12 Month Wedding Checklist

After the engagement dust settles, you'll need to get down to the business of planning your wedding.

Wedding planning can be no small undertaking so we've put together a 12 Month Wedding Checklist to help you stay focused and organized. Listed below is the entire 12 month list - however, for a printable version, please visit http://www.thewedclub.com/weddingchecklist.html

12 Months Before

• Select a wedding date and time
• Start a budget and establish who will pay what expenses
• Determine style and size of the wedding you want (including the guest list)
• Reserve a location for both the ceremony and reception
• Book your photographer
• Book your wedding consultant
• Check with your wedding officiant for any pre-marital requirements
• Create a personal wedding website

9 Months Before

• Alert out-of-town guests of your wedding date and location
• Research accommodations and have a list available for out-of-town guests
• Finalize color scheme, style of wedding and attire
• Select wedding party
• Start shopping for your wedding gown and bridesmaid's dresses
• Check and secure any rental needs
• Book your ceremony music
• Book your reception entertainment (DJ or live band)Book your videographer
• Book your florist
• Book a bakery and cake
• Select travel agent specializing in honeymoons and book your honeymoon
• Start your honeymoon registry
Book your caterer

6 Months Before

• Order wedding gown
• Choose headpiece and bridal accessories
• Order bridesmaids dress (be sure to get correct measurements)
• Select men's formalwear
• Start your wedding gift registry
• Shop for wedding rings and bands
• Make transportation arrangements
• Book any additional décor
• Arrange for newspaper announcements

4-5 Months Before

• Select your invitation style and wording
• Finalize guest list
• Order all invitations and other stationary
• Book beverage caterer (espresso bar and/or traditional bar services)
• Shop for wedding favors
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• Select the reception menu
• Meet with hair and makeup stylist for wedding day look - do a trial run
• Check for marriage requirements and blood testing laws
• Select and coordinate mother's dresses and accessories
• Make appointment for first fittings for all bridal attire

2-3 Months Before

• Shop for gifts for your attendants
• Schedule 2nd fitting for bridal attire
• Reserve men's formalwear
• Confirm ceremony and reception locations
• Confirm details with all wedding professionals involved
• Finalize honeymoon plans; apply for passports and/or visas if required
• Book accommodations and flights for out town guests
• Select a calligraphy expert to address invitations
• Mail out invitations
• Purchase wedding day accessories: ring pillows, candles, glasses & cake knife
• Book rehearsal dinner location
• Plan wedding party celebrations
• Design and order your wedding program.
• Get your marriage license

1 Month Before

• Start compiling your wedding day schedule
• Prepare a list for table assignments and order of receiving line
• Schedule final fitting for wedding dress and attendants
• Schedule formal bridal portraits
• Begin writing thank you notes
• Finalize rehearsal dinner plans
• Purchase bridal party gifts

Day Before Wedding

• Prepare payment envelopes and choose a responsible person to distribute after the wedding
• Attend Rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
• Relax and go to bed early

The BIG Day!

• Eat a good breakfast and drink plenty of fluids
• Review the day's schedule
• Have your suitcases and travel documents delivered to the hotel

After the Wedding

• Get your dress cleaned and preserved
• Write and mail thank you notes
• Complete your name change kit
• Meet with photographer and videographer to finalize decisions regarding albums and video