Wedding Checklist
Wedding / Commitment Ceremony
(The Don't-Forget List)
For those of you who have decided to make that special commitment, or are thinking about it,
here is a list that might prove to be helpful in planning that special ceremony to celebrate the occasion:
+/- 9 Months Before Ceremony
Decide on type of ceremony:
· Medium - Large: 200, 300, or more guests
· Small - Medium: less than 200 guests
· Formal: black tie and/or after 5 wear
· Casual: dinner down
· Alternative: on the beach, at amusement park, etc...
Thematic: Celtic style, African style, Island style, etc...
Determine a budget
Select location and make reservation
Select colors for ceremony and reception
Choose best man, maid/matron of honor, other attendants
Shop for rings, gown, accessories
Begin selecting attendant attire - have attendants sized if necessary
Begin compiling guest list
Make appointment with wedding planner
Make appointment with minister/person performing ceremony
Make appointment with photographer and/or videographer
Make appointment with caterer and/or cake baker
Determine transportation
· To and from ceremony: personal vehicle, limo, rental
· To and from honeymoon: plane, train, car, cruise liner
Make appointment with Rainbow DJ Service
+/- 6 Months Before Ceremony
Announce engagement
Determine bridal registry and begin making selections
Consult with florist and make selections
Order invitations and stationary
Order passport if needed for honeymoon
Begin securing all honeymoon reservations:
· Plane, train, transportation tickets
· Hotel, bed-n-breakfast, chalet
· Car, camper rental
+/- 4 Months Before Ceremony
Select mother-of-bride and mother-of-groom dresses
Confirm all ceremony attire ordered and/or purchased
Check and complete blood test(s) requirements for marriage license
Begin addressing invitations
+/- 2-3 Months Before Ceremony
Secure accessories such as garter, goblets, and guest book
Secure a personal back-up to handle reception
Make final alterations on wedding party attire
Make arrangements for a portrait
Secure lodging for out-of-town wedding party attendants
Secure gifts for all members of wedding party
Confirm all reservations: ceremony, reception, honeymoon
Secure the ceremony rehearsal: remember to contact all supporting cast
(attendants,
organist, disc jockey, etc...)
Secure arrangements for rehearsal dinner (usually hosted by groom's family)
+/- 6 Weeks Before Ceremony
Mail invitations
Send announcements to hometown and local newspapers
Apply for marriage license
Arrange lodging for out-of-town guest
+/- 1 Week Before Ceremony
Have bridesmaid's luncheon, present gifts
Begin packing for honeymoon
Make appointments with barber, stylist, manicurist, etc.
Give final estimate of guests to caterer
Check all final details: baker, florist, photographer, videographer, etc.
Groom: give marriage license and officiating person's fee to best man
Make arrangements with someone to return rental tuxes and/or other items
Day of Ceremony
Meet with hairdresser
Begin dressing 1-1.5 hours before ceremony
Give wedding rings to best man and/or maid/matron of honor
Parents of the groom are seated 5 minutes before ceremony
Mother of the bride is seated immediately before processional
Place travel tickets with change of clothes and luggage
After the Honeymoon
If you are taking a new surname, call the respective agencies for driver's license,
social security card, postal, and bank accounts changes
Determine adjustments to be made with insurance policies
Complete "thank you" cards
