12 MONTHS PRIOR YOUR Throw an optional party. Let the Look into a website or local calligrapher to decide on festivities begin! a style for Save The Dates and Invitations

Figure out your overall budget and who the Consider how to collect your RSVPs – mail or CHECKLIST contributors are – BBB’s Guide to Budgeting website? You have enough Organize your wedding materials in a folder or Create a wedding website so your guests have a to worry about binder reference of the information they will need to know - follow this list Start a wedding calendar to keep track of due dates Set up tastings with your caterer to make sure you don’t miss Create a wedding mood board of your style – this Look into bridal shows and shops for bridal gown will help your vendors bring your vision to life ideas anything so can relax on your • Your Colors: Research local vendors including: caterers (if your special day. venue doesn’t provide), bakeries, photographers, videographers, florists, DJs or musicians, officiants Choose your bridal party and transportation services. Set up to meet them face to face after your know they are available on your Figure out your overall budget and who the chosen day– BBB’s Most Trusted Vendors contributors are – BBB’s Guide to Budgeting Your Budget: Decide where you would like to get married (a basic geographical region)

Decide when you would like to get married (by season) Your Wedding Date:

Do your research of different venues that appeal to you (reception & ceremony) Notes: Start setting up venue tours and gathering wedding packages

Optional: Set up an engagement shoot. Like your photographer? Ask them if they are available on your chosen date!

Decide how much work you can currently take on and hire a , if needed

Begin a guest list and start gathering addresses 9 - 10 MONTHS PRIOR 6 - 8 MONTHS PRIOR Wedding Resources

BBB Resource Links: Lock in your and ceremony venue – Research hotels near your venue and contact about a desirable venues can book up to 1 to 2 years in advance! block to include on your invitations Common Wedding Scams Look into bridal shows and shops for bridal gown ideas Extra Wedding Venue Charges Choose 3 stores/sites for your and Transportation Tips Purchase your wedding gown so you have plenty of time for visit! Caterering Tips alterations Photographer Tips Look into invitations and how you would like to design Look into a healthy fitness and beauty schedule DJ Tips them (reception cards, RSVP insert, etc.) Decide on your bridal party attire to give your party plenty of time to get their attire Choose if you wish to have programs and menu cards and the design Lock in your vendors, file your contracts and know your dates –

Photographer Discuss possible favors Name: Research hair and make-up stylists and book Contact Info: Start shopping for wedding bands and purchase Caterer Name: Research different bakeries and schedule tastings

Contact Info: Book your bakery and schedule tastings

Florist Bakery Name: Name:

Contact Info: Contact Info:

Officiant Look into rentals if your venue doesn’t provide – chairs, Name: lighting, linens, etc.

Contact Info: Book your transportation after you decided on your hotel DJ / Musician Transportation Name: Name: Contact Info: Contact Info: 3 - 5 MONTHS PRIOR 1 MONTH PRIOR Wedding Resources

Book your own room at the hotel of your choice Check in with your vendors – make sure they don’t need anything BBB Resource Links: more from you Common Wedding Scams Book your rehearsal dinner location and make plans with your venues for the rehearsal the night before Lock in your seating arrangement for your venue/caterer Extra Wedding Venue Charges Transportation Tips Buy bridal shoes prior to fittings Depending on your DJ’s schedule, make sure you provide your song Caterering Tips list, entrance music, , etc. Decide on your rehearsal dinner guest list and make sure Photographer Tips everyone is informed Finalize your name cards with the right information needed for your DJ Tips caterer Order your wedding favors Confirm with your bridal party and parents the timeline Book your hair stylist (if you haven’t already done so) and schedule your hair trial

Research and book your if you choose to take one 2 WEEKS PRIOR (Do you need a passport? Passports can take up to 4 to 6 weeks)

2 MONTHS PRIOR Pack for your honeymoon and make sure you have everything you need (Some honeymoon retreats require proof of a license for discounts)

Mail out your invitations! Prepare yourself to track your Plan for your honeymoon time – pet care, etc. accepts and declines (and your possible dish choices) Get that final haircut and color Writing your own vows? Prepare all your readings and ceremony wording Purchase your wedding party gifts and the groom/ and parental gift Look into getting your and make sure you have everything you need - Ohio Marriage License Info Verify that you have your wedding bands and marriage licenses

Purchase / plan out your guest book Go through your RSVPs and verify with the non-responded

Optional: Order your menus and programs

Start working on seating arrangements

Go shopping for any attire touches: veil, jewelry, , cuffs, etc

Finalize your last fitting for the bridal gown

Make sure that your bridal party has their attire 1 WEEK PRIOR Wedding Resources

Depending on your caterer, provide a list of guest dishes and any dietary needs

Verify that all payments are paid and accepted

Give one final contact to your vendors to verify correct times

Prepare gratuity envelopes

DAY BEFORE

Give your bridal party / parent gifts

Set up a time to get a manicure / pedicure with your party

Attend wedding rehearsal and dinner

Get some sleep!

DAY OF Congratulations!

Take your time getting ready and try not to get those pre-wedding jitters so you can enjoy each and every moment.

Make sure you do your rounds and thank everyone for coming

GET MARRIED!

BBB’s After Wedding Resource Links: Honeymoon Tips House Renovations Life Planning Buying a House