Creating Your Wedding Day Timeline…

Upon Engagement
  • Decide on a wedding style

  • Set a budget

  • Select and reserve dates for wedding and reception

  • Choose attendants and officiant

  • Decide on expense sharing

  • Determine number of guests and begin guest list

6-12 Months Before

  • Announce engagement in local paper

  • Choose gown and accessories

  • Choose bridesmaid dresses and accessories

  • Select and book caterer, florist, photographer, videographer, reception, entertainment, ceremony musicians

  • Begin discussing honeymoon plans

4-6 Months Before

  • Complete guest list
     
  • Buy going away outfit
     
  • Plan and book honeymoon
  • Select a baker and order a wedding cake
     
  • Check marriage license and blood test requirements
     
  • Order wedding invitations and stationary supplies

2-3 Months Before

  • Select men’s formalwear
     

  • Arrange wedding transportation and accommodations for out-of-town guests
     

  • Have mothers select dresses
     

  • Confirm all arrangements: officiant, wedding & reception locations, flowers, catering, baker, musicians, videographer, photographer
     

  • Reserve any rental equipment for reception/ceremony
     

  • Finalize honeymoon plans
     

  • Address and mail invitations to arrive 4 to 6 weeks before the wedding
     

  • Plan rehearsal and rehearsal dinner

1 Month Before

  • Final fittings for bride and bridesmaids
     

  • Purchase gifts for attendants
     

  • Get wedding accessories ready: ring pillows, candles, guest book
     

  • Start record book for gifts, keep up to date with thank you notes

2 Weeks Before

  • Arrange name and address changes on bank accounts, credit cards, drivers license, etc.

  • Confirm rehearsal time and date with all wedding party members

  • Contact guests who failed to return RSVP

1 Week Before

  • Provide final guest count to caterer

  • Make chart of seating arrangements

  • Make place cards

  • Confirm honeymoon reservations; get tickets

  • Pack for honeymoon

The Day Before

  • Finalize seating chart

  • Assign duties to wedding party members, such as distributing corsages and boutonnieres, seating guests at dinner, etc.

  • Rehearse ceremony, have rehearsal dinner

Wedding Day

  • Get a massage

  • Bring to church:

Rings

Marriage license

All accessories

Emergency kit: spare stockings, sewing needs, safety pins, etc.

Give officiant’s fee to best man for presentation after the ceremony

If the pictures are being taken before the ceremony, the entire wedding party should be ready two hours before.

 

Compliments of  www.GreatLiveMusic.com (Music for Minnesota Weddings)