Wedding Time-Table Planner
Make planning your wedding fun and stress-free. Plan the timeline of your special day by following this checklist.
Before the Big Day:
Nine to Twelve Months
□ Engagement Announcement – You may want to send email announcements instead of the traditional
newspaper one. If you live in a small town or have a community newspaper in your area do both
□ Pick Your Day – Many venues are filled for months to years in advance. If you are set on a specific venue, check
availability before deciding on the date. If you have your heart set on a specific date, be flexible on the venue
□ Pick Your Style – Will your wedding be large, informal, themed? Decide that before any other planning
□ Set Your Budget – How much will each be paying? (bride, groom, bride’s family, groom’s family)
□ Book Your Venue – and the officiant
□ Book Your Caterer – Sample prospective caterer’s work and speak with their previous clients
□ Pick Your Party – Choose your bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girl, ushers, etc
□ Book Your Vendors – Photographer, videographer, DJ, musicians, entertainment, etc. Remember to view
samples of their work and speak with previous clients
□ Make Your List – Start a list of potential guests and gather addresses
□ Plan Transportation – If you are using a limo service, book it now
□ Purchase Wedding Insurance – Plan for the unexpected. Insurance can save you thousands by protecting you
against unforeseen emergencies that may cause the need to reschedule
□ Plan for Travel Requirements – Passports, identification, accommodations, etc
□ Say YES to the Dress – Pick your gown and accessories
□ Planning – Hire your wedding planner
Six to Nine Months
□ Finalize Your Style – Decide on the style and theme of the wedding
□ Flower Power – Select your florist and arrangements
□ Reception – Plan the style and details of your reception
□ Rentals – Decide what rentals you will need (tables, chairs, linens, etc) and reserve them
□ Fashion – Select and order gowns, shoes and accessories for the bridal party along with men’s attire
□ Invitations – Order all wedding stationary.
□ Order rings
□ Order or gather supplies to make gifts and favors
□ Plan and book the honeymoon
□ Gather information about nearby accommodations for your out-of-town guests
□ Plan and begin to gather needed decorations
□ Mail or email save-the-date cards
Four to Six Months
□ Choose Attendants: Ushers, guest book attendant, any ceremony participants,etc
□ Purchase wedding party and attendant gifts
□ Finalize your guest list
□ Gift Registries – Select gift items
□ Plan rehearsal dinner
Two to Four Months
□ Send invitations
□ Order cake
□ Book hairstylist and make-up artist
□ Schedule rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
□ Select vows and readings and meet with officiant
□ Meet with caterer to review menu
□ Order cake
□ Order or print programs, place cards and table cards
□ Purchase accessories (cake knife, guest book, toasting glasses, etc.)
□ Arrange for bartender service and order alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages
One to Two Months
□ Finalizing RSVPs and get a final count of guests
□ Obtain marriage license and certified copies
□ Decide receiving line order, head table and immediate family seating for the reception.
□ Confirm with all vendors. Get a confirmation in writing
□ Give each wedding party member and attendant a checklist of their wedding day responsibilities and a copy of
the schedule
□ Pick up rings
□ Prepare name change documents
□ Plan bridesmaid’s luncheon and bachelor/bachelorette parties
One to Two Weeks
□ Final fittings for bridal and groom’s party
□ Make arrangements to pick up wedding attire
□ Arrange for mail hold or pick up and pet/plant care while on your honeymoon
□ Contact anyone who has not RSVP’d
□ Finalize guest count with caterer
□ Finalize seating arrangements
□ Confirm rehearsal date, location and details with wedding party and arrangements with venue
□ Confirm honeymoon arrangements; make copies of passports and other travel documents
□ Give family and friends copies of honeymoon itinerary in case of emergency
□ Contact rental company to confirm final guest count and delivery/setup schedule
□ Prepare toasts for rehearsal dinner and reception
□ Check the weather forecast the week of your wedding and plan accordingly
Night Before – Rehearsal & Dinner
□ Finish packing for honeymoon
□ Confirm transportation for ceremony and reception
□ Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly
□ Make a list of things to remember tomorrow
□ Deliver all wedding accessories, party favors, etc. to the ceremony and reception sites. Begin
decorating if possible.
□ Have the final payments and tips ready. Assign someone to deliver to the appropriate vendors
□ Review itinerary and seating with attendants
□ Present wedding party and attendants with their gifts
□Rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
Day of the Wedding
□ Breath, Relax and Enjoy!