Countdown Calendar
12 Months Prior:
Confirm wedding date
Discuss budget and decide who's contributing to what
Choose attendants and gowns for bridal party
Create a wedding website
Purchase wedding insurance
Begin working on guest list
begin touring venues to get a feel for potential ceremony and reception locales
Get engagement pictures taken
Assemble list of wedding professionals:
Planner
Caterer
Florist
Photographer/Videographer
Musicians and/or DJ
Start shopping for wedding dress and veil
Order Save-the-Dates
10-11 Months Prior:
Choose bridal party attire, accessories, and start picking wedding colors and overall design
Reserve ceremony and reception venues
Purchase wedding dress and veil
Contact ceremony officiant
Send out Save-the-Dates
Book wedding planner, caterer, florist, photographer, videographer, musicians and/or DJ
8-9 Months Prior:
Find lodging for out-of-town guests and reserve rooms
Shop for wedding invitations
Finalize guest list
Create gift registries at several different retailers
Set your menu (Will you host a seated dinner, a buffet or something else?)
Start planning honeymoon
6-7 Months Prior:
Discuss ceremonial plans with officiant
Schedule cake tastings and research flavors and styles
Finalize groomsman attire
Meet with makeup and hair stylist and book a trial
Reserve any necessary rentals: chairs, linens, decorations, lighting etc.
Figure out and book transportation to and from venues
Purchase wedding rings
Order wedding invitations
If religious, check with your place of worship to see if they require certain classes or preparatory meetings. If not religious, hire an officiant, see what they require
4-5 Months Prior:
Decide on flowers: wedding party, attendants, venue, cake, etc.
Finalize guest list
Make reservation for rehearsal dinner
Book cake tastings and order wedding cake
Book room for wedding night
Schedule dress fittings
Book honeymoon flights and hotels
Prepare play/do-no-play lists for reception
3 Months Prior:
Make ceremony purchases: toasting flutes, serving pieces, guestbook, flower basket, ring pillow
Finalize honeymoon plans and prepare all necessary travel documents
Finalize reception menu
Schedule marriage counseling
Arrange reception seating
Book hair and makeup consultations
Order wedding favors
Finalize any special readings for ceremony and contact readers
2 Months Prior:
Mail out wedding invitations and organize RSVPs
Apply for / secure marriage license
Purchase gifts for attendants
Make spa reservations for you and your bridal party
Finalize reception seating
Start writing vows
Design layout for wedding program
Meet with officiant and review details
Finalize playlists with musicians / DJ
Create wedding day timeline and send to bridal party, officiant and wedding professionals
1 Month Prior:
Call all vendors to confirm date, times and location
Have your final dress fitting
Pick up wedding rings
Write Thank You notes as gifts are received
Order wedding programs
Confirm honeymoon reservations
Acquire marriage license
2 Weeks Prior:
Give final head count to caterer
Follow up with guests who have not responded
Make arrangements with someone to handle wedding attire (tux rentals, etc)
Delegate wedding day duties
Get final haircut and color
Plan honeymoon wardrobe
1 Week Prior:
Assemble wedding day emergency kit
Prepare vendor payments & cash tips
Confirm image & video requests with photographer/videographer
Confirm any special music/reading details for ceremony
The Day Before:
Greet out-of-town guests and deliver welcome baskets
Get mani/pedi/massage
Attend wedding rehearsal and have fun at the rehearsal dinner
Get to bed early!
The Big Day:
Eat a good breakfast
Allow plenty of time to get ready
Give wedding rings and officiant fee to best man
Relax and enjoy your special day!
