CHECK ITEMS when DONE (or do
not apply)••• > = needs attention
All Our To-Do's
[A1]. ••• > Make a wedding web page on The Knot.
[A2].
••• > Begin envisioning your wedding -- formal hotel or
friend's loft? Backyard barbecue or exotic beach?
[A3].
••• > Decide on a budget and hash out who's contributing .
For a quick and easy way to determine a budget, use The Knot's Budgeter .
[A4].
••• > Pick your preferences for wedding date and time
and finalize after okaying with important guests, location, or officiant.
[A5].
••• > Begin interviewing wedding consultants
(if you'll have one) and/or start asking for local wedding vendor recommendations from
family and friends.
[A6].
••• > Brides: It's never too early to begin thinking about
your gown. Start by figuring out what style will look best on you .
[A7].
••• > Start interviewing caterers .
[B1]. ••• > Scout out reception sites .
[B2].
••• > Start looking for an officiant who suits your style
and spirit.
[B3].
••• > Book your reception site as soon as you see something
you love that’s available on your date.
[B4].
If you're having an engagement party ,
set a date and purchase your invitations.
[B5].
Get organized! Start
a notebook/file folder to house all your wedding-planning paperwork in one place.
[B6].
••• > Begin working on preliminary wedding guest list
and decide on approximate wedding size. Request lists from parents and create your own
wish list.
[B7].
Choose
your attendants/groomsmen and ask them to do you the honor.
[B8].
••• > Find ceremony site if not determined by your choice
of officiant or reception site.
Hire a consultant (if
you're having one) and execute a contract .
[B9].
Contact newspapers to
announce your engagement (you may need to get an engagement photo taken as well).
[B10].
Choose a color scheme, if you so
desire, taking into account the decor of the rooms/areas you have reserved for your
ceremony and reception.
[B11].
Decide on a caterer .
Hash out a rough price per-head and begin working on a menu .
[B12].
Brides: Begin shopping for your gown.
Your best resource: Bridal Search on the
Knot.
[B13].
Brides: When you've found some gowns
you like, head out to
the stores to try them on.
[B14].
Start investigating ethnic customs or
cultural traditions you might want to incorporate into your ceremony or reception.
[B15].
Execute your caterer
contract and send them a deposit.
••• > Finalize the
guest list.
[B16].
Start auditioning reception bands or DJ's .
[B17].
If you choose an outdoor site, look
into tent and lighting rentals .
[B18].
Set up appointments with different
florists to discuss
options .
[B19].
Decide on and meet with your officiant
to discuss ceremony structure and any religious requirements
(counseling, etc.).
[B20].
Interview and get price lists from
several photographers
and videographers .
[B21].
Book reception band or DJ, execute contract and
send deposit.
[B22].
Brides: Narrow down your gown choices
and make a final decision.
[C1]. Start looking
into registering for gifts -- check out the Knot
Wedding Gift Registry .
[C2]. Request demo
tapes from ceremony musicians.
[C3]. ••• >
Reserve photographer and/or videographer, decide on package, execute contract and
send deposit.
[C4]. Begin looking
for a baker to make your big-day cake . Your caterer is the best source for leads.
[C5]. Brides: Start
shopping for bridesmaid dresses. Use Bridal
Search's Bridesmaids Etc. and make sure to get input from the girls.
[C6]. Choose your florist
and send a deposit to reserve their services.
[C7]. Make sure your
honor attendant
and best man are
aware of what you expect of them -- providing a list of their duties will help.
[C8]. Register for your wedding gifts,
and don't forget to include some choices for your upcoming bridal shower or engagement
party as well.
[C9]. Set aside
blocks of hotel rooms for out-of-town guests.
[C10]. Brides:
Decide on the bridesmaid dresses.
[C11]. Contact
out-of-towners with the final wedding date and time so they can save the date.
[C12]. Book a baker,
choose your wedding cake design, and send a deposit.
[C13]. Brides:
Collect necessary measurements from attendants or pass off information so that they can
order the dresses themselves.
[C14]. Brides: Order
your gown. Make sure you've asked all the critical questions
and your order contains the correct information.
[C15]. Book ceremony
musicians and send deposit.
[C16]. Start
planning the rehearsal
dinner . Provide the host with contact information for your attendants and any other
guests.
[C17]. Start working
on your invitation
wording and design.
[C18]. Finalize menu
and service
details with caterer.
[C19]. Finalize your
invitation wording.
[C20]. Research and
purchase wedding
insurance .
[C21]. Order your invitations
and announcements (don't forget plenty of extra envelopes).
[D1]. Grooms: Decide
what style of
formalwear you will be wearing.
[D2]. Start planning
your honeymoon.
[D3]. Reserve
tables, chairs, and/or other rental equipment you need (unless caterer or site is taking care of it).
[D4]. Grooms: Start
looking to buy or
rent tux , suit or other formal attire.
[D5]. Book a
calligrapher (if you are using one).
[D6]. Book
rehearsal-dinner site.
