Wedding Planner

WEDDING PLANNER

& name name

location(s)

ceremony time reception time CALENDAR CHECKLIST

This is an ideal timeline. Couples who do not have as much time as shown should plan their wedding in much the same order, using the checklist as a guide. Be sure to check things off as they are completed or cross out if it doesn't apply to your plans.

IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE ENGAGEMENT

 Discuss budget, size and style of the wedding.  Make all transportation arrangements to Decide who pays for what. and from the wedding and the reception.

 Contact a travel agent if planning a  Start shopping for wedding dress and destination wedding. bridesmaid dresses.

 Choose a wedding date and time. Check vendor  Reserve florist. availability prior to setting a date.  Reserve wedding night suite and blocks of  Create a system to organize your thoughts, rooms at hotels for out of town guests. photos, worksheets, etc. (binder, web  Initial catering consultation - tasting folder, Pinterest account). appointment shortly thereafter and  Enlist the services of a wedding planner. book caterer.

 Make initial contact with vendors  Select your wedding party. Select one and obtain references. usher for every 50 guests.

 Tour and reserve ceremony and reception  Appoint someone to act as "organizer" to sites; make initial catering contacts. troubleshoot any problems that might arise and make sure everyone is where they need  Meet with officiant; schedule premarital to be the week of the wedding. counseling.  Book engagement photo session well enough  Reserve photographer. in advance to use photo in save the dates.  Reserve videographer.  Find out in your local area where they  Make arrangements for ceremony and publish or post engagement reception music, and other entertainment announcements, and requirements. (photo booth, flipbook, DJ, etc.).  Select and order wedding dress.

9 MONTHS OR BEFORE

 Reserve rental items that are larger in size  Shop for formalwear. (tents) or high in demand (chairs).  Mail save the dates (consider including  Contact a travel agent to plan your room block information). honeymoon; put down a deposit.  Book your salon professional to ensure the  Begin passport acquisition process. preferred date and time. Check with your salon for how far in advance they book  Compile the guest list and guests' addresses. wedding parties.  Consult with stationer about save the date  Select and order undergarments. design concept. 6 MONTHS OR BEFORE

 Look for alteration specialist (if someone  Place your formalwear orders. other than bridal shop).  Finalize order for any rental items including  Choose and order bridesmaid dresses. serviceware, linens, décor, etc.

 Reserve your baker (earlier if your wedding  Meet with stationer to determine invitation is during a peak time) & have a design style and colors; place order and begin consultation. proofing process.

 Reserve your rehearsal dinner venue and  Implement diet and exercise program. choose menu.  Sign up for dance lessons. Choreograph  Have florist consultation and choose flowers. special dance routine to “wow” guests.

 Get measurements for those renting formalwear. 4 MONTHS OR BEFORE

 Create wedding registries and continue to  Select and order mothers dresses. update them every couple of weeks.

 Order ice sculpture.

3 MONTHS OR BEFORE

 Discuss ceremony plans with officiant.  Give videographer wedding day timeline and any other pertinent information.  Start monitoring the hotel blocks on a weekly or monthly basis so you can adjust the  Give gentle reminder to any anyone number and type of rooms set aside if necessary. that has not yet been measured for formalwear.  Begin dress alteration process for bride and bridesmaids.  Verify event cost with caterer once they determine availability and seasonal  Contact photographer to go over timeline fluctuations. and any new details. Discuss how family portraits and other group shots will be handled.  Address wedding invitations. Verify date, time, and location particulars.

2 MONTHS OR BEFORE

 Mail invitations. tie up loose ends before flowers are ordered.

 Purchase all accessories and shoes.  Meet with invitation specialist for programs, place cards, escort cards, favors, and any  First dress fitting; Schedule second dress other signage including guest books, hosted fitting for a couple weeks later. bar signs, etc.

 Buy a wedding gift for future spouse and  Meet with ceremony and reception gifts for attendants and helpers. musicians/DJs to choose music.  Schedule a follow up meeting with florist to 1 MONTH OR BEFORE

 Final appointment with ceremony site  Review this checklist to make sure nothing coordinator to solidify final plans. has been missed.

