A wedding can overwhelm even the MOST organized bride with its rush rush, and it’s whirlwind of events, which will fly by faster than you can imagine. There’s little time with all the tasks in consideration. Here’s a guide to help guide you in the right direction. If you should choose to hire a professional (highly recommended), you can have an idea here just how much is involved and whether or not you wish to do this yourself or not! Either way, have fun with your planning and congratulations on your engagement!
12 – 16 Months before the wedding
Choose a wedding date.
Start a wedding file.
Decide on a wedding budget.
Discuss & Choose the style and formality of your wedding.
Put an announcement of your recent engagement in the local paper.
Hire a wedding planner or consultant.
Start shopping for your gown.
8 – 10 Months before the wedding
Select your bridal party and request their participation in your special day.
Hire your Photographer and Videographer.
Start shopping for your Band or DJ.
Decide on bridesmaids dresses.
Start compiling names & addresses for the guest list.
Sign up for a gift registry.
Engagement party. It’s a great way to get the families and friends together beforehand!
5 – 7 Months before the wedding
Finalize the guest list.
Shop for your wedding stationery.
Arrange hotel & guest accommodations.
Select your wedding cake.(tasting…YUM!)
Begin preparations for your honeymoon.
4 Months before the wedding
Book your florist.
Shop for your wedding bands.
Visit your physician (marriage license blood test required in some states)
3 Months before the wedding
Send out your invitations.
Select tuxedos.
Arrange for rental of items needed for your ceremony and reception.
Discuss finalized menu options and costs with your caterer.
Arrange transportation/ limousine service for the wedding party to the ceremony and reception.
Order wedding favors and ribbons (imprinted).
Shop for bridal party gifts.
Begin any necessary counseling
2 Months before the wedding
Choose your wedding music and share your selections with your Band or DJ.
Select a location for your rehearsal dinner and make the necessary reservations & deposits.
Confirm with formal wear shop that they have received all measurements of every male attendant.
Schedule your alterations and final fitting for the gown.
Schedule fittings for the bridesmaids and flower girl.
Make arrangements for your “Bridesmaid Luncheon” and other “Pre-Wedding Parties.”
Order address labels with you & your future husband’s new name & new address.
This adds a personalized touch when sending out your wedding thank you cards.
Confirm your order with the florist.
1 Month before the wedding
Design your wedding programs.
Apply for your marriage license.
Have a final gown fitting.
Choose all of your wedding accessories.
Visit your hair stylist, work on a style with your veil.
Visit your make-up artist the same day.
Hair & make-up done, have your formal bridal portraits done.
Discuss and finalize details with wedding service providers.
2 Weeks before the wedding
Call any guests that haven’t sent back their response card (there will almost always be a few).
Give the caterer a finalized head count.
Pick up your marriage license.
Give your DJ or Band a list of songs that you may have come up with since your last contact with them.
Confirm rehearsal plans with your officiate and church wedding coordinator.
Obtain any legal information regarding changing your name for: Drivers License, Social Security Card, etc.
Complete floor and seating plan for reception.
Confirm all rental and floral delivery dates and times.
Confirm arrival time for all attendants.
Check parking arrangements.
1 Week before the wedding
Make any last minute seating arrangements/adjustments.
Organize your wedding day attire, make sure you try everything on & it fits perfectly.
Confirm honeymoon reservations.
Confirm reservations for out-of-town guests.
Pack for your honeymoon.
Pick up passports (if necessary).
Gather all necessary documents for travel.
Confirm rehearsal plans with attendants and request that they arrive on time.
Confirm reservations for the rehearsal dinner.
Pick up formalwear.
Bridal Shower and Groom’s Shower should be held on this week, keep the excitement flowing.
Have a relaxing massage.
1 Day before the wedding
Go through your list of things to do and make sure all your bases are covered.
Pack your wedding day emergency kit.
Get a manicure and pedicure.
Put wedding attire and accessories together.
Give rings to best man.
Try to get a good night’s sleep!
FINALLY! YOUR WEDDING DAY!
Eat Something! It will help the Pre-Wedding Jitters if you have something in your stomach!
Get your hair and make-up done (wear a button up shirt to keep everything perfect).
Have someone check the reception site. (as early as possible)
Dress for your wedding.
Have candid photos taken with family.
Enjoy, you’ve worked hard !! Most Importantly… If anything doesn’t go according to plan, don’t worry, your guests probably won’t even notice the difference!
Brian MacStay Photography is now booking weddings for 2014.
Brian serves the greater San Francisco Bay Area, the Monterey and Carmel Peninsula, Wine Country including Sonoma County and the Napa Valley, the East Bay, San Jose, Sacramento, and wedding destinations worldwide.
We also frequent weddings in the Denver, Colorado area.
Contact Brian today for pricing and availability.