videographer
  • Make final preparations for honeymoon
  • (pack suitcases, prepare camera)
  • Confirm wedding-day assignments with Bridal Consultant, family and friends
  • Confirm time/location for rehearsal, rehearsal dinner and wedding with wedding party participants
  • Confirm pick-up times/locations with transportation providers

On THE BIG DAY

  • The bride and her attendants see hair dresser and make-up artist
  • The bride should transfer her engagement ring to her right hand
  • Don’t forget: car keys, wedding rings, marriage license, keys to your home, airline tickets, passports, money and honeymoon hotel confirmation.

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