. . The Wedding Countdown

. . Upon Engagement

Remember: Best services are booked early!

  • To overcome any stress-plan well ahead of time.
  • Set wedding date and time
  • Decide of informal or formal type of wedding
  • Discuss and set a budget
  • Reserve your church & reception location
  • Select your photographer, videographer

. . 9 - 12 Months

  • Choose your attendants
  • Select wedding colour scheme, theme
  • Select your gown, attendants' dresses and accessories
  • Select and book men's attire
  • Draw up the bride's and groom's guest list

. . Select the following:

  • caterer (if needed)
  • hall decorator
  • musicians or soloist for ceremony
  • live band or disc jockey
  • florist
  • limousine service
  • wedding cake

. . 6 - 8 Months

  • Order wedding invitations (proof read before printing)
  • Contact a travel agency, make reservations.
  • Arrange for passports and inoculations if necessary
  • Decide on a trousseau
  • Select wedding rings and have them engraved
  • Select mothers' dresses
  • Register with stores that offer bridal registry
  • Reserve rehearsal dining location
  • Book hotel accommodations for out of town guests and attendants

. . 3 - 7 Months

  • Prepare invitations, including all maps to the church and reception
  • Meet with caterer to finalize menu, liquor cost and approximate number of guests. Get all confirmations in writing
  • Obtain a marriage license from City Hall (requires a baptismal or birth certificate). Keep in a safe place, you will need the license at your ceremony
  • Select attendants' gifts
  • Plan rehearsal party/dinner
  • Arrange special music selections for church and reception
  • Select and arrange favors for your guests

. . 1 - 2 Months

  • Mail invitations
  • Finalize gown and attendants fittings
  • Purchase a wedding guest book
  • Purchase a gift for the groom (bride)
  • Finalize seating arrangements for the reception
  • Place wedding announcement in your local newspaper (photo optional)
  • Write out Thank You notes immediately and record the wedding and shower gifts received.
  • Make hair styling and make-up appointments for the wedding day. A trial run is advised.
  • Verify the correct time, addresses of home, church and reception with the following:
  • florist
  • musicians
  • limousine
  • photographer
  • wedding cake
  • videographer

. . 2 Weeks

  • Confirm honeymoon plans with your travel agent
  • Confirm wedding rehearsal date and time with restaurant, hall or caterer
  • Confirm the date and time of rehearsal with attendants and family members
  • Check invitation replies and finalize guest numbers to the caterers.
  • Verify the cost per person of food and beverage; keep a copy of the signed contract.
  • Decide when and where your receiving line will be and who is included

. . 1 Week

  • Pack for honeymoon.
  • Pick up wedding apparel and make sure it fits.
  • Attend rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.
  • Attend bridesmaids' luncheon.
  • Confirm final guest count to caterer.