If you are currently engaged, then I’d like to say congratulations to you. The next thing for you to do is get to work, and map out that dream wedding of yours. If you are able to get your preparation in order, then there is little reason why you should ever have to worry.
In order to prevent you from losing your mind, I have created a wedding planning timeline to help you.
9 to 12 months before the ceremony, your wedding planner timeline should be to:
* Engagement has been announced.
* The type of wedding that you want must be planned out, whether it’s informal, formal, evening or day, and the number of guests coming.
* Specify a day that you are to wed.
* Work out your budget; make sure you determine who will be responsible for which expenses before any plans are made. Your future in-laws and parents should be a part of this discussion. Remember to be respectful to them. Any money that you’re able to get from them should be accepted as a gift.
* Devise your guest list; make sure both your future in-laws and parents are a part of this discussion.
* Have a chat with the officiant, whether that is the Rabbi, Priest, or Minister.
* Make sure you reserve both your reception and ceremony locations.
6 to 9 months before the start of your wedding
* Select a bridal gown for the wedding.
* Decide who you want as your attendants, such as the Best Man, Ushers, Ring Bearer, Flower girls, Braids maids etc.
* Choose a photographer for the wedding.
* Make sure you have dresses and accessories for the bridesmaids, remember to be considerate of the suggestions made by those who you intend to wear the clothes.
* If you need to, select a caterer.
* Hire a DJ or a Band, it’s your choice.
* Your florist should be booked.
4 to 5 months before the start of your wedding
* Make sure you have fittings scheduled for your attendants and self, don’t forget to include the flower girls.
* Make sure all rental items that are required for the reception and ceremony are researched.
* Finalise your guest list.
* Order all the required stationery, whether that is thank you notes, wedding invitations and wedding programs.
* Address all your invitations or you could hire a professional calligrapher to do it for you.
* Make sure you plan your rehearsal dinner, set your location, date and time. The groom’s parents are usually the ones to give this dinner.
* Make sure you have accommodations arranged for the guests who will be out of town during the wedding.
* Begin making plans for your honeymoon, the groom is usually the one to arrange this, after the decision on location has been made. Make sure all travel documents and passports are with you.
* Register for all gifts.
* Purchase all the accessories and shoes that you need, make sure your shoes have been broken in before the wedding.
2 to 3 months before the start of the wedding
* Order your chosen wedding cake.
* Make sure all party favours have been ordered.
* All necessary decorations must also be ordered.
* Transportation for wedding day should be booked.
* Purchase the rings for the wedding.
* Visit your lawyer for all necessary wills or prenuptial agreements.
5 to 8 weeks before wedding starts
* All gifts for wedding attendants should be purchased.
* Make sure you mail out invitations, that should consist of a map, so that the guests can locate the reception and ceremony sites.
* Visit your hairstylists, so you can decide on the type of hair style for the big day. Make sure all major changes to your hair, like hair colour, are made 3 to 4 weeks before the wedding.
* Have a wedding portrait taken.
* Send out wedding announcements to newspapers, if you want.
* Make sure all names and addresses have been changed on your social security cards, driver’s license, bank accounts etc.
* Make sure all wedding attire has been reserved for the ring bearer, ushers and groom.
* Mail out your invitation to the rehearsal dinner, if you feel it’s necessary.
* Obtain your license to get married.
* You can get a blood test, if you like.
* Plan out your bridesmaid luncheon.
2 to 4 weeks before the start
* Make sure all the details on the ceremony have been confirmed with officiates.
* Arrange all the final fittings that are required for the bridesmaid’s dresses and gowns.
* Make the final selections for your floral.
* Finalise all rehearsal dinner plans you have.
* All service providers must have your confirmed details, its best practice if you give them a list of your entire wedding day timeline.
* Try to get in contact with guests who haven’t already responded to your initial invitation.
* Go and collect the wedding rings for the special day.
* Arrange a meeting with your photographer so that you can talk about any special photos that you would like taken.
* Arrange a meeting with the band or DJ you selected, so that you can decide with them the songs you want played.
* Go out and purchase the make-up or special accessories that you might have decided you want your attendants to wear.
* Ceremony seating’s for any special guests you might have, should be determined, and give this list to your ushers.
* Plan out the seating for your reception; write the names of the guests on place cards.
You’re on your last week, so you’re almost done
* Arrange for your wedding attire to be picked up.
* Have your final guest count figures and then notify your caterer.
* Arrange for the pickup car, after your reception.
* Make sure you review all events and arrangements over with your service providers.
* Make sure your honeymoon reservations have been confirmed.
* Pack everything for the honeymoon.
Your finally there, your wedding day!
* If you don’t have a ring bearer, then give the wedding rings to your maid of honour or best man.
* Make sure your best man is given the money to pay the officiant after the ceremony has finished.
* Have fun, all the wedding planning help provided plus your hard work should have paid itself off.
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