#WeddingWednesday: Monthly Guide of To-Do's
Happy Wednesday or #WeddingWednesday for you brides out there! It seems like these posts are coming and going super fast... which only means one thing... you're wedding day is getting closer by the week. Today's post is a month by month timeline of the to-do's you should be crossing off your checklist. Whether you are a year and a half out or 5 months out, I promise this list will help you. So lets get to it... 12+ Months Before:
- Start envisioning what you are wanting your big day to look like - start your Pinterest board (as if you don't already have one;))
- Create your budget
- Plan your guest list
- Start looking for venues
- PICK A DATE
- Pick your bridal party
- Have an engagement party
8-11 Months Before:
- Consider a wedding planner
- Start shopping for your wedding gown
- Book your DJ (they book up fast! the good ones at least!)
- Start thinking about decor & florals (there's a lot to it, fyi!)
- Book your photography/videographer
- Start your registry (which I still have not yet, only 4 months to go - oh no!)
- If you are getting married out-of-town, start thinking and booking hotel accommodations
- Book your hair stylist & makeup artist
- Finalize guest list so you can send out Save-the-dates
6-8 Months Before:
- SEND OUT SAVE-THE-DATES (it's getting close!!!)
- Order bridesmaids dresses
- Start thinking about reception food
- Start to think about and plan your honeymoon
4-6 Months Before:
- Shop for and buy Wedding rings
- Start designing invitations
- Shop for menswear (tuxes/suits)
- Are you going out of the country for your honeymoon? Make sure your passports are up-to-date!
- Book a bakery to make your wedding cake (currently crossing all of these things off my checklist!)
- Make sure your Bachelorette party house is booked
- If you have a wedding planner - make sure they have all of your vendors contact information
- Book your officiant
3 Months Before:
- Hire a Calligrapher (just did - check!)
- In my case - start your registry if you're on the late train like me!!
- Plan Honeymoon (because we currently are..... I know, I'm not proud - so late!)
- Wedding dress alterations - if needed
2 Months Before:
- Mail your invitations
- Write your vows
- Purchase gifts for bridal party, parents, etc.
- Do a hair trial for your big day with your stylist - also with your MUA
- Have your bridal shower - woo everything is starting to come together
1 Month Before:
- Apply for your marriage license
- Final fitting for your wedding dress
- Make sure bridesmaids dresses are altered and perfect
- Make last minute confirmations and details with all of your vendors
- Do you want wedding favors to pass out to your guests? Koozies, chapsticks, etc.?
- Create a wedding program
- Attend your bachelorette/bachelor parties
2 Weeks Out:
- Review your guest list - make sure you call all guests who have not been in contact
- Start your reception seating chart
- Give your DJ a playlist
- Finalize last minute details before the week of - LESS STRESSFUL
1 Week Out:
- Give your venue/Catering Sales Manager your final head count so they can prepare the food
- Finish your reception seating chart
- Print table cards for reception
2-3 Days Away:
- Groom needs to pick up formalwear
- Bride needs to steam dress
- Determine wedding party positions during the ceremony
- Confirm details (again) with all vendors
- Give your venue all of your table cards, etc.
Day Before:
- Rehearse ceremony/Attend your rehearsal dinner
- Give your marriage license to your officiant
- Relax + Have fun!!!
It's Your Wedding Day:
- Keep Calm & Marry on <3
- Drink mimosas and have a blast with your bridal party
- Give parents and bridal party gifts
- Give best man and maid of honor rings to hold during the ceremony
- Assign a family member to be the photographers contact so they know who is who's family
- Get MARRIED & Honeymoon it :)
I am so so excited to start seeing everyone's wedding in action. So many of my friends are engaged and it is such an exciting time for all of you. Sometimes it can be a little overwhelming, but I promise at the end it will be totally worth it. <3 If you ever have any questions - don't hesitate to message me! Not only am I planning my own wedding, but I also work at a wedding venue.