Wedding Planning Calendar

~ Feel Free to Print this page for your use. ~

This checklist will help you in planning the most important day of your life. Feel free to print it out and give copies to those helping to plan your wedding.

6-12 Months

• Choose the kind of wedding you will have, date and time.
• Discuss the budget, and who will pay for what.
• Consider hiring a wedding coordinator. 
• Make arrangements with the officiator.
• Reserve the wedding and reception locations.
• Select your wedding dress, veil and accessories.
• Choose the bridesmaids, groomsmen, ushers, and honored roles.
• Have a formal black/white photo sitting for announcements.
• Send announcements of your engagement to your fiancé's and your local and hometown newspapers.
• Meet with the florist, photographer, caterer, videographer, and D.J. or entertainment to discuss budgets and options.
• Discuss the guest list with fiancé and families.
• Plan reception music.
• Contact a rental coordinator for equipment reservations.
• Discuss honeymoon and reservations. (Traditionally the groom makes all the honeymoon arrangements.)
• Arrange for time off work, if necessary.
• Buy a wedding planner and envelopes to store brochures and notes.
• Develop record-keeping system for invitations, gifts, and thank-you notes.

4-6 Months

• Plan new living arrangements and home furnishings.
• Select and register wedding gifts and patterns.
• Select color scheme.
• Order dress and accessories.
• Order bridesmaids' dresses, shoes and accessories.
• Contact men's formal wear specialist for men's attire.
• Have parents select attire.
• Order invitations, announcements, programs, napkins, matchbooks, and personal stationery.
• Arrange for physical examinations, dental appointments, etc.

2 Months

• Choose and order wedding bands and engraving.
• Order wedding and groom's cakes.
• Check state/county marriage license requirements.
• Plan ceremony, reception, menus, master of ceremonies, music, and timetables.
• Plan rehearsal dinner, and bridesmaids' luncheon.
• Complete guest list and address invitations.
• Make arrangements for lodging for out-of-town guests.
• Purchase gifts for attendants and groom.
• Plan reception seating, if necessary.