 Confirm formalwear choices; check that  Complete change of address information for everyone has been measured. post office, if necessary.

 Final appointment with reception site  Keep current with “Thank You” notes for coordinator to solidify final plans. showers and early wedding gifts.

 Do a trial run for hair and makeup.  Shop for and purchase wedding bands. If wanting custom rings, decide on ring  Check in your local area where wedding design. Once prototype is created, approve announcements may be published or posted or make changes to proposed design. and what are the requirements.  Make final payment to travel agent.  Finalize plans for rehearsal dinner.  Finalize orders for programs and day-of  Make final tweaks to rental items list, wedding accessories. if necessary.

 Plan seating arrangements for the rehearsal dinner and reception.

2 WEEKS OR MORE BEFORE

 Final dress fitting.  Break in wedding shoes.

 Give the final guest count to your baker and  Inquire about where the couple and verify all details. attendants will dress for the ceremony.

 Finalize list of names for place cards or  Review all details. Walk through the entire escort cards. event considering things like parking, access for handicapped guests, etc.  Apply for marriage license. Be sure to bring all needed documents.  Turn in final guest count to caterer.

 Inform or send rehearsal invitations, including  Pick up rings. exact time and location, to those who will  Receive travel documents from travel agent. attend the rehearsal/rehearsal dinner.

1 WEEK BEFORE

 Get any needed haircuts, trims, waxing.  Enjoy a day with family and friends. Visit a day spa, have a massage, a facial, and  Check in with ceremony and reception relax. venues to inform them of any last minute details.  Check in with officiant, caterer,  Review final details for those in the wedding party. photographer, videographer, musicians,  Pack for the honeymoon. DJ, florist, driver, etc. to finalize and verify details. 3 DAYS BEFORE

 Pick up wedding gown, un- bag gown at  Drop off guest welcome bags for hotel home after pickup. to distribute.

1 DAY BEFORE

 Get a manicure and pedicure.  Attend the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner and give gifts to attendants.  Visit formalwear retailer for final fitting and pick up.  Organize gown, accessories, etc. to go to ceremony.  Get any final shampoos, beard and mustache trims.

WEDDING DAY

 Hair, makeup, etc.  Stay hydrated & nourished.

 GET MARRIED!  Any money due or cash tips for waitstaff and vendors is given to wedding coordinator or person designated by the couple to hand out. 1-2 DAYS AFTER

 Return rented formalwear.  Mail wedding announcements.

 Return other rental items.  Don't forget to send thank you notes in a timely manner. notes: BUDGET EXPENSE RECORD

Use totals from the following worksheet pages.

Estimate Actual

Bridal Gown (include alterations) ______

Headpiece/Accessories ______

Hair/Makeup ______

Suit or Tuxedo ______

Engagement Ring ______

Wedding Bands ______

Invitations/Stationery ______

Photography ______

Videography ______

Music/Musicians ______

Wedding Cake/Sweets ______

Flowers ______

Ceremony Costs (officiant, venue, license) ______

Ceremony Decor ______

Reception Decor ______

Rentals ______

Favors ______

Food/Beverage Catering ______

Rehearsal Dinner ______

Reception Venue Rental ______

Reception Entertainment (photo booth, etc.) ______

Transportation ______

Gifts (attendants, parents, others) ______

Gifts for each other ______

Honeymoon ______

TOTALS $ ______$ ______WEDDING ATTIRE

Bring proper undergarments and shoes to fittings.

Store: ______Email: ______Phone: ______Address: ______Consultant: ______Gown Description (color, fabric, lace, style, etc.): ______Price: ______Date Ordered: ______Date Promised: ______Fitting Appointments: ______

Store: ______Email: ______Phone: ______Address: ______Consultant: ______Formalwear Description (color, designer, style, etc.): ______Price: ______Date Ordered: ______Date Promised: ______Fitting Appointments: ______

WEDDING ACCESSORIES

Headpiece & Veil: ______Price: ______Bra/Bustier: ______Price: ______Body Stocking: ______Price: ______Nylons: ______Price: ______Garter: ______Price: ______Hoop/Slip: ______Price: ______Shoes/Socks: ______Price: ______Jewelry: ______Price: ______Wrap/Cape: ______Price: ______Suspenders: ______Price: ______Purse: ______Price: ______Something Old: ______Something New: ______Something Borrowed: ______Something Blue: ______THE ATTENDANTS

