Wedding Planning Calendar
You're beginning to plan your wedding and there is just so much to think about. What to do when. It can certainly be overwhelming but it doesn't have to be. With a wedding planning calendar you can stay focused and organized. When you do that you'll eliminate much of the stress involved in planning a wedding. To help you with your planning here is a free helpful month by month planning calendar. FREE PRINTABLE CHECKLIST. (Sign up at end of page.)
Wedding Planning Calendar | 12 Months Before
- Buy a wedding planner, organizer or start a wedding file to keep contracts and other documents.
- Set a budget. How much can you spend?
- Choose possible dates.
- Decide on attendants and participants.
- Choose style of your wedding "Formal", "Semi-Formal" or "Informal".
- Visit possible ceremony and reception locations. If you find one that you like, put a security deposit down but confirm cancellation/refund policies first.
- If ceremony and reception is in two different locations be certain both are available on the same date.
- Shop for your dress. Custom gowns can take a long time to prepare so start early. Alterations and final dress fittings take time also. Many wedding gown purchases have a no refund policy so be sure before you buy.
- Also shop for a matching veil and tiara.
- Mail save-this-date cards to guests who will travel from out of town.
- Send an engagement announcement to your local newspaper.
For the Bride: Book of Bridal Gowns | Bridal Gowns | Bridal Tiaras | Bridal Veils | Bridal Accessories
Wedding Planning Calendar | 8-10 Months Before
- Shop for Caterer if Reception Location doesn't provide food.
- Shop for Baker or Bakery for Cake
- Shop for Florist
- Shop for Musicians or DJ
- Shop for Photographer and Videographer
- Contact Clergy if a religious ceremony (premarital classes may be required) or Justice of the Peace.
- Decide on bridesmaids dresses.
- Start a guest list.
- Sign up for a gift registry.
- Plan Engagement party. (optional)
Wedding Planning Calendar | 6 Months Before
- Research your choice of honeymoon location.
- Confirm availability of wedding professionals
- See Seamstress for dress alterations, fittings, etc.
- Plan menu with Caterer.
- Book a calligrapher. Give all addresses information so they can start the envelopes.
- Reserve limos
- Hire a portrait photographer if your wedding photographer doesn't do them.
- Order wedding stationery: Invitations| Response Cards | Thank You Cards | Napkins | Matchbooks
Wedding Planning Calendar | 5 Months Before
- Finalize guest list.
- Arrange accommodations out-of-towners.
- Finalize your honeymoon plans with a travel agent. Apply for passport if needed.
Wedding Planning Calendar | 3-4 Months Before
- Book your honeymoon.
- Select wedding cake.
- Choose Bouquets and floral arrangements with Florist.
- Finalize the guest list.
- Check with seamstress for dress alterations.
- Order wedding rings if you don't have them already.
- Schedule the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.
- Select and reserve formal wear for groom and ushers.
- Reserve a hotel room for your wedding night.
- Visit your physician for physical exam and blood tests if required by your state to obtain a marriage license.
- Plan extra rental items if needed (silver, china, crystal, flatware, arches, candelabras, flowing punch fountains).
- Finalized menu with caterer.
- Finalize limos and wedding party transportation.
- Meet with wedding official to finalize service order, vows, readings, music, etc.
- Shop for honeymoon clothes.
- Have wedding portrait taken.
- Mail wedding invitations.
- Buy gifts for bridal party attendants.
- Order Wedding Favors and Ribbons, Imprinted Napkins, Matches, Coasters, etc.
- Send your new change-of-address to post office if you're moving.
- Get name-change forms from department of motor vehicles, Social Security office, credit-card companies and others if you will take your new husbands last name.
- Select your wedding music.
- Select desired reception music with your Musician or DJ.
- Reserve and schedule rehearsal dinner.
- Confirm with formal wear business that they have measurements of every male attendant.
- Have the final dress fitting.
- Pick up the rings.
- Make appointment with hairstylist to do a practice run and schedule for the wedding.
- Set appointment with makeup stylist the same day as your hair stylist.
- Schedule formal bridal portraits for the same day you'll have your hair and makeup appointments.
- Send announcement to local newspapers.
- Pick up the rings.
- Design wedding programs and get them printed.
- Apply for marriage license.
- Have final gown fitting.
- Inventory all of your wedding accessories.
- Discuss and finalize details with all wedding service providers.
- Call guests who haven't responded to verify attendance.
- Give caterer a final head count.
- Get marriage license.
- Confirm rehearsal plans with officiant.
- Complete reception floor and seating plan.
- Confirm dates and times for delivery of all rentals and services.
- Confirm time all attendants should arrive.
- Give list of shots you want the photographer and videographer to capture.
- Give musician or DJ your song list.
- Write table and place cards.
- Confirm honeymoon reservations.
- Wear your shoes to break in.
- Write toast scripts for rehearsal dinner and reception.
- Organize your wedding day attire and try it on.
- Get going-away clothes ready.
- Confirm honeymoon reservations.
- Pack honeymoon clothes and all necessary documents for travel, passports, etc.
- See if you can use your ATM card at your honeymoon site.
- Purchase a small amount of local currency if traveling abroad.
- Confirm reservations for out-of-town guests.
- Confirm attendant rehearsal plans and arrival time.
- Confirm rehearsal dinner reservations.
- Pick up formal wear. Have everyone try it on.
- Get a relaxing massage.
- Write thank-you notes as you receive gifts.
- Have bridesmaids' party and distribute gifts.
- Pick up your dress a few days before the wedding.
- Deliver copies of ceremony readings to those who will do them.
- Do a final check of your list of things to do.
- Get a manicure and pedicure.
- Arrange wedding attire and accessories.
- Give rings to the best man.
- Hold rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.
- Go to bed early and try to get a good night's sleep.
- Try to eat breakfast. You'll function better than if on an empty stomach.
- Have someone check the reception site early to troubleshoot any problems.
- Get your hair and make-up done. Wear a shirt that buttons in front.
- Dress for your wedding.
- Have photos taken with family.
- Enjoy your big day!
- Have your wedding gown and flowers preserved.
- Write Thank-You notes.
- Change your name.
- Enjoy your life together!
Honeymoon Planning
Wedding Planning Calendar | 2 Months Before
Wedding Music
Wedding Planning Calendar | 6 Weeks Before
Wedding Planning Calendar | 1 Month Before
Wedding Planning Calendar | 2 Weeks Before
Help Writing Toast
Wedding Planning Calendar | 1 Week Before
Wedding Planning Calendar | 1-2 Days Before
Wedding Planning | Day of Wedding
Wedding Planning | After the Honeymoon:
Wedding Rings
Wedding Organizer
Book of Bridal Gowns
Bridal Gowns
Bridal Tiaras
Bridal Veils
Bridal Accessories
Imprinted Wedding Items:
Invitations
Response Cards
Thank You Cards
Napkins
Matchbooks
Other:
Wedding Favors
Groomsmen Gifts
Wedding Music
Honeymoon Planning>
Help Writing Toasts