What Happens Next?

So you've gotten engage, now what happens next? Here's a neat Wedding Planning Timeline to help you plan for the many tasks ahead of you. If you have any helpful hints to add or you feel should be included give us your input. We'd love to hear from you.

Wedding Planning Timeline

9 to 12 months prior to your Wedding Day

• Tell your parents, important family members, and close friends your good news!



• Arrange for the bride and groom's families to meet, if they haven't done so already_



• Announce your engagement either in the newspaper, on a wedding website with an email sent out to all your friends, or in the most traditional way, with mailed engagement announcements.



• Decide who's paying for the wedding, or who's going to contribute to your wedding.



• Choose your Wedding Date.



• Set your Wedding Budget.



• Hire a Wedding Consultant or Planner, if desired.



• Start preparing your wedding guest list.



• Mail Save The Date Cards to your guests.



• Meet with the Officiant or Clergy.



• Start your search for a Ceremony location.
  
  
• Shop for Professional Videographer & Photographer, Caterer, Florist, and Musicians ( Band, DJ, etc...).



• Begin your search for the Perfect Wedding Gown, carry with you any photos or magazine you have deplicting the type and style of Gown you desire. Also, begin your search for Bridesmaids Gowns. Starting your search now will allow ample time for alterations and fittings.



• Select your Rehearsal and Reception Site or begin your search for these sites.



• Both Bride and Groom should agree on a Bridal Registry.



• Select your Bridemaids and inform them of their selection.



• Check state requirements for blood testing.



• Go with your fiance' to apply for the marriage licence.



• Plan and reserve your location for bridemaid's luncheon.
  


• Attend Bridal Showers.



• Begin Shopping for Wedding Rings.


• Shop for and order Invitations, Announcements, Thank You Notes. As soon as you receive your Announcements Mail Wedding Announcements to guests living abroad.



• Choose your Honeymoon destination, and make your Airline and Hotel Reservations.



• Apply for passports, if you do not already have them.

8 to 6 months prior to your Wedding Day

• Select your Ceremony Location and Time.



• Mail Wedding Invitations to Guests, fine tune your guest list if needed.



• Make final selections for Professional Videographer & Photographer, Caterer, Florist, and Musicians ( Band, DJ, etc...).



• Make final Selection of Wedding Gown and Bridesmaids Gowns. Have all alterations completed.



• Select Rehearsal and Receptions site if you did not make your selection earlier.



• Shop for and Order Wedding Favors.
  
  
• Draft your Wedding Reception timeline. Share and Discuss your reception timeline with all parties involved.



• Call your Photographer to set up a time for the Bridal Portrait.



• Shop for a Party Rental Place and make Reservations for rentals.



• Manage your Gift Registry and add gifts if needed.



• Order Wedding Rings from your selected jeweler.



• Purchase Your Wedding Shoes and Lingerie.

12 weeks prior to your Wedding Day

• Request a meeting with your Officiant or Clergy to discuss the specifics of your Wedding Ceremony.



• Choose gifts for the Groom and your Wedding Attendants.



• Schedule a consulatation with your hair stylist. Have her do a test drive Wedding Day Hairstyle.



• Search for a makeup artist, or consult a professional for DIY tips.
  


• Arrange for guest parking at your Ceremony and Reception.
  


• Reserve hotel rooms for out-of-town guests.



• Go over your menu and bar options with your Caterer or Banquet Manger.



• Order Ceremony Decorations such as aisle runners.



• Purchase your Wedding Day Accessories.



• Find out when to submit your Wedding Announcement to your local newspaper.



• Get a Professional Facial.



• Make any necessary moving arrangements.



• Order your Wedding Ceremony Programs.



• Submit name change forms to Social Security Office and local Department of Motor Vehicles.



• Discuss Bachelor (ette) party plans with your wedding party.
  


• Organize the clothes you will need for your Honeymoon.



• Buy send off accessories such as rose petals, biodegradeable confetti, bubbles or sparklers, etc...



• Buy a Guest Book, Guest Photo Signature Mat, Guest Signature Platter, or Guest Signature Vase.



• Write Toasts for your Reception.



• Confirm the Photographer and Videographer's arrival and departure time and locations.
  


• Confirm the Flower and Arrangements delivery time and locations.



• Confirm the Cake Delivery date, time, and location.



• Confirm the the Groom, Groomsmen, Flower Girl, and Bridesmaids have all their accessories.
  


• Make sure your Musician has a Play and Do Not Play List.



• Confirm the Wedding Date, Time and Location with Your Musician.

Month of Wedding Ceremony

• Draft your Wedding Reception plan.
  


• Complete your final vows.



• Make or order your Place Cards.



• Confirm your wedding Date, Time and Location with your hairstylist.



• Give your final Guest count to your caterer.
  


• Pick up your Wedding Dress.



• Confirm your Honeymoon Reservations.



• Remind all Attendants of the Rehearsal Details.
  


• Pack for your Honeymoon.



• Purchase or make a Wedding Day Emergency Kit.

Day Prior to your Wedding Day

• Hold your Wedding Rehearsal and Rehearsal Dinner.



• Rehearse the Ceremony.



• Get Manicures, pedicures and massages to reduce stress.

• Try to get at least 8 hours of sleep.

Your Wedding Day

• Relax, Relax, Relax, Now's the time to sit back and enjoy all the fruits of your labor and planning.

After Your Wedding

• Freeze the top layer of your Wedding Cake after your Reception.

• Preserve your Bouquet.



• Have a Professional Clean and Preserve your Wedding Dress.



• Write your Thank You Notes within three months of your Wedding Day.