The Wedding Checklist
Compliments of
Rent A Bridal Gown

6 - 12 months before the wedding

• Announce engagement.  Use formal printed announcements and/or the newspaper.
• Select a wedding date and time.
• Choose size and style of wedding.   Do you want a formal, informal wedding?
• Set a preliminary budget.
• Schedule a meeting with both sets of parents to openly discuss wedding expectations, costs and responsibilities.
• Hire wedding consultant if you plan to use one.
• Buy a wedding planner or a notebook to remain organized and record decisions.
• Invite attendants to be in your wedding.
• Reserve the ceremony location.
• Choose the officiant for the ceremony.
• Reserve the reception site.  Find out what services are included or available.
• Interview caterers, florists, photographers, videographers, musicians, etc.  Be sure to taste food options, see the work of florists, photographers and videographers.  Listen to or watch tapes of musicians.  Ask for references and discuss deposit requirements and the cancellation policy.  Hire as soon as possible.
• Create a preliminary guest list, including addresses.  Ask all parents to do the same.  Include the relationship (friend, uncle) this helps if the list needs to be shortened. (Hint on friends: to shorten a guest list, if you have not spoken to someone in a year, then it is ok for them to not be on the guest list.)
• Begin planning the wedding ceremony and reception.
• Write out directions and or a map to be included on a separate card with invitation.
• Shop for wedding gown and accessories.  (Make sure you stop by Rent A Bridal Gown first.)
• Start planning the honeymoon.  If you are leaving the country, make sure your passport is up to date and verify any visa requirements.
• Register for wedding gifts.  Develop a system for recording gifts as they arrive and for recording when you wrote the thank-you note.
  

4 - 6 months before the wedding

• Have your parents choose their wears
• Choose and order attire and accessories for bridesmaids.  Keep in mind the time of year and style of wedding.
• Begin drafting invitations.
• Plan your honeymoon
• Shop for your tuxedo's

2 - 4 months before the wedding

• Finish up wedding invitations
  
• Choose gifts for attendants
  
• Buy wedding ring/engraving
  
• Set a date for marriage license
  
• Plan for a rehearsal

1 - 2 months before the wedding

• Buy wedding gift for your groom
  
• Make appointment with hair stylist.
  Would you be hiring a professional makeup artist for the wedding day?
  
• Arrange accommodations for guests
  
• Make sure traffic, parking during the wedding day is accounted for
  
• Pick up wedding rings
  
• Take formal wedding portrait
  
• Plan bridesmaids' party
  
• Don't forget to write a thank-you note for gifts received
  

5-6 Weeks before the wedding

• Mail out invitations

2 weeks before the wedding

• Publish wedding announcement on local newspaper
  
• If you plan to change your name on any official identification, contact the necessary authority at your jobs.
  
• Decide on the seating for reception.  Make cards for the reception tables
  
• Arrange to move your belongings to your new home
  
• Final dress fittings

1 week before the wedding

• CONFIRM every single person you have hired for your wedding.
• Make sure you are on their calendar and all times and dates are correct !  Very Important !!
  
• Make sure caterer, florist and photographer/videographer are ready for the wedding.
• Confirm rehearsal plans with all that will be attending

Your Wedding Day

• Just Have Fun!