[D7]. Grooms: Start
to plan your groomsmen's attire: Tux or suit?
[D8]. Compile
packages for out-of-town
guests with hotel reservation and city information, and mail it out.
[D9]. Book hotel
room for your wedding night.
[D10]. Grooms:
Decide on your groomsmen's attire.
[D11]. Start
thinking about flower-arrangement
styles you like, and figure out what flowers are in season.
[D12]. Book your
honeymoon and make travel
reservations .
[D13]. Decide on a
floral scheme, choose flowers, and negotiate prices with florist. Be sure to sign a contract
outlining what you agreed upon.
[E1]. Brides: Choose
attendants' accessories
(shoes, gloves, etc.) and either hand off information or coordinate with them.
[E2]. Pick out or
design a ketubah or other marriage contract required by your religion.
[E3]. Grooms: Give
all of the groomsmen the information they need to buy and/or reserve their attire.
[E4]. If you haven't
registered yet, be sure to do so before any upcoming pre-wedding parties (It's easy at the Knot Wedding Gift Registry !)
[E5]. Shop for and
purchase wedding bands .
[E6]. Brides:
Curious to try out a beauty routine? Want to experiment with self-tanners or try a facial ? Now's the time.
[E7]. Consider
specific ceremony and reception decoration needs like a huppah , aisle runner,
etc.
[E8]. Schedule
portrait session if you need one for a newspaper wedding announcement.
[E9]. Brides: Make
sure your attendants have purchased their dresses and accessories.
[E10]. Make or buy favors . Allow extra
time for custom-made favors (i.e. chocolates in a pre-printed box).
[E11]. Brides: Buy
any special lingerie
your gown requires in time for first fittings.
[E12]. Grooms: If
you are renting a tux, visit the formalwear shop to get measured.
[E13]. Get anything
you need for an international honeymoon (passport, birth certificate, visas, vaccinations,
etc.).
[E14]. Pick up your
invitations.
[E15]. Talk to your
honor attendant and best man about shower
and other party plans.
[E16]. If you are
handling the bridesmaid dress order, confirm the delivery date.
[E17]. Talk to
people you’d like to do special performances or readings as part
of the ceremony.
[E18]. Brides:
Confirm delivery date for your gown and schedule fittings.
[E19]. Start addressing invitations
or drop them off with the calligrapher (you'll need to send them out at the 2-month mark).
[E20]. Start taking better care of yourself (eat right,
exercise) so you look and feel great come wedding day.
[E21]. Send wedding
bands out to be engraved (make sure they'll be back in time for the wedding).
[E22]. Arrange for
all insurance policies to include you and your future spouse: health, auto, homeowner's
and life insurance.
[E23]. Grooms:
Choose and buy any accessories
you will need: shoes ,
shirt stays, cufflinks, and a pocket square.
[E24]. Brides:
Provide guest list to bridesmaids for your shower.
[E25]. Brides: Begin
your fittings.
[E26]. Send out
invitations by March 20 2000 (be sure to add extra postage for overseas guests).
[E27]. Arrange wedding-day
transportation for you, your wedding party, and guests (as needed).
[F1]. Arrange
parking for the reception.
[F2]. Brides: Decide
on and purchase major accessories (veil and shoes ) prior to final fittings.
[F3]. Begin writing
ceremony program, if you are having one.
[F4]. Order liquor,
wine and/or champagne, if not included in the catering contract.
[F5]. As you receive
presents, be sure to update and/or add items to your registry list.
[F6]. Confirm
reservations for out-of-town guests.
[F7]. Begin working
on vows, particularly if you're writing your own.
[F8]. Research local
marriage-license
requirements.
[F9]. Submit your
wedding announcement to newspapers (if you so desire).
[F10]. Arrange for a
babysitter for reception, if necessary.
[F11]. Set aside
some time to write thank-you notes for gifts received at the bridal shower.
[F12]. Buy a guest
book (and nice pen).
[F13]. Grooms:
Attend your bachelor party
(and make sure to thank the best man afterwards).
[F14]. Make an
appointment to take the veil to your hairstylist and make sure your current 'do and veil
work together. Need tips? Click here !
[F15]. Brides: Buy gifts for your maid of
honor and bridesmaids .
[F16]. Grooms: Buy gifts for your best man,
groomsmen, and ushers .
[F17]. Brides:
Attend final wedding-gown fitting.
[F18]. Finalize
vows.
[G1]. Finish and
print ceremony programs.
[G2]. Do trial runs
of hair and makeup and schedule wedding-day beauty appointments.
[G3]. Send
rehearsal-dinner invitations.
[G4]. Discuss song
list with ceremony musicians and agree on final choices.
[G5]. Pick up
wedding rings and check inscriptions before you leave the store.
[G6]. Make sure your
homeowner's insurance covers your rings and gifts.
[G7]. Wrap all gifts
for the wedding party and write each attendant a nice note.
