You’ve probably heard the recommendation to start planning your wedding at least a year out, and if you haven’t gone through the process before, you might be wondering if that isn’t a bit much. What if you just want a simple affair? Even so, there are things you need to look at 12 months in advance – if only so you don’t overwhelm yourself with tasks as the big day draws near. Here is a basic guide to what you need to do on the countdown to your wedding day.
10-12 months before:
- Create the guest list and choose who will be in your wedding party
- Set a budget for your wedding
- Pick the date
- Hire a wedding planner if desired
- Visit and book your ceremony & reception site(s)
6-9 months before:
- Send out your save-the-date announcements
- Shop for your wedding dress, veil and accessories
- Select a florist
- Select a caterer
- Book your wedding photographer and videographer
- Select a band or DJ
- Choose your wedding officiant
- Start a fitness regime to get in shape for the wedding
4-5 months before:
- Shop for the wedding rings
- Start tasting cakes and looking at cake pictures
- Set up your wedding registry
- Set dates for the bachelorette and stag parties
- Set a date for the bridal shower
- Notify family and friends who you would like to participate in your wedding
- Reserve rental equipment such as chair covers, table linens etc. if applicable
- Make sure the bridesmaids have chosen their gowns and accessories
- Look for the groom’s tux
2-3 months before:
- Finalize the guest list
- Order the wedding favours
- Consider dance classes
- Prepare for the honeymoon
- Select your music for the ceremony and reception, and go over it with the musicians
- Finalize rehearsal dinner plans
- Mail the invitations
1-2 months before:
- Have your first wedding dress fitting
- Finalize the ceremony: readings, songs, meet with officiant to discuss the wedding formations
- Write your vows if necessary
- Research getting your marriage license, changing your name etc.
- Begin whitening your teeth for all the photos that will be taken
3-4 weeks before:
- Choose your jewellery
- Prepare a list of must-have shots for the photographer
- Finalize your music playlist with the musicians/DJ
- Practice your wedding dance in your bridal shoes
- Meet with your stylist for a test run of your bridal hair and makeup
1-2 weeks before:
- Finalize your wedding day schedule and share it with all attendants and vendors
- Confirm beauty appointments
- Confirm timing for pick-ups with your wedding transportation (limo, car service)
- Pick up wedding dress, tuxedo, and all accessories for both of you
- Confirm the final head count with your vendors
- Pack for the wedding night and the honeymoon
- Prepare place cards
- Assign helpers to collect & save your wedding and reception accessories such as the ring pillow, guest books, and marriage license
- Get your hair coloured and trimmed
The day before:
- Hand out checklists to make sure everyone knows what they are doing
- Get a manicure, pedicure and massage
- Rehearse the wedding with the officiant and wedding party
- Assign someone to set up the tables with your bonbonniere and lay out the guest book
The wedding day:
- Try to eat breakfast despite your nerves – you need your strength
- Don’t be tempted to start drinking or taking pills to relax, you don’t want to overdo it
- Enjoy your wedding!!!
After the wedding you will have to get your dress cleaned and preserved if you are planning to keep it; you can also donate the dress to a charity like The Brides Project. There will be thank-you cards to mail, names to change (potentially) and wedding albums to finalize…but all of that can wait till after the honeymoon. Enjoy this time together!