Bride's Checklist
This checklist is based on information on WeddingDetails.com and WedAlert.com.
Six to twelve months out
- Determine the kind of wedding you will have—day/night, indoor/outdoor, formal/casual—and establish the date and time.
- Establish a budget, and who will pay for each line item.
- Learn the facts about diamonds, and find engagement ring.
- Research available wedding coordinators for possible hire.
- Make arrangements with the officiator.
- Reserve the wedding ceremony and wedding reception locations.
- Find a caterer if not already provided by the reception facility.
- Select your wedding dress, veil, and accessories.
- Choose the bridesmaids, groomsmen, ushers, and honored roles.
- Have a formal black/white photo sitting for wedding engagement announcements.
- Send wedding engagement announcements to local and hometown newspapers.
- Meet with the florist, photographer, caterer, videographer, and D.J. or entertainment provider(s) 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. (Note: Traditionally the groom makes all the honeymoon arrangements; see Groom's checklist)
- Arrange for time off work, if necessary.
- Buy a wedding planner and envelopes to store brochures and notes.
- Develop a record-keeping system for invitations, gifts, and thank-you notes.
- Send non-local guests Save The Date wedding announcement cards preferably six months to one year prior to the event, or a minimum of four to six months.
- Visit bridal shows, or check schedules for upcoming shows in your area.
- Arrange for marital counseling if desired.
Four to six months out
- Plan new living arrangements and home furnishings.
- Shop for wedding rings and arrange for engraving if desired.
- Select and register wedding gifts and patterns.
- Select wedding color scheme.
- Order dress and accessories.
- Order bridesmaids' dresses, shoes, and accessories such as ring pillow, goblets, and candles.
- Contact men's formal wear specialist for men's attire. Arrange for groomsmen to be measured, and reserve tuxedos. Note: If groomsmen do not live close to the formal wear provider chosen locally, tell them to visit their own local shop, where most staff members will measure them as a courtesy.
- Discuss parents' attire and make selections.
- Order wedding invitations, wedding announcement cards, programs, napkins, matchbooks, and other personalized stationery and accompaniments.
- Arrange for physical examinations and dental appointments.
Two months out
- Order wedding cake and groom's cake.
- 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.
- Mail wedding invitations to arrive six to ten weeks before the wedding.
One month out
- Confirm all arrangements and contracts.
- Pick up wedding rings.
- Arrange for transportation to ceremony, and from ceremony to reception.
- Attend final fittings.
- Have your hair and makeup done as you would like it on your wedding day. Schedule manicures and other desired services.
- Purchase guest book and keepsake album.
- Contact your insurance agent about naming your fiancé as beneficiary on your life insurance, will, and auto policies; and buying homeowners' and floater insurances to protect wedding gifts.
- Open joint checking and savings accounts. Decide on a home budget and savings program. Discuss them with your financial representatives.
- Write thank you notes as gifts are received.
Two weeks out
- Obtain marriage license.
- Call any guests that have not responded yet.
- Provide caterer with final guest count. Remember to include the wedding party, the photographer, and the D.J. as necessary.
- Arrange to have your gown pressed and delivered.
- Revisit your name on driver's license, social security card, credit cards, bank accounts, insurances, etc.
- Make arrangements for moving into your new home.
One week out
- Pack for the honeymoon.
- Give bridesmaids' luncheon/party and give attendant gifts.
- Confirm directions, housing, and timetables with attendants.
- Brief head usher of any special seating arrangements.
- Arrange for rental returns.
- Prepare wedding day fees.
One day before
- Pack the "Going-to-church" bag, and an "emergency" bag.
- Attend rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.
- Find a quiet moment to give your fiancé his wedding gift.
The Wedding Day
- Have a nice relaxed breakfast.
- Have hair and make-up done.
- Relax and reap the benefits of your careful planning. Most of all: Enjoy!
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