Wedding Calendar Checklist

Wedding Planning season is in full swing, so, we wanted to give you a broad view of what you should be doing and about when.  Remember, you can customize this wedding checklist/calendar to your specific needs.  This is just a suggestion to get you started thinking about your organization and planning process.

9 – 12 Months Before Checklist

• Announce your engagement!  Send out photos to friends and family and send the announcement to the local news paper.
• Figure out what your wedding style will be (We have a post dedicated to this.)
• Pick your wedding date
• Figure out your budget
• Start compiling the guest list
• Begin researching the ceremony site, reception site, and minister (Book these as soon as you decide.)
• Pick people to be in your wedding party
• Shop for your wedding gown (We have a post dedicated to your dress style.)

6 – 9 Months Before Checklist

• Choose colors
• Choose bridesmaids’ dresses, shoes, and accessories
• Begin researching what your groom will wear (suit or tux)
• Apply for/renew Passport if you plan to honeymoon outside of the US
• Begin researching Florist, Photographer, Videographer, Musicians for the ceremony, Musicians/DJ/Band for the reception, Cake Maker, and Caterer (Book these as soon as you decide.)

4 – 6 Months Before Checklist

• Finalize your guest list for ceremony and reception
• Begin researching invitations, personalize napkins, or any other print style products (order them as soon as you make a decision)
• SAVE – THE – DATE:  Research, print, mail your save the date cards
• Have your groom purchase or reserve his attire
• Choose groomsmens’ suit/tux, shoes, and any accessories
• Plan your rehearsal dinner, date, and place
• Book appointments to meet and discuss your plans with your Florist, Photographer, Videographer, Musicians for the ceremony, Musicians/DJ/Band for the reception, Cake Maker, and Caterer (Be sure to ask lots of questions, verify that they are 100% what you want, and start gathering ideas for inspiration.)
• Shop and purchase wedding bands
• Begin researching your honeymoon (Book this as soon as you make a decision.)
• Request time off from work for your wedding and your honeymoon
• Pick hotel for your out of town guests (Book this as soon as you make a decision.)
• Pick location and type of lodging/amenities for wedding night (Book this as soon as you make a decision.)
• Begin researching the mode of transportation for the wedding day (limo, horse-drawn carriage, trolley, etc.)
• Register for wedding gifts

2 – 4 Months Before Checklist

• Get your marriage license
• Begin putting together you invitations and addressing them; purchase stamps
• Purchase any wedding day gifts for the wedding party and parents as necessary
• Begin attending engagement party/dinner, bridal showers, and bachelorette party (Don’t forget to give a small gift of gratitude to the hostess and helpers.)
• Finalize the reception menu with the caterer/work on logistics for flow and serving
• Make or order favors
• Pick music for your reception
• Begin scheduling the wedding gown fittings
• Schedule appointments for hair, nails, makeup, etc. for you and your bridesmaids (spa day for the girls?)

4 – 6 Weeks Before Checklist

• Mail out your invitations
• Begin thinking about what you want your vows to say and write them
• Pick any readings you want to use during the ceremony
• Set an appoint to meet with the minister
• Purchase gifts for each other to give on your wedding day and write a sweet note for each other
• Put together the wedding program
• Pick up wedding bands, check for proper fit, have them insured
• Send out rehearsal dinner invitations
• Lay out the seating chart for the reception
• Purchase guest book, ring bearer pillow, unity candles, toasting glasses, cake cutting utensils, etc.
• Confirm details and logistic for Florist, Photographer, Videographer, Musicians for the ceremony, Musicians/DJ/Band for the reception, Cake Maker, and Caterer
• Set appointment to have your hair and makeup done so you can see if you like it for the wedding

2 – 6 Weeks Before Checklist

• Collect RSVP’s for guest that haven’t responded
• Confirm ceremony and minister details and logistics
• Review rehearsal dinner plans and logistics
• Confirm headcount with the head count and finalize the table layout and seating arrangements
• Have menu cards, place cards, table numbers, etc. made
• Complete the final wedding gown fitting
• Complete final bridesmaids’/groomsmens’ attire fittings
• Confirm honeymoon plans, tickets, reservations, etc.
• Give attendants a list of their duties

Final Week Checklist

• Pack for your wedding night and honeymoon (Remember your passport if needed.)
• Pick up wedding gown (Remember to properly store it so it doesn’t get wrinkled.)
• Pick up groom’s attire (Remember to properly store it.)

Rehearsal Day Checklist

• Bring favors, decor, guest book, ring pillow, etc. to ceremony and reception locations
• Give everyone in wedding party a detailed schedule of events for the wedding day
• Review ceremony seating with ushers
• Make final payment to vendors for services rendered

If you have any questions about our wedding photography or to book your wedding with Bella Lumiere Photography, please contact us.