Wedding planning checklist. Adobe Stock
Westchester Magazine’s handy timeline of everything you need to do and when to do it to make your wedding run smoothly.
12+ months before
♦ Set a budget.
♦ Search and book venues for ceremonies and receptions.
♦ Pick a date and time for the wedding and check with all key vendors (reception venue, ceremony location, etc.) and close family and friends to ensure the date works.
♦ Assemble a wedding planning team. Decide whether you will have a wedding planner, or whether you will go about things alone or with a few trusted friends.
♦ Start compiling your guest list.
♦ Choose your wedding party.
♦ Host an engagement party.
9 months before
♦ Register for gifts.
♦ Shop and order your dress.
♦ Book your caterer, band or DJ and photographer and/or videographer.
♦ Meet with florists to finalize your floral decor.
♦ Research and reserve hotel room allotments for out-of-town guests.
♦ Order stationery.
♦ Elect an officer.
6-8 months before
♦ Create a wedding website.
♦ Book musicians for your ceremony.
♦ Order bridesmaid dresses.
♦ Start planning your honeymoon.
♦ Send save-the-date cards.
4-6 months before
♦ Rent tents, tables, chairs, furniture, etc.
♦ Attend a pre-wedding consultation if needed.
♦ Buy wedding rings.
♦ Buy the groom’s and groomsmen’s clothes.
♦ Meet with bakers and order your wedding cake.
♦ Rent transportation for the wedding day.
♦ Have your first dress rehearsal. Remember to bring the shoes and lingerie you will be wearing on your big day.
♦ Plan your rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.
♦ If necessary, renew your honeymoon passport.
♦ Research and book transport for the day from.
4 months before
♦ Hire a calligrapher for your invitations. Your stationer may have one that they recommend or use regularly.
♦ Book your stylist and try out your wedding day look.
♦ Book a makeup artist and make a trial appointment.
2-3 months before
♦ Participate in your shower.
♦ Send out your invitations.
♦ Write your vows and/or meet with your officer to discuss the ceremony schedule.
♦ Buy gifts for your parents, the wedding party, and each other.
♦ Send out your rehearsal invitations.
1 month before
♦ Apply for a marriage license in the city where you are going to get married. Check with the town clerk what information/documents are needed.
♦ Attend your last dress fitting. Have someone present to learn how to bust your dress on the wedding day.
♦ Check in with your wedding party to make sure they have everything they need.
♦ Make last minute adjustments with vendors.
♦ Prepare a wedding program to distribute at the ceremony.
♦ Plan and put together welcome baskets for out-of-town guests.
♦ Attend bachelor/bachelorette parties.
2 weeks before
♦ Book spa and mani/pedi appointments.
♦ Review the final RSVP list and call any guests who did not respond.
♦ Compile a shot list for the photographer and videographer, including a list of official shots and when they will be taken.
♦ Provide your band/DJ with the final song list, including songs on your Do Not Play list.
♦ Breaking in shoes.
1 week before
♦ Provide the receiving venue/caterer with the final number of staff including vendors such as photographer, videographer and band/DJ to ensure plates are made for them.
♦ Provide the site manager with a list of requests from other vendors.
♦ Prepare a seating plan for the reception.
♦ Print place and place cards or give them to a calligrapher.
♦ Prepare a schedule for the day (when vendors will arrive, who will do what) and share this with the managers and vendors at the ceremony and reception site.
♦ Call Wedding Vendor to confirm details.
♦ Groom: Get your hair cut.
♦ Start packing for your honeymoon.
2-3 days before
♦ Have your dress ironed or steamed if necessary.
♦ Groom and Groomsmen: Go to final fitting and collect formal attire.
♦ Give place cards, place cards, favors, menus, etc. to the receptionist.
♦ Call the limo or car rental agency to confirm pickup times and locations.
♦ Bring welcome baskets to the hotel.
1 day before
♦ Get manicure and pedicure.
♦ Provide emergency contact information to providers.
♦ Write checks or arrange balances due with the wedding hosts.
The night before
♦ Bring a unit candle, aisle runner, yarmulke, or other ceremony supplies to the venue.
♦ Rehearse the ceremony.
♦ Give the marriage certificate to the registrar.
♦ Take part in the rehearsal dinner.
♦ Present gifts to the bridal party.
♦ Give wedding rings to the best man and maid of honor.
♦ Assign a family member or companion to be the emergency contact for the ceremony and reception site leaders and the photographer.
day of
♦ Give gifts to parents and each other.
♦ Make sure to stay hydrated and eat something.
♦ Have fun!
Wedding planning complete!
After the wedding
♦ Arrange for the rental items to be picked up.
♦ Have someone take your dress for safekeeping and bring back the groom’s clothes (if rented).
♦ Write and send thank you notes for guests and vendors who have been helpful.
♦ Change your name. If you need help with this, sign up for the name change service at www.MissNowMrs.com.
Related: Fabulous Weddings at 4 Different Price Points