12-18 Months Before the Wedding:
Set the Date: Choose a wedding date that works for you and your partner.
Determine Your Budget: Establish a realistic budget for your wedding expenses.
Create Your Guest List: Begin compiling a list of family and friends you'd like to invite.
Find and Book Your Venue: Research and secure your ceremony and reception venues.
Hire Key Vendors: Book essential vendors such as a photographer, videographer, caterer, and florist.
Start Dress Shopping: Begin the search for your wedding attire, including wedding gown and attire for the bridal party.
Research Marriage Requirements: Understand the legal requirements for obtaining a marriage license in your area.
9-12 Months Before the Wedding:
Select Your Wedding Party: Ask friends and family members to be part of your wedding party.
Send Save-the-Dates: Send out save-the-date cards to notify guests of your wedding date.
Plan Accommodations: Arrange accommodations for out-of-town guests and yourselves.
Choose Your Officiant: Select someone to officiate your wedding ceremony.
Book Remaining Vendors: Secure vendors such as a DJ or band, cake baker, and hair and makeup artists.
Begin Registry: Create a wedding registry to let guests know your gift preferences.
Start Planning Honeymoon: Research and begin planning your honeymoon destination.
6-9 Months Before the Wedding:
Order Wedding Invitations: Design and order your wedding invitations and other stationery.
Plan Transportation: Arrange transportation for the wedding day, including for you and your guests if necessary.
Finalize Menu and Catering Details: Work with your caterer to finalize the menu and catering details.
Choose Wedding Rings: Select and purchase wedding bands for you and your partner.
Schedule Dress Fittings: Schedule fittings for your wedding gown and attire for the bridal party.
Book Accommodations for Wedding Night: Reserve a hotel room or other accommodations for your wedding night.
Plan Rehearsal Dinner: Begin planning the rehearsal dinner for your wedding party and close family.
3-6 Months Before the Wedding:
Purchase Wedding Accessories: Buy accessories such as shoes, jewelry, and other finishing touches.
Arrange Marriage License: Obtain your marriage license from the appropriate authority.
Finalize Floral Arrangements: Confirm floral arrangements with your florist.
Plan Ceremony and Reception Details: Work on finalizing details like ceremony programs, seating charts, and reception timeline.
Attend Dress Fittings: Attend final dress fittings and ensure all attire is ready for the big day.
Organize Wedding Party Attire: Coordinate fittings and attire for the wedding party.
Schedule Hair and Makeup Trials: Schedule trials with your hair and makeup artists to finalize your wedding day look.
1-3 Months Before the Wedding:
Send Wedding Invitations: Mail out your wedding invitations, including RSVP cards.
Follow Up on RSVPs: Follow up with guests who have not yet RSVP'd.
Finalize Details with Vendors: Confirm arrangements with all vendors and provide final headcounts.
Create Wedding Day Timeline: Develop a detailed timeline for the wedding day and distribute it to vendors and the wedding party.
Finalize Ceremony Details: Plan ceremony logistics, including seating arrangements and any special rituals.
Purchase Wedding Party Gifts: Select and purchase gifts for your wedding party as a token of appreciation.
Apply for a Marriage License: If you haven't already, apply for your marriage license within the required timeframe.
2 Weeks Before the Wedding:
Confirm Final Details: Confirm all details with vendors and ensure everyone is on the same page.
Pack for Honeymoon: Begin packing for your honeymoon and finalize travel arrangements.
Finalize Seating Chart: Complete the seating chart and provide it to the venue or caterer.
Confirm Wedding Day Transportation: Confirm transportation arrangements for the wedding day.
Attend Final Meetings: Attend final meetings with vendors to go over last-minute details.
Organize Wedding Day Emergency Kit: Prepare an emergency kit with essentials for the wedding day.
Relax and Enjoy: Take time to relax and enjoy the days leading up to your wedding day.
Wedding Day:
Get Ready: Begin your wedding day preparations surrounded by loved ones.
Enjoy Your Ceremony: Exchange vows and celebrate your love with family and friends.
Reception Celebration: Enjoy your wedding reception, including dinner, dancing, and making memories.
Thank Your Guests: Take time to thank your guests for celebrating with you.
Capture Memories: Capture memories with photos and videos to cherish for a lifetime.
Relish Your First Moments as Newlyweds: Enjoy your first moments as a married couple and celebrate the beginning of your journey together.
Have Fun: Above all, have fun and savor every moment of your special day!
Feel free to adjust this checklist based on your specific needs and timeline. Happy planning!
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