Name/Title: ______

Name/Title: ______SPECIAL PARTICIPANTS

Usher: ______

Reader: ______

Personal Attendant: ______

Other: ______

Other: ______ATTENDANTS' ATTIRE

Dress Store: ______Email: ______Phone: ______Address: ______Consultant: ______Gown Description (color, fabric, lace, style, etc.): ______Price: ______Date Ordered: ______Date Promised: ______Shoes: ______Price: ______Jewelry: ______Price: ______Undergarments: ______Price: ______Handbags: ______Price: ______Wrap: ______Price: ______

Other: ______Price: ______

Formalwear Store: ______Email: ______Phone: ______Address: ______Consultant: ______Formalwear Description (color, designer, style, etc.): ______Date Measurements Needed By: ______Date Ordered: ______Date Promised: ______Price: ______

Check with the formalwear shop for information on how to get out-of-town attendants measured and fitted. Remind attendants to make an appointment for fittings. Advise them to bring proper undergarments and shoes to all fittings. PRE-WEDDING DETAILS

ENGAGEMENT RING

Jeweler: ______Email: ______Phone: ______Address: ______Contact: ______Description of Ring: ______Price: ______

WEDDING BANDS

Jeweler: ______Phone: ______Email: ______Address: ______Contact: ______Description of Rings: ______Price: ______notes: INVITATIONS & STATIONERY

Stationer: ______Email: ______Phone: ______Address: ______Contact: ______Date Ordered: ______Date Promised: ______Description/Notes: ______

STATIONERY CHECKLIST Be sure to order extra!

ITEMS QUANTITY PRICE

 Save the Dates ______

 Invitations ______

 Programs ______

 Response Cards ______

 Place Cards ______

 Escort Cards ______

 Table Numbers ______

 Menu Cards ______

 Guest Book ______

 Rehearsal Dinner Invitations ______

 Thank You Cards ______

 Thank You Gifts ______

 Specialty Cards ______

 Napkins ______

 Favors ______

 Signage ______

 Other ______INVITATION WORDING SAMPLES

TRADITIONAL BRIDE’S TRADITIONAL COUPLE PARENTS SPONSORING SPONSORING WEDDING

Mr. and Mrs. William Andrews The honour of your presence request the honour of your presence is requested at the marriage of at the marriage of their daughter Sarah Lynn Andrews Sarah Lynn to to Michael James Brooks Mr. Michael James Brooks on Saturday, the tenth of September on Saturday, the tenth of September at half past two o’clock. at half past two o’clock St. Patrick Church St. Patrick Church Lake Geneva, Wisconsin Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

TRADITIONAL COUPLE’S LESS FORMAL BRIDE’S PARENTS SPONSORING PARENTS SPONSORING

Mr. and Mrs. William Andrews We ask only those dearest in our and hearts to join us in celebrating the Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Brooks marriage of our daughter request the honour of your presence Sarah to at the marriage of Mike Brooks Sarah Lynn at half past two o’clock on Saturday, to September tenth Michael James St. Patrick Church on Saturday, the tenth of September Lake Geneva, Wisconsin at half past two o’clock Mary and William Andrews St. Patrick Church Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

COUPLE SPONSORING WEDDING SAME SEX COUPLE WITH DIVERSE FAMILY SPONSORING WEDDING

Sarah Lynn Andrews Please join us as we, and Dylan and Michael James Brooks Robin together with our families, celebrate our wedding ceremony invite you to celebrate our marriage on Saturday, the tenth of September on Saturday, the tenth of September at half past two o’clock. at half past two o’clock St. Patrick Church St. Patrick Church Lake Geneva, Wisconsin Lake Geneva, Wisconsin WEDDING REGISTRY

