Free Wedding Planning Guide
and Checklist
Great Ideas and Tips for the Perfect Day
With so much to do, every bride needs a surefire way
to get organized and stay on track as she countdown
toward that all-important day. Here's a guide and checklist
you won't want to be without.
12 Months Before
*Buy a wedding planner and organizer (The only realistic
alternative to not being well organized is hiring a
wedding consultant to manage the details for you.)
*Talk with your fiance (and parents if they will be
paying the bill and adding to the guest list) about
the size and a budget, possible date, and location for
the wedding.
*Reserve the ceremony and reception sites. (If the
wedding will take place in a large city, don't dilly
dally on this one. Wedding venues can be booked up solid
for a year.)
*Begin shopping for your dress. (You could be looking
for that perfect gown for months, and most shops need
at least four months to fill an order. Look for styles
appropriate for the wedding venue and time of day.)
*Shop for or begin making save-the-date cards.
*Send your engagement announcement to newspapers.
10 Months Before
*Make an appointment to meet with your clergyman. (At
the time you make your appointment, let him know your
wedding date. You and your fiance should arrange to
meet with him as soon as possible, especially if you
live in a large city or are planning to write your own
wedding vows.)
*Begin scouting around for a baker, caterer, florist,
musicians, and photographers. (Once you have found them,
ask about and review price options.)
8 Months Before
*Research honeymoon destinations and prices.
*Begin the guest list. (Generally, half of the invited
guests are the bride's and half are the groom's.)
*Order your dress.
*Book vendors and musicians or a dj.
*Choose bridal registries and gifts you would like
to receive.
*Reserve a block of rooms for out-of-town guests.
6 Months Before
*Mail save-the-day notices.
*Select menu and flower arrangements.
*Order wedding stationery.
*Shop for bridesmaids' dresses.
*Reserve rentals (tents, fans, etc.).
*Make honeymoon and flight reservations.
*Reserve hotel room for your wedding night.
4 Months Before
*Finalize guest list.
*Have first dress fitting.
*Order wedding rings.
*Schedule rehearsals.
*Find out if blood tests will be required.
*Get change-of-name forms.
*Visit the formalwear shop.
2 Months Before
*Shop for lingerie and honeymoon clothes.
*Pick out shoes. (When you get them home, don't forget
to scuff up soles to prevent slipping.)
*Mail wedding invitations.
*Finalize vows and give copies to clergyman and groom.
*Select gifts for attendants.
*If necessary, get change of address forms from post
office.
1 Month Before
*Have final dress fitting.
*Pick up rings.
*Have programs printed.
*Confirm all reservations.
*Send announcement to newspapers.
2 Weeks Before
*Get marriage license.
*Make final arrangements with photographer.
*Organize seating plans.
*Begin writing thank-you notes.
*Type up toasts for the rehearsal dinner and reception.
*Give final guest count to caterer.
1 Week Before
*Pack for the honeymoon.
*Make necessary banking arrangements.
*Host bridesmaids' party and distribute gifts.
*Pick up wedding dress.
*Confirm rehearsal dinner plans with attendants.
1 Day Before
*Have manicure and pedicure.
*Attend rehearsal and dinner.
*Mail announcements.
Wedding Day
*Eat breakfast.
*Visit hairstylist and have nails touched up.
Best Wishes! Ê
© 2005 Bachcroft Publishing. All Rights Reserved.
About the Author
Jean Bachcroft is a former public relations director,
founder of Bachcroft Labels, and the publisher and editor-in-chief
of Town and Country Shopping Bargains Magazine.
For designer wedding, holiday, and year-round mailing
and return address labels, visit Bachcroft
Mailing and Return Address Labels.
|
