Bridal Timeline
12+ Months Before
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Throw an engagement party, if you wish
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Start a wedding folder and/or Website
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Confirm date and time of wedding
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Confirm church/wedding location
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Choose who will officiate ceremony
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Choose wedding theme and type of reception
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Decide on color theme
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Work out a preliminary budget with groom
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Reserve reception venue
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Book photographer/videographer
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Choose members of wedding party with groom
9-12 Months Before
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Hire wedding planner
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Start guest list
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Invite people in wedding party to support you
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Plan decorations
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Plan menu
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Have groom arrange transportation
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Choose caterer
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Book organist/soloist, band or DJ/entertainment
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Select dress, headpiece, shoes
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Select lingerie and accessories
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Meet with caterer
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Select a florist
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Choose bridesmaids dresses, shoes
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Begin planning honeymoon with groom
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Check accommodation needs for guests
6-9 Months Before
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Revise budget
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Book suite for wedding night
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Order men’s attire
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Order wedding cake
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Make beauty appointments
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Coordinate selection of dresses for mothers
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Purchase wedding bands
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Attend gown fittings with shoes
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Arrange gift registries
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Launch your wedding Website
4-6 Months Before
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Meet with the officiant
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Renew passports if necessary
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Finalize ceremony and reception music
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Order invitations, save-the-date cards and other stationery
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Select drinks for reception
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Hire bartenders and obtain liquor license if needed
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Make required deposits and sign contracts
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Order accessories for reception – pen, guests book, cake knife, garter, etc.
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Order wedding favors
3 Months Before
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Select readers for ceremony
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Purchase gifts for attendants/parents
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Finalize details for ceremony/church
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Finalize toasts
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Arrange wedding insurance
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Check requirements for marriage license
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Suggest formal dance lessons with groom
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Discuss rehearsal dinner plans with groom
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Send out invitations
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Finalize details with all vendors
2 Months Before
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Purchase gift for fiancé
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Check purchase of bridesmaids’ gifts
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Create seating plan and name cards
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Finalize accommodations for guests
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Have rings engraved if required
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Plan luncheon for bridesmaids
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Finalize guest list for shower
1 Month Before
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Obtain marriage license
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Check on invitation responses and enter into guest list database
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Have final fitting for gown and dresses
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Meet with the photographer
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Complete all medical and dental appointments
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Prepare agenda sheets for the wedding day to photographer, officiant, MC and attendants etc.
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Check for all reception accessories
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Make arrangements to board any pets
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Have bridesmaids attend final fitting
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Enjoy a bachelorette party or shower
2 Weeks Before
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Pick-up gown and bridesmaids dresses
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Confirm all travel/transport arrangements
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Call guests who have not replied
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Assign seating for ceremony and reception
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Have trial hair styles and make-up with bridesmaids
1 Week Before
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Reconfirm arrangements with vendors
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Inform caterer of final acceptances numbers (any dietary arrangements, etc.)
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Pack for honeymoon
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Make-up emergency kit to take with you (thread, pantyhose, etc.)
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Encourage groom to have his hair cut
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Lots of sleep, don’t wear yourself out
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Have facials, skin treatments, waxing completed
The Day Before
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Rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
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Give gifts to attendants/parents/bridesmaids
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Oversee set up of reception space
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Book a spa treatment for you and the groom
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Make sure groom and groomsmen pick up tuxedos
The Wedding Day
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Have a good, healthy breakfast
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Have hair and make-up done at least three hours ahead
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Allow yourself and bridesmaids plenty of time to dress – two hours
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Make sure groom has given rings and license to best man
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Make sure all flowers have been delivered or picked up (bouquets, corsages, boutonnieres)
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Transfer your engagement ring to your right hand before ceremony begins
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Be confident and happy
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Wear a smile