Wedding Countdown Checklist

Planning any event – especially a wedding – is mainly a question of getting organized. If you're wanting to book a popular band or DJ, an exclusive hotel or a prized florist, you may need to start planning as much as 12 to 24 months in advance. We've included a basic breakdown of what lies ahead. One item to remember that is not on this checklist: Enjoy yourself too!

12-6 months before

• Announce your engagement.
• Decide on a date and the kind of wedding you want – formal with seated dinner, casual with buffet, etc.
• Go over the budget with your parents, if they're bankrolling, and discuss who will pay what.
• Pick the site for the ceremony and visit the officiant with your fiancé.
• Interview a wedding planner if that's the direction you are leaning.
• Work on the guest lists.
• Choose your wedding party.
• Select the color scheme for the wedding.
• Visit various reception sites; reserve one.
• Choose a caterer.
• Enroll in a couple bridal gift registries, allowing for different price ranges. Pick items you'd want, but wouldn't buy for yourself.
• Start shopping for your gown, accessories, and attendants' dresses.
• Interview photographers and florists and hire your selections. Consider hiring a videographer.
• Book your musicians and/or DJ.

• Order invitations and other wedding stationery, such as thank you cards, response cards, etc.
• Begin shopping for your cake. (Make sure you sample everything.)
• Arrange accommodations for out-of-town guests.
• Make a map with directions to the ceremony and reception site(s).
• Make honeymoon reservations. Obtain necessary documents, such as passports, birth certificates, etc.
• Select formal wear for groom and groomsmen.
• Arrange for the rehearsal dinner.
• See a physical and arrange for a blood test, if needed in your state.

• Complete the guest list.
• Pick reception music.
• Order wedding cake.
• Meet with caterer or banquet manager to discuss reception menu.
• Buy goodies for attendants.
• Shop for wedding ring(s).
• Research requirements for license.
• Complete honeymoon plans.

• Buy something special for the groom.
• Do a hair, makeup and headpiece run-through.
• Have a final dress fitting.
• Meet with party rental companies if special supplies, such as tents, tables, etc., will be needed for reception.
• Mail invitations.
• Order candy wrappers, printed napkins, etc.
• Formal wedding portraits? Now's the time. Also make list of all pictures you want taken (bride; bride and groom; bride, groom and pet, etc).
• Submit song list to musicians for what you do and do NOT want to hear.
• Keep record of gifts received. Send thank-you's ASAP or you'll regret it.
• Pick up wedding ring(s).

• Decide seating for reception.
• Make sure all attendants have a copy of the wedding-day schedule. Appoint someone guest book attendant.
• Confirm details with caterer, florist, etc. Give caterer final guest count.
• If there will be a name change, do necessary paperwork.
• Make appointment with your favorite beauty consultant.
• Figure out how gifts will be moved from reception to home.
• Send photo with wedding announcement to newspaper(s).

• Host bridesmaids' party.
• Confirm rehearsal plans with wedding party.
• Double-check with florist, photographer, caterer, manager of reception site, etc. Don't be afraid of pestering anyone.
• Place fees in envelopes to be given to the organist, soloist, musicians, minister, etc., on the wedding day.
• Appoint a reliable/punctual friend to take the guest book, cake knife, toasting glasses, etc. to the wedding site early.
• Confirm all planes, trains and automobiles for your honeymoon getaway.
• Attend the bachelorette party (NEVER the night before the wedding!).

• Attend the wedding rehearsal.
• Relax! Take a long hot bath and get a good night's sleep. Remember to practice deep breathing if you get nervous.