Wedding Planning Checklist "A guide for keeping the DIY bride sane while planning her wedding. This easy to follow checklist offers a countdown to your big day listing the most important duties to tackle before you tie the knot. Quickie engagement? Simply bump up your timeline and take care of the most important details first." ~ My Wedding Reception Ideas You're engaged! What next? 5 months to 4 months before your wedding Purchase the remainder of your decorations Determine your budget Attend showers and parties Purchase gifts: Meet with family members who are sharing Meet with family members to discuss Bridesmaids expenses to discuss financial expectations responsibilities of bar, rehearsal dinner, etc. Groomsmen Set your wedding date Choose and ask readers for your ceremony Flower girl Decide on guest size Choose and ask ushers for your ceremony Ringbearer Open a Pinterest account (if you don't Meet with officiant to discuss expectations Parents of the bride Parents of the groom already have one!) Attend any marriage classes required by your church Start pinning inspiration photos and ideas Determine seating arrangements and write Research wedding gowns Arrange wedding transportation out place cards Find ceremony site Make reservations and book transportation for Find reception site Write wedding vows Book officiant honeymoon Write toasts and speeches Book photographer Finalize wedding ring order Finalize bar list and place order Book DJ Order wedding stationery including: Take care of and arrange legal details: Engagement to 9 months before wedding Invitations Name change Write out rough guest list Envelopes, seals, and stamps Bank accounts Choose your theme and/or wedding colors Response cards New social security card application Choose and ask your wedding party Reception cards Book and take engagement photos Direction cards 1 month before your wedding Order Save the Dates (great time to show off Thank you cards (unless using a wedding day Make-up and hair run through your favorite engagement pics) photo) Final fitting for wedding gown Go Shopping: Remind bridesmaids to schedule alterations Order ceremony accessories: Organize wedding supplies to make sure Wedding gown Headpiece and veil Unity candle or sand ceremony set you have everything Jewelry Ring bearer pillow Wrap gifts and write cards Shoes Flower girl basket Aisle runner Confirm duties with: Book caterer Pew decorations Book cake maker Finalize bouquets with florist if needed Readers Book florist Ushers Research wedding day music Order reception accessories: Bartenders Start diet & exercise routine now to relieve Flower pinners Guest book and/or signature mat and pen Decorators stress and keep skin glowing Napkins Guest favors Meet with DJ to discuss song lists, name 8 months to 6 months before wedding Cake serving set Garter pronunciations, etc. Create guest list with addresses Toasting flutes Stay hydrated and get plenty of rest Address and send save the dates Cake topper Register for wedding gifts Card box Research honey moon spots 2 weeks before your wedding Submit engagement photo to newspapers 3 months to 2 months before your wedding Shop for wedding party attire Confirm all services and reservations Discuss wedding colors with mother-of-the- Assemble invitations and take one to the Give final guest count to caterer Pick up wedding gown bride and groom to arrange attire post office to have weighed Make envelopes for payment to vendors and Research wedding day hairstyles Mail out invitations (6-8 weeks before big day) Book make-up and hair appointments write out the checks Choose ceremony musicians Finalize arrangements and orders with: Look at wedding rings 1 week before your wedding Caterer Start shopping for ceremony & reception decor: Cake maker Get rest and hydrate, hydrate, hydrate Florist Pack for wedding night and honeymoon Candles Ceremony musicians Lights DJ Arrange wedding day emergency kit: Centerpieces Photographer Tablecloths Bobby pins Tulle, ribbon, and other fabric Use wedding guest list to keep track of the Safety pins Signs Nail glue Other props rsvp's that you receive. (Also useful for sending Hairspray Candy buffet decorations thank you's after your big day) Make-up for emergency fixes Dinnerware (If the caterer is not providing) Order wedding programs Tissues Barware Get marriage license (and blood tests if Breath, relax, and enjoy your new lives as Other: _________________________ required by your state) husband and wife. Congrats! XOXO Keep all your most important contacts and vendorsThe organized Call and on List hand with this super convenient contact list. Wedding Gown and Alterations: Name: Company: Phone Number: Notes: Photographer: Name: Company: Phone Number: Notes: Caterer: Name: Company: Phone Number: Notes: Cake Maker: Name: Company: Phone Number: Notes: DJ: Name: Company: Phone Number: Notes: Florist: Name: Company: Phone Number: Notes: Other: Name: Company: Phone Number: Notes:.