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Your wedding timetable
Schedule helps you track early preparations, final steps
 
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   Planning is the key to an enjoyable and hassle-free wedding day. For a large formal wedding, arrangements should be made starting eight to 12 months ahead of time. But it is certainly possible to plan a beautiful ceremony in less time. Regardless of your schedule, a timetable will help you handle all the details and remember the many deadlines. Get ideas from the articles in this handbook, let your suppliers help, and share the planning with your fiance, family and friends.
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Six to twelve months | Four to six months | Two to four months | One to two months | Final weeks
Six to twelve months

Decide budget. Discuss sharing of expenses. SEE: Budget worksheet

Decide type of wedding:  ____ Formal  ____ Semi-formal  ____ Informal

Choose location of ceremony Site:
Phone:

Select clergy or officiant Name:
Phone:

Decide size of wedding party. Choose attendants. SEE: Bridal party list

Select gown, veil and accessories Shop:
Phone:

Select attendants' gowns Shop:
Phone:

Compile invitation list. SEE: Guest list.

Select reception site. SEE: Directory Site:
Phone:

Plan details of reception. SEE: Reception checklist

Select men's formal wear. SEE: Formal wear Shop:
Phone:

Select photographer. SEE: Photo checklist Name:
Phone:

Select videographer. SEE: Video Name:
Phone:

Have engagement photos made Date:
Time:

Submit engagement announcement to newspaper. SEE: Announcing your news

Select florist. SEE: Flower checklist Shop:
Phone:

Select caterer. SEE: Catering. Name:
Phone:

Select bridal registry. SEE: Registry list Shop:
Phone:

Select musicians for ceremony. SEE: Music Name:
Phone:

Select musicians for reception. SEE: Music Name:
Phone:

Discuss honeymoon plans. SEE: Planning your honeymoon, Travel agents, Honeymoon checklist

Order personalized wedding favors. SEE: Favors & sweets
Six to twelve months | Four to six months | Two to four months | One to two months | Final weeks
Four to six months Return to top of file

Order invitations, stationery, wedding programs. SEE: Invitations, Guest list
  Stationer: _____________________  Delivery Date:
Phone:

Finalize honeymoon plans. SEE: Honeymoon checklist
  Travel agency: _________________________________________________ Phone:

Find a place to live. SEE: Your new home, Apartments

Shop for home furnishings

Set appointment for physical exam and to update immunizations.

Order flowers

Shop for wedding bands, order engraving. SEE: Wedding rings, Diamond care

Apply for or renew passports if necessary

Arrange rate for block of hotels rooms for out-of-town guests. SEE: Guest accommodations

Try out new hairstyles you are considering. SEE: Hair salons and beauty services
Six to twelve months | Four to six months | Two to four months | One to two months | Final weeks
Two to four months Return to top of file

Address wedding invitations and/or announcements

Get form for submitting announcement to newspaper. SEE: Announcing your news

Select attendants' gifts, bride's and groom's gifts to each other. SEE: Gifts of food

Set date with fiance to get marriage license. SEE: The marriage license

Schedule fittings for bridal gown, make appointments for attendants' fittings.
  Bridal gown fitting: _____________________ Date:
Time:
  Maid of Honor:_________________________ Date:
Time:
  Bridesmaid:___________________________ Date:
Time:
  Bridesmaid:___________________________ Date:
Time:
  Bridesmaid:___________________________ Date:
Time:
  Bridesmaid:___________________________ Date:
Time:

Reserve rental items for ceremony and reception. SEE: Tents and rentals

Order cakes. SEE: Wedding cakes Baker:
Phone:

Mail invitations to arrive six weeks before wedding

Buy shoes for bride, attendants. Arrange for dying if necessary. SEE: Headpiece, veil, shoes
Six to twelve months | Four to six months | Two to four months | One to two months | Final weeks
One to two months Return to top of file

Arrange for final gown fittings Date:
Time:

Attendants' final gown fittings Date:
Time:

Have formal wedding portrait taken Date:
Time:

Make reservations for rehearsal dinner. SEE: The rehearsal dinner
  Date: _____________ Time: _____________ Place:
Phone:

Make reservations for bridesmaids' luncheon
  Date: _____________ Time: _____________ Place:
Phone:

Confirm honeymoon trip reservations. Get luggage ready, start packing. SEE: Honeymoon checklist

Order reception decorations: balloons, candles, flowers, table favors

Submit wedding announcement and photo to newspaper. SEE: Announcing your news
Six to twelve months | Four to six months | Two to four months | One to two months | Final weeks
Two weeks Return to top of file

Double check attire and accessories for all members of the wedding party.

Confirm time and date of rehearsal with members of the wedding party.

Make reservations for bridesmaids' luncheon

Review reception seating plans and order place cards if necessary.

Arrange to move your belongings to new home.

Arrange for name and address changes: accounts, credit cards, licenses, insurance.

Schedule appointments for personal care:
  Hair styling: _________ Date: _____________ Time:
Phone:
  Facial: _____________ Date: _____________ Time:
Phone:
  Manicure: __________ Date: _____________ Time:
Phone:
  Massage: __________ Date: _____________ Time:
Phone:

Confirm transportation and arrival times for the wedding party.
Six to twelve months | Four to six months | Two to four months | One to two months | Final weeks
One week Return to top of file

Final consultations: caterer, florist, musicians, photographer, videographer, limo.

Pick up wedding rings. Check engravings and sizings.

Give final guest count to reception facility and caterer. SEE: Reception checklist Count:

Host bridesmaids’ luncheon.

Finish packing for honeymoon. SEE: Honeymoon checklist
Six to twelve months | Four to six months | Two to four months | One to two months | Final weeks
The day before Return to top of file

Keep personal appointments. _______________________________________________________________

Relax and get plenty of rest. Your planning is complete.

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