CHECKLIST AND TIMELINE

Congratulations! Weddings are the start of life together with the one you love and your wedding day should be one of the happiest days of your life!

However, weddings can be ruined by many things so you must read on to discover the wedding secrets guaranteed to make your wedding perfect...

When picking the date for your wedding, you should bear in mind one or two important points. Most weddings take place on the weekend, so if your wedding is on a weekday, make sure of the guests that will be able to make it.

This may sound obvious to you at this point but some of these things may get left by the wayside when you start to get bogged down with all the arrangements you will have to make.

When determining number of wedding guests, make a list of everyone you would like to attend. You will instantly know whether it is possible or if you need to start trimming down.

Have you ever been to a wedding where one side of the church was filled and the other almost empty? Try to evenly split your weddings list between the bride and groom's family.

6 - 12 months before the big day.

  Decide on a date.
  Make an appointment with Church authorities.
  Determine a budget.
  Compose a guest list.
  Set time, location of Ceremony, Rehearsal & Reception Venue.
  Choose Professional Photographer / Videographer.
  Shop for wedding gown: Several fittings will be required.
  Obtain Floral & Music estimates; book services if possible.
  Select brides maids.
  Pick a honeymoon destination: (renew passports & inoculations.)
  Begin selection of a Caterer.
  Set a date to order dresses for bridesmaids.

5 months before the big day.

  Finalize guest lists.
  Order invitations & announcements.
  Order personal stationery & thank you notes.
  Plan reception.
  Choose florist.
  Men choose attire.
  Make honeymoon reservations.
  Choose caterer.
  Confirm delivery of bridal gown.
  Make appointment for bridal portrait.
  Order wedding cake.
  Arrange transportation for the bridal party to & from ceremony/reception.
  Go over details of reception with caterer / hotel manager.
  If you are renting any equipment, reserve now. (arch, floral pillars etc.)

2 months before the big day.

  Inform church authorities of all the details of your ceremony.
  Keep a gift diary - send thank you notes as gifts arrive.
  Fine tune guest list.
  Plan rehearsal dinner.
  Select attendants' gifts, grooms gift.
  Check all services.
  Make moving arrangements.
  Final gown fitting.
  Bridal portrait setting.

1 month before the big day.

  Choose wedding bands.
  Mail invitations.
  Make room reservations for out of town guests.
  Check wedding party apparel.

2 weeks before the big day.

  Plan your wedding day hair style. (bring headpiece & veil).
  Schedule hair appointment for day of wedding.
  Final check on bridal party clothing.
  Arrange for name & address change.
  Check with caterer / reception venue with last minute changes.

1 week before the big day.

  Remind rehearsal dinner guests of time / location.
  Start honeymoon packing/shopping.
  Wrap groom's & attendants' gifts.
  Check wedding announcements, ready to mail day after wedding.
   Bridesmaids' luncheon.
  Schedule rehearsal for 1 - 2 days prior to wedding.
  Remind wedding party of exact time & place.
  Go over final details of ceremony & reception with all parties involved.
  Assign small jobs to family/friends. (pick up guest book, cameras etc.)
  Confirm music arrangements & check selections.
  Make reservations for bridesmaids' luncheon.
  Discuss rehearsal dinner with hosts.
  Apply for marriage licence.

 

1 day before the big day.

  RELAX !
  Have manicure & pedicure done.
  Attend wedding rehearsal & dinner.
  Give ushers guest list.

Wedding Day

  Eat!
   Hair & make-up.
  Check wedding dress (pressing/steaming).
  Have family member check ceremony/reception for left behind items.
  Change of clothes. (If leaving for honeymoon).
  Breath! Enjoy your day.

Wedding Day Helpful hint:

Make an emergency kit:  Include. . . .
Make-up, extra panty hose, bobby pins, safety pins, clear nail polish, comb, hair spray, hanky or tissues, needle & thread (white), aspirins, band aid, toothpaste & brush, dental floss, breath mints..........Sounds funny, but strange things have happened.