Store: ______

Address: ______

Email: ______Phone: ______

Website: ______

Store: ______

Address: ______

Email: ______Phone: ______

Website: ______

Store: ______

Address: ______

Email: ______Phone: ______

Website: ______

Store: ______

Address: ______

Email: ______Phone: ______

Website: ______notes: REGISTRATION CHECKLIST

 Dining: Casual  Dining: Formal  Kitchen  Bedroom notes:  Bathroom  Living/Household  Garage  Restaurants  Travel/Honeymoon  Outdoor/Sporting Goods  Charity GIFTS FOR OTHERS

GIFT ITEM(S) PRICE

 Attendants ______

 Mothers ______

 Fathers ______

 Bride ______

 Groom ______

 Personal Attendant ______

 Other ______

 Other ______FAVORS

Favor Item(s): ______From: ______Email: ______Phone: ______Address: ______Price: ______Date Ordered: ______Date Promised: ______Details: ______SHOWERS

SHOWER NO. 1

Host/Hostess: ______Email: ______Phone: ______Location/Address: ______Date: ______Time: ______Type of Shower: ______

GIFT GIVER THANK YOU

______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ SHOWER NO. 2

Host/Hostess: ______Email: ______Phone: ______Location/Address: ______Date: ______Time: ______Type of Shower: ______

GIFT GIVER THANK YOU

______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ THE REHEARSAL

AT THE CEREMONY SITE

Rehearsal Date: ______Time: ______THE REHEARSAL DINNER

Site: ______Address: ______Email: ______Phone: ______Contact: ______Date: ______Time: ______Menu: ______Price: ______REHEARSAL & REHEARSAL DINNER GUEST LIST

GUEST NAME INVITE SENT

______

______ WEDDING DAY DETAILS

BEAUTY

Salon: ______Email: ______Phone: ______Address: ______Stylist: ______Appointments: 1) ______2) ______3) ______Price: ______

WEDDING PARTY

Salon: ______Email: ______Phone: ______Address: ______Stylist/Services: ______Appointment: ______Spa Day: ______Price: ______notes: THE CAKE

Bakery:______Email: ______Phone: ______Address: ______Contact: ______Date Ordered: ______Date/Time Promised: ______Price: ______Delivery Information: ______

OTHER SWEETS

Bakery:______Email: ______Phone: ______Address: ______Contact: ______Date Ordered: ______Date/Time Promised: ______Price: ______Delivery Information: ______ Cupcakes  Cookies  Pies  Candies  Ice Cream/Sundae Bar  Other ______TRANSPORTATION

Company Name: ______Email: ______Phone: ______Contact: ______Type/Description (carriage, limo, etc.): ______Pickup Date: ______Time: ______

Length of Rental Time: ______Capacity: ______Price: ______Additional Time Charge: ______

 Bachelor/ette Party  Couple to Ceremony  Couple to Reception

 Couple to Hotel  Others to Ceremony  Others to Reception

 Other Transportation: ______MUSIC

CEREMONY

Musicians: 1) ______Phone: ______Price: ______Email: ______Musicians: 2) ______Phone: ______Price: ______Email: ______

MUSICAL SELECTIONS:

Processional: ______Ceremony: ______Recessional:______

RECEPTION

Musicians/DJ: 1) ______Phone: ______Price: ______Email: ______Musicians/DJ: 2) ______Phone: ______Price: ______Email: ______

MUSICAL SELECTIONS:

Couple's First Dance: ______Grand Entrance or March : ______Couple/Parent’s Dance: ______Other Requests: ______OTHER ENTERTAINMENT

 Photo booth  Flipbooks  Lawn Games  Other

Professional: ______Email: ______Phone: ______Contact: ______Date Ordered: ______Date/Time Promised: ______Price: ______Details: ______DANCE LESSONS

Professional: ______Email: ______Phone: ______Address: ______Lesson Dates: ______Price: ______Details: ______notes: PHOTOGRAPHY

Business Name: ______Phone: ______Email: ______Address: ______Photographer’s Name: ______Price: ______

Take list to photographer: discuss which shots are posed, candid, in color, or black & white.

Tip: The more you get done before the ceremony allows for more fun at the reception!

