Planning - BrightWeddingIdeas.com

A well-planned wedding is a stress-free wedding. Here is the checklist of essentials you will need to consider when planning your wedding and a timeline in which to accomplish each task.

The average engagement period today is 14 months, which is ample time to plan a great wedding. However, if you happen to have less time than that you can still organize a memorable and exciting event by simply condensing the timeline.

Wedding Planning Checklist

9 - 12 months before:

Pick the date.

Pick the ceremony site and meet with the officiant.

Pick the reception site.

Decide on a budget.

Work on the guest list to get a rough estimate of head count.

Shop for your wedding gown.

6 - 9 months before:

Order your wedding gown.

Forgo sending save the date notes instead send email or send e-cards.

Choose your wedding party.

Shop for bridal party dress & attire.

Select your caterer.

Decide on a photographer &/or videographer.

Hire a florist.

Book musicians and / or DJ.

Research honeymoon spots.

4 - 6 months before:

Finalize on the guest list.

Order wedding invitations, thank you notes, programs, etc.

Make reservations for your honeymoon.

Check out accommodations for out of town guests.

Shop for the cake.

Book your hair and make up.

Hire transportation for your wedding day.

2 - 4 months before:

Order your wedding bands.

Meet with the caterer to decide on the menu.

Call or log online to find out the marriage license requirements with the county clerk's office.

Reserve a room for your wedding night.

Order your wedding cake.

Buy thank you gifts for your bridal party.

Select music for ceremony and reception.

Choose or make favors, guest book, etc.

4 - 8 weeks before:

Mail invitations (mail earlier if destination wedding).

Do a hair and make up trial run.

Update any insurance policies that you'll need changed.

2 - 4 weeks before:

Have your final dress fitting.

Plot seating arrangements for your reception.

Confirm all details with vendors.

1 week before:

Get last minute beauty treatments, facials, etc.

Give the final head count to the caterer.

Make arrangements with family member or close friend to take cake knife, toasting glasses to reception site.

Pack for your honeymoon.

Place the fees due on the wedding day in envelopes.

Related Sites:

Pfaltzgraff Gift Registry - per Bridal Guide Magazine's 2003 survey, six of the top ten bridal registry patterns were Pfaltzgraff. Founded in 1811, Pfaltzgraff is one o the most popular online wedding registries.
Shop the Best Bridal Brands - the registry@macy's - one of the nation's largest and most popular wedding registries.