Below is the suggested order in which you both tackle the tasks involved with having a smooth and relaxed Wedding Day Print the page (4 pages).Please tick as you complete each item.
In the Beginning Consult with fiancé & all parents about budget Select and buy engagement ring Engagement Party Decide if you wish to have a theme Hire wedding consultant ( If you want one, shop around) Register for gifts (Do before pre-wedding showers or parties)
Next Locate & book wedding venue Select attendants and ushers - 1 usher per 50 guests Begin guest list - get approx. head count Give bridesmaids guest list for showers Select clergy, celebrant or JP with fiancé Book Pre-marital counselling: priest, minister, rabbi Arrange wedding dress, Hire, purchase or have made Select attendants' dresses and accessories Schedule fittings for bridal attire (Depends on delivery dates of attire) Pick bridal accessories, veil, shoes, etc. Arrange for Flowers Make appointment with hairstylist (bride &/or maids) Order wedding rings & engraving Buy going-away outfit (if necessary) Break in bridal shoes - wear around house (Don't want sore feet ...)
Arrangements Locate & book reception venue Plan reception, decorations, etc. Hire videographer (Often photographer can arrange) Hire photographer Hire caterer (if necessary) Book musicians Reserve rental equipment for ceremony & reception. Consider tents (marquees), lights, heaters for outside sites (Remember gift, cake tables too)
More Arrangements Book organist and wedding soloists Select ceremony music Order invitations & announcements (Thank you cards, napkins, matches, more envelopes) Tuxedo rentals & fittings for groom & groomsmen (Or coordinate suits to be worn) Book transportation for wedding party Book calligrapher (if needed) Select baker & sample cakes Order wedding cake Plan liquor needs if caterer doesn't do it (May need liquor license) Arrange for speakers at reception
Official Arrangements Get the marriage license Do name change paperwork, licence, banks, etc Consult with travel agent about honeymoon Update passports, visas, inoculations, etc Make sure homeowner's insurance covers ring/gifts (Also may want to check on life insurance policies) Check & change insurance policies (Household, life, car, etc.) File change of address if moving to new home Pick up honeymoon tickets, travellers cheques, etc.
Getting Closer Select menu with caterer Finalize guest list - compile addresses Do maps and directions for out-of-town guests (Include with invitations) Address invitations and mail Confirm details with florist (bouquets, boutonniere's, mothers'/fathers' corsage) and Floral arrangements for both venues Finalize ceremony with celebrant Design and print ceremony programme Buy accessories, ring pillow, goblets, candles etc (Don't forget cake knife and server) Take dance lessons if desired Mothers select their dresses Hairstyle, makeup, headpiece trial run Pick up wedding rings Give photo wish list to photographer (Use our Photo List) Plan recording and displaying of wedding gifts Choose gifts for attendants and ushers Final dress, headpiece & all clothing fitting Give song list to musicians Arrange for day of wedding errand runner (Friend or hired hand for last minute details) Try on wedding bands for fit (Just in case...) Confirm transportation plans Complete honeymoon plans with fiancé Reserve wedding night accommodations (May be included in reception package) Try on wedding attire for all participants Call expected guests who haven't responded Make reception seating plans & place cards Stag and/or Hen Parties arrangements Confirm rehearsal plan with celebrant & attendants Groom & groomsmen get haircuts, if necessary Finalize reception count with caterer
Final Stage Preparations Arrange for out-of-town guest accommodation (Look for special wedding block room rates) Work out traffic and parking issues (May be taken care of depending on venues) Send out of town guests hotel and city info (Give them a jump on travel plans) Order reception favours, if desired Give gifts to attendants (Can be done at rehearsal or earlier) Wedding rehearsal Give wedding rings to best man & maid of honour (May be done on wedding day) Review duties with wedding participants, attendants, groomsmen, and ushers Pick up rental wedding attire Record gifts & send 'thank you's as received (Same for showers & other wedding related parties) Address wedding announcements (Mail after wedding) Arrange for dress cleaning & flower preservation Confirm accommodations for out-of-town guests Give honeymoon contact info to someone (In case of emergencies where can you be reached) Pack for honeymoon (It's getting close...) Last minute details with all service providers Label envelopes with fees for celebrant etc. Assign person to pick up gifts/cash from reception Bride get a manicure (Relax, enjoy ...)
The Day Eat a light, nutritious breakfast & perhaps lunch (You'll need the energy, trust me) Bride & attendants have hair done and make-up Sign & witness marriage license Pay balance due to service providers (some may require earlier payment) Pay celebrant, musicians, etc. (Have envelopes prepared.) Mail wedding announcements (For people not invited but want to notify) Someone take dress/veil to be cleaned/preserved (Make sure cleaner is experienced in wedding dresses) Someone take bouquet to be preserved (Or hang upside down to dry)
And Finally... Send gift thank you cards (Or when back from honeymoon - within 2 months of wedding) Double check ALL arrangements for Honeymoon.