BEFORE THE CEREMONY

 Getting Ready  Both with Entire Wedding Party  Each Alone  Flowers  First Look  Invitation Suite  Each with mother  Rings  Each with father  Accessories/Jewelry  Each with their parents  Other ______ Each with Special Attendants  Other ______AT THE CEREMONY

 Guests outside  Couple saying vows  Ushers escorting guests to seats  Ring ceremony  Parents being seated  Child Attendants  Couple's entrances  The kiss  Attendants at alter  Couple exiting  Giving-away ceremony  Other ______ Altar during ceremony  Other ______

BEFORE THE RECEPTION

 Couple’s hands or rings  Each with Special Attendants  Couple  Both with Entire Wedding Party  Each Alone  Couple with all parents  Each With Mother  Couple with each family  Each with Father  Couple looking at each other  Each with their Parents  Other ______ Couple with all parents  Other ______AT THE RECEPTION

 Couple arriving  Couple feeding cake  Grand Entrance  Couple toasting  Buffet table & food stations  Bouquet & garter tosses  Cake/Sweets  Couple dancing  Couple seated at table  Decor  Special dances  Other ______ Couple talking with guests  Other ______ Couple cutting the cake  Other ______

VIDEOGRAPHY

Business Name: ______Email: ______Phone: ______Address: ______Videographer’s Name: ______Price: ______

 Rehearsal  Pre-Ceremony  Ceremony  Reception

Capture these moments, special people, etc. notes: FLORAL & DECOR

Florist: ______Email: ______Phone: ______Address: ______Salesperson: ______Delivery Date/Time/Place: ______Description (bouquet style, colors, flower types): ______FLORAL & DECOR CHECKLIST

ITEM QUANTITY PRICE

 Bouquet ______ Attendant Bouquet(s) ______ Flowers For Hair ______ Flower Girl Petals, Miniature Bouquet, Flower Head Crown, Pomander Ball, or Flower Baskets ______ Corsages (Pin-on, Wrist, or Hand-tied posy; Mothers, Grandmothers, Personal Attendant, Honored Guests) ______ Boutonnières (Attendants, Fathers, Grandfathers, Ringbearer, Godparents, Honored Guests) ______ Ceremony Entrance ______ Aisle Decor ______ Arch/Alter Arrangements ______ Flowers for Unity Candle ______ Memorial Flowers ______ Reception Entrance ______ Guest Book Table ______ Escort Card Table ______ High Top Cocktail Tables ______ Hors D’oeuvres Area ______ Dining Table Centerpieces ______ Buffet Line ______ Sweets Table ______ Reception Ceiling & Chandeliers ______ Around Dance Floor ______ Toss Bouquet ______ Bar ______ Bathroom ______ Lounges ______ Vehicle ______ Signage ______OTHER DECOR

 Ice Sculpture  Other

Professional: ______Email: ______Phone: ______Address: ______Delivery Date/Time/Place: ______Description and Costs: ______LIGHTING

Lighting Specialist: ______Email: ______Phone: ______Address: ______Contact: ______Date Ordered: ______Date/Time Promised: ______Placement and Details: ______Price: ______

Gobo Design Sketch: RENTALS

VENDOR: 1) ______Email: ______Phone: ______Address: ______Contact: ______Items to Reserve for Ceremony/Reception: ______Pickup/Delivery Date: ______Time: ______Return Date: ______Time: ______Deposit: ______Price: ______

VENDOR: 2) ______Email: ______Phone: ______Address: ______Contact: ______Items to Reserve for Ceremony/Reception: ______Pickup/Delivery Date: ______Time: ______Return Date: ______Time: ______Deposit: ______Price: ______

VENDOR: 3) ______Email: ______Phone: ______Address: ______Contact: ______Items to Reserve for Ceremony/Reception: ______Pickup/Delivery Date: ______Time: ______Return Date: ______Time: ______Deposit: ______Price: ______THE WEDDING DAY

THE CEREMONY

Site: ______Address: ______Phone: ______Contact: ______Email: ______Officiant: ______Costs: ______Date: ______Ceremony Time: ______Arrival Time: ______

PREMARITAL COUNSELING DATES & TIMES: 1) ______2) ______3) ______4) ______

ITEMS TO REMEMBER TO BRING TO THE CEREMONY SITE:

