Planning Checklist 6 Months or Less

Immediately after getting engaged  Wedding cakes  Florist  Announce your on social media.  Videographer  Have the money talk with your fiancé, your parents  Ceremony musicians. and the groom’s parents to determine who plans to  Begin a fitness regimen. contribute to the budget.  Schedule regular beauty treatments: facials, massages,  Get inspired. Start collecting bridal magazines, pinning Botox, etc. on Pinterest and perusing ArkansasBride.com.  Research hotels for out-of-town guests, and reserve a  Create a wedding binder or buy a wedding organizer. block of rooms for guests  Print off these helpful tools:  Research destinations.  Wedding Planning Checklist  Wedding Budget Spreadsheet  Gown Buying Guide 4-5 Months  Wedding Day Timeline & Checklist  Register for wedding gifts.  Bridal Registry Checklist  Reserve the band or DJ.  Insure your engagement ring.  Order your wedding invitations.  Set a date!  Book honeymoon plans.  Build a wedding website.  Make sure plans for the rehearsal dinner are underway.  Draft a rehearsal dinner guest list. 6 Months—Better get going!  Shop for wedding bands.  Send save-the-dates.  Finalize your budget.  Shop for wedding thank you gifts.  Draft a guest list. You can’t book a venue if you don’t  Pick out wedding shoes, veil, headpiece, and any have an estimate in mind. other accessories.  Choose your wedding party.  Research transportation for the wedding day.  Order your and groomsmen attire ASAP.  Determine your wedding style: choose your colors and/ or theme. 3 Months  Book your wedding venue.  Order custom thank you notes. These will come in  Order your wedding . handy after your upcoming bridal showers.  Hire these key professionals ASAP:  Book bridal beauty treatments.  Photographer  Finalize menu with caterer.  Schedule engagement photos right away.  Order beer, wine and/or liquor now to ensure you get  or event designer the best price. Discuss your needs with a liquor store  Caterer manager for bulk discounts and deals on certain brands.  Officiant  Buy wedding favors. Wedding Planning Checklist, 6 Months or Less

 Add items to your registry, if incomplete.  Confirm rehearsal and rehearsal dinner plans.  Begin gown fittings and alterations.  Do you have the license yet? Take your shoes and accessories with you.  Finalize ceremony readings and vows with officiant.  Book transportation services.  Write and mail any thank you notes left to send. 2 Months Week of  Mail the wedding invitations.  Check in with all wedding vendors to confirm dates,  Email a rehearsal schedule to those obligated to attend. plans and ask questions.  Email a wedding day timeline to the wedding party,  Create a photo checklist or review the list provided house party and close family. by your photographer. Discuss your wishes with the  Be sure your wedding website is updated. photographer.  Begin to relax.  Take your bridal portraits.  Host a bridesmaids luncheon (the weekend before or a  Do a hair and makeup run-throughs. few days before the wedding) to thank your bridal party;  Order programs, menus, place cards, table numbers, etc. present thank you gifts at this time.  can now be obtained. Remember, it’s  Designate a point person for the wedding day to answer only valid for 60 days. vendor and guest questions, troubleshoot issues that  Be sure your wedding website is up-to-date. may arise and pay the necessary gratuities. Be sure to tell your vendors, family, wedding party and out-of-town  Continue gown fittings. Bring your shoes and accessories. guests who this point person is.  Buy your outfit for the rehearsal dinner. Day of 1 Month  Download our Wedding Day Timeline & Checklist  Enjoy any bridal showers and . for a complete guide to your big day!  Have a final meeting or phone call with photographer to run down photo list.  Now’s a good time to check in with your wedding 2 Weeks Later planner and/or day-of coordinator.  Preserve your wedding gown.  Schedule a final walk-through at your venue(s).  Return duplicate or unwanted wedding gifts.  Print programs, menus, place cards, table numbers, etc.  Send thank you notes.  Get your marriage license, if you haven’t already.  Make sure all vendor balances are paid in full and all gratuities have been shared. 2 Weeks Out

 Call and confirm any unconfirmed guests (optional).  Give final headcount to the caterer, and to any bar service providers.  Provide final headcount to reception venue.