A Wedding Timetable

The timetable that follows should be used as an approximate guide for arranging a traditional wedding and reception and gives you the scope of the task before you. Many of the services you contract will require multiple meetings before all the details are worked out so allow time for these consultations. If you have hired a wedding planner, they will be along for the ride and will be in contact frequently throughout the process.

6 to 24 months ahead.

• Set an initial wedding date knowing things may need to change if desired services are already booked.
• Determine the type of wedding (informal, formal, etc.)
• Decide where the ceremony will take place.
• Set a budget.
• Hire a wedding planner if you need help.
• Select an officiant to preside over the ceremony.
• Draw up your respective invitation lists and get an approximate total.
• Book a reception location.
• Book a caterer.
• Select a photographer, videographer, florist, and musicians.
• Choose your attendants.
• Select your dress, veil, accessories and bridesmaids’ dresses.
• Consult a men’s formal wear specialist.
• Open a bridal registry.
• Send "hold-the-date" cards.

4 to 6 months ahead

• Order your invitations, personal stationery and notepaper.
• Plan accommodations for your out-of-town guests.
• Arrange for your rehearsal dinner.
• Plan your honeymoon.
• Shop for your trousseau.
• If you are serving your own wine, start making it so it has time to age.
• Consider hiring a professional makeup artist for your wedding day.

2 to 4 months ahead

• Send the wedding invitations.
• Select your wedding reception music.
• Choose gifts for your attendants.
• Buy your wedding rings, order engraving.

1 to 2 months ahead

• Purchase the marriage license.
• Buy wedding gifts for each other.
• Make an appointment with hair stylist.
• Have final dress fittings.
• Plan the small aspects of the wedding.
• Mail invitations.
• Have a formal wedding portrait taken.
• Attend parties in your honor.
• Plan bridesmaids’ party.
• Pick up wedding rings.
• Draw up a seating plan for reception; make cards for the bride’s table.

2 weeks ahead

• Send the wedding announcement to the newspaper.
• Go over your personal trousseau and take care of any last-minute items.
• If you plan to change your name on personal documents obtain the required forms.
• Arrange to move your belongings to your new home.

1 week ahead

• Have a final consultation with the caterer, florist and photographer/videographer.
• Give bridesmaid’s party.
• Confirm rehearsal plans with clergy and attendants.
• Pick up dress from bridal shop.
• Pick up tuxedos from rental location.
• Hold the rehearsal party.