Useful recommendations

Memorandum for the planning of the wedding

While beginning the planning of your marriage, you'll quickly notice that there is many things to think of. So, to help you to don't forget anything, you can study the list below and keep it as a memorandum throughout your preparation.


12+ months before

  • Choose several options for date and time
  • Imagine the entire wedding - size, formality and setting
  • Create your wedding budget
  • Reserve ceremony location
  • Meet and reserve officiating clergy
  • Reserve reception location
  • Reserve any suppliers you are completely sure about
  • Shop for wedding rings
  • Create an initial guest list
  • Ask friends and relatives to be part of the wedding party
  • Organize an engagement party

9-12 months before

  • Choose your wedding dress, headpiece and attendants wear
  • Reserve your photographer
  • Reserve your videographer
  • Reserve your caterer
  • Reserve your reception band or DJ
  • Research accommodation for out-of-town guests
  • Reserve your florist
  • Register for gifts at your favourite stores
  • Contact a rental company if you need to rent anything for the day
  • Reserve your cake designer
  • Plan your honeymoon

6-9 months before

  • Decide on your menu
  • Reserve your ceremony musicians and soloist
  • Order invitations and other stationery
  • Choose outfits for mothers
  • Check blood test and marriage license requirements
  • Think about songlists for the ceremony and reception
  • Order bonbonnières for your guests
  • Reserve a limousine service

3-6 months before

  • Finalize guest list
  • Choose reader for the ceremony
  • Finalize flower ideas with florist
  • Reserve the men's wedding attire
  • Make an appointment with your hairdresser

2 months before

  • Mail your invitations
  • Compose your wedding vows, if required
  • Finalize reception menus
  • Confirm ceremony details with hired professionals and clergy
  • Have ceremony programs printed
  • Purchase gifts for attendants and parents
  • Make appointments with beauty consultant for nails and makeup
  • Schedule final dress fitting
  • Plan wedding night

1 month before

  • Apply for a marriage license
  • Plan a rehearsal dinner
  • Meet with photographer and videographer

2 weeks before

  • Have attendants' parties
  • Draft speeches
  • Confirm honeymoon reservations
  • Finalize reception details
  • Call all guests who have not yet replied
  • Meet with your hairdresser and beautician to try out different styles
  • Deliver songlists to musicians

1 week before

  • Finalize seating layout
  • Rehearse the ceremony
  • Choose person to hand out bonbonnières
  • Pick up groomsmen's attire
  • Confirm final numbers with caterer
  • Arrange finances
  • Confirm reservations
  • Pack for honeymoon
  • Create the reception seating chart
  • Write out place cards
  • Give your marriage license to the officiant
  • Nominate someone to be the photographer's point of contact on the day
  • Confirm details with limousine company
  • Determine order of bridesmaids and groomsmen for procession
  • Write checks required for the wedding day
  • Nominate someone to return any rented items after your wedding day

Day before

  • Get a good night's sleep!

On the day

  • Give the best man your wedding bands
  • Give the best man any checks that need to be given out on the day
  • Present attendants and parents with gifts
  • Enjoy yourself!

Post-wedding

  • Make a gift log and send out thank-you notes
  • Send letters of thanks to suppliers and attendants

* Source : Weddin planner Let's get Married 2011