 Marriage license  Personal wedding vows & Readings  All clothing, shoes, and accessories (if getting dressed on site)  All jewelry (bridal accessories, bridesmaid accessories, wedding rings)  Unity candle (and lighter if necessary)  Guest book and pen  Programs  Flowers (if not delivered by florist) including corsages, boutonnières, decor, bouquets, etc.  Ceremony decor  Send-off items (birdseed, bubbles, doves, butterflies, balloons, ribbon wands, sparklers, etc.)  Other: ______THE RECEPTION

Site: ______Address: ______Phone: ______Contact: ______Email: ______Date: ______Time: ______Price: ______Caterer: ______Menu: ______Beverages: ______Caterer will also provide: ______Price: ______notes: COMMON CEREMONY Choose whatever attendants & order you wish: Bridesmaid, & RECEPTION LINE-UPS Bridesman, Groomsman, Honor Attendants, Best Man/Woman, Matron/Maid/Man of Honor.

OFFICIANT

BRIDE GROOM MAID OF BEST HONOR MAN ATTENDANT ATTENDANT CEREMONY ATTENDANT ATTENDANT

MOTHER OF FATHER OF FATHER OF MOTHER OF BRIDE GROOM ATTENDANT ATTENDANT THE BRIDE THE BRIDE THE GROOM THE GROOM RECEIVING LINE

BRIDESMAID BRIDESMAID GROOMSMAN GROOMSMAN BRIDE

BRIDESMAID GROOM BRIDESMAID GROOMSMAN GROOMSMAN HEAD TABLE

TRENDY ALTERNATIVES

HEAD TABLE SWEETHEART TABLE: Instead of sitting at a more traditional head table, the couple can enjoy a little alone time by sitting at their own two-seater dining table. The wedding party then sits together with their dates at regular guest tables. KING’S TABLE: A king’s table is a longer, larger rectangular or square table in the middle of the room where the couple, attendants and their dates, or whomever the couple chooses to sit around it. This creates a more intimate feel with everyone sitting face to face at the table, as well as being surrounded by all the lovely wedding guests on both sides of the couple.

PARENTS' TABLE SEPARATELY HOSTED TABLES: Instead of traditionally seating the parents and officiant at one table, each set of parents hosts their own table of close family and friends. This works especially well in situations with divorced parents, allowing everyone to sit with people they enjoy while remaining separate. The officiant and his or her date is incorporated into one of the other guest tables. AFTER THE WEDDING THE HONEYMOON

Travel Agency: ______Address: ______Phone: ______Contact: ______Email: ______Destination: ______Departure Date: ______Return Date: ______Travel Notes: ______Costs: ______PACKING LIST:

 Casual Outfit(s) (shirts, pants, shorts, shoes) ______ Formal Outfit(s) (dress, shoes) ______ Underwear  Hosiery/Socks  Bras  Hair Brushes/Combs  Sleepwear  Swimwear  Coat/Jacket  Hats  Make-up/Skin Care  Toothpaste & Brush  Deodorants  Shaving Supplies  Hair Care  Electronic Chargers  Sunscreen/Bug Repellent  ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______GIFT OPENING PARTY

Location: ______Email: ______Phone: ______Address: ______Date: ______Time: ______

GIFT GIVER THANK YOU

Obtain a copy of your new marriage certificate from the Register of Deeds.

Take your certificate to the Social Security Office and change your name there. You may now begin to use your new name.

Then, take the certificate to the Department of Motor Vehicles and change your name there. UPDATE EACH OF THE FOLLOWING WITH YOUR NEW NAME:

 Banks  Medical Care Provider

 Contracts  Mortgage Lender

 Professional License–Notification Letter  County Tax Assessor

 Credit Card Companies  State Tax Commission

 Employer (fill out new W-2)  Wisconsin Dept. of Revenue

 Estate Planning/Retirement Documents  U.S. Passport

 Insurance Companies  U.S. Postal Service

 Investment Companies  Utility Company

 Leases and Mortgages  Voter Registration

 Legal Documents  Wills

NOTE OF CAUTION: It is a felony to make copies of a marriage certificate. If proof is required, send your actual certificate with a self-addressed, stamped envelope and a request that they return it to you. notes: