Check List
9 to 12 Months Before Your Wedding:
- Choose your wedding date and time
- Meet with Officiant. At this meeting, discuss any pre-marital conditions and reserve the date and time of your Wedding
- Set tentative wedding budget and decide how the expenses will be shared
- Estimate number of guests from both sides. This estimated number is very important as it will be required when shopping for a reception location
- Select and book your reception location. At this time you should also have in mind the type of menu your would like
- Choose your bridal party
- Shop for a wedding dress, head piece, shoes and other accessories
- Book your Disc Jockey, musicians and other entertainment for ceremony and reception
- Consider hiring a Wedding Consultant
- Book your photographer
6 to 9 Months Before Your Wedding:
- Publish your engagement in your local newspaper
- Select and book your mode of transportation to and from ceremony and reception
- Determine final guest list with all parties
- Register with shops who offer Bridal Registries
- Choose and book your florist
- Select and order your invitations
- Consult with your travel agent and book honeymoon. At this time, it is also wise to prepare all passport information
- Shop for Bridesmaid dresses and accessories
- Shop for your wedding bands
4 to 6 Months Before Your Wedding:
- Decide on your speakers for your reception - Master of Ceremonies etc.
- Book men's formal wear
- Finalize all guest information and begin to write your invitations
- Order wedding favours
3 Months Before Your Wedding:
- Make arrangements to obtain your marriage license
- Begin to make arrangements for your hotel room after your reception. It is also an opportune time to book a block of rooms to accommodate out of town guests
- Complete all wedding invitations
- Schedule fittings for all bridal attire. Make sure you bring your Bridal shoes
- Consult with your Officiant to plan your wedding ceremony. At this point, book an appointment with the organist or soloist
- Arrange rehearsal details
- Order your wedding cake; ring pillow; garter; knives & servers; guest book and fountain pen
- If your reception site does not provide liquor, now is the time to contact a wine and liquor representative and obtain a liquor license
- Book an appointment with hairdresser and make-up artist.
2 Months Before Your Wedding:
- Verify all details with all hired professionals, including florist; limousines; photographers/videographers etc.
- Mail all wedding invitations to your guests
- Arrange with someone to house sit
- Organize rehearsal dinners
1 month before your wedding:
- Arrange trial run of Bridal hair and make-up
- Finalize honeymoon details with travel agent
- Submit a layout of reception to Disc Jockey, Master of Ceremonies; and any other party who plays a role at a particular time
- Select and purchase attendants' gifts
- Arrange change of address and all other forms of Identification that need to be changed
- Determine your travel needs - that is, a new suitcase, swimsuit etc.
- Bride: Start wearing your wedding shoes on a daily basis to work them in
2 Weeks Before Your Wedding:
- Finalize guest numbers with caterer or hall. At this time, inform them of any special exceptions you may require - food allergies, vegetarian meals, etc. This step may require you to contact any guests who have not yet replied to your invitation
- Pick up gown and Bridal party dresses
- Pick up airline tickets; travelers cheques
- Verify accommodations for out of town guests
- Prepare a checklist of details to be assigned to bridal party
- Organize your gown preservation and cleaning. This task can be completed while you are on your honeymoon
- Prepare seating plans, seating cards and master guest list for reception
- Pick up wedding bands. Make sure they fit
- Best man should organize final formal wear fittings the men in the Bridal party. He should also arrange to return the Groom's attire the next day
- Book facials, waxing and any other esthetics that are required
- Finish packing for your honeymoon
- Arrange transportation for Bridal party from ceremony to photos or reception
2 Days Before your Wedding:
- Give wedding bands, marriage license, and payment envelopes for Officiator and musician to Best Man
- Rehearsal dinner takes place and gifts are given to wedding party
Day Before Your Wedding:
- Have a manicure and pedicure
- Pick up formal wear
- Take a trip to your reception site to ensure that the location is ready for the reception. This will be your last chance to set up.
- Get a good night sleep
Day of Your Wedding:
- Have a good, healthy breakfast
- Transfer your engagement ring to your right hand
- Be dressed and ready for photographer/videographer approximately 2 hours before the ceremony or according to your arrangements
- Hairdresser and make-up artist will arrive according to your arrangements