[G8]. Brides: Shop
for all additional accessories like stockings, earrings, evening bag, etc.
[G9]. Have a
follow-up meeting or phone call with the officiant to go over ceremony timing and details.
[G10]. Confirm
wedding-night and honeymoon reservations.
[G11]. Get marriage
license and make appointments for blood tests (if necessary). Check when the license
expires.
[G12]. Work on a
list of "must-play "
(and "must-not play") songs for your DJ or band.
[G13]. Work out
wedding day timing and details (who will get the bride there, where the wedding party will
dress, etc) and draw up a schedule.
[G14]. Call or email
wedding party to relay critical info related to rehearsal and wedding (dates, times,
directions, duties).
[G15]. Brides: Make
sure you have your garter and "something old, new,
borrowed, and blue " if you want to include these customs in your wedding.
[G16]. Brides: Pick
up your gown.
[G17]. Finalize any
special preferences, readings or other ceremony details (in writing) with your officiant.
[G18]. Get a head
start on those thank-you
notes (it will feel great to get a batch out before the wedding).
[G19]. Do paperwork
for official documents if you are changing your name .
[G20]. Brides: Get
final prewedding haircut, if necessary.
[G21]. Sit for your
bridal portrait, if you decide to get one.
[H1]. If you're
having a receiving line, determine the order you want everyone to stand in.
[H2]. Determine any
wedding day assignments for members of the wedding party and make lists/info sheets as
needed.
[H3]. Call guests
who haven't R.S.V.P.'d for the wedding and rehearsal dinner (it’s okay to do this,
you need a final head count!).
[H4]. Brides:
Practice walking in your wedding shoes.
[H5]. Brides: Pick
up the veil and/or headpiece.
[H6]. Give final
head count to the caterer. Confirm set-up instructions and menu items.
[H7]. Call location
manager and make sure your vendors all have access to the site when they need it.
[H8]. Plan a party
or go out for cocktails to thank your attendants for all their help.
[H9]. Confirm head
count, delivery time, and location with the cakemaker.
[H10]. Start putting
together the seating
plan if there's a seated reception meal.
[H11]. Finalize
seating chart. Buy materials for and make place cards (give typed names to the
calligrapher if you're using one).
[H12]. Fax
transportation providers a schedule and addresses for pickups on wedding day.
[H13]. Confirm
delivery locations, times, and final arrangement count with florist.
[H14]. Touch base
with your officiant and give him/her rehearsal details and wedding day schedule.
[H15]. Grooms: Pick
up your tux and try it on (don’t wait 'til the day of to do this).
[H16]. Purchase
travelers checks for the honeymoon.
[H17]. Shop and pack for honeymoon.
[H18]. Confirm all
final payment amounts with your vendors.
[H19]. Confirm
location, date, and time with photographer and give them a "must-take " photo
list.
[H20]. Confirm
location, date, and time with videographer.
[H21]. Grooms: Get
your final haircut.
[H22]. Give seating
chart to caterer, location manager, or host.
[H23]. Prepare your
toasts or thanks to friends and family (Grooms: need a hand? ).
[H24]. Plan any
additional night-before activities with friends and/or attendants.
[J1]. Distribute
wedding-day directions, schedule, and contact list to all parents, attendants, and
vendors.
[J2]. Designate who
will meet, greet, and handle each vendor on the wedding day.
[J3]. Put together
an overnight bag for your wedding night (toothbrush, sexy lingerie, etc.) and designate
someone to deliver it to the hotel for you.
[J4]. Designate
someone to collect the wedding gifts (and any cash) brought to the party.
[J5]. Leave a copy
of your honeymoon itinerary with someone in case of emergency.
[J6]. Put final
payments and cash tips in marked envelopes and give to a designated family or friend to
distribute on the wedding day.
[J7]. Confirm date,
location, time, and playlist with band/DJ and/or ceremony or cocktail hour musicians.
[J8]. Brides: Get manicure and pedicure and confirm
big-day beauty appointments.
[J9]. If your
wedding is in the a.m., set your alarm and arrange for a backup.
[J10]. Give
announcements to your honor attendant to be mailed on the wedding day.
[J11]. Brides: Pull
together wedding gown, veil, shoes, stockings, and a last-minute emergency kit
(aspirin, makeup, safety pins, mints, etc.).
[J12]. Rehearse the
ceremony with officiant and wedding party.
[J13]. Confirm all
specific honeymoon travel plans (including transportation to airport, etc.).
[J14]. Get some
much-needed sleep --
if you can!
[J15]. Drop off favors , guest book,
and pen at the reception site.
[J16]. Have fun and
relax at your rehearsal dinner.
[M1]. Take a moment
to thank your parents and tell them you love them -- this is a sweet but sad day for them.
[M2]. Have a massage
in the morning.
[M3]. Confirm with
people who you expect to give/lead toasts at the reception.
[M4]. Set aside a
private moment together to exchange gifts and a sweet congratulatory kiss (or two).
[M5]. Relax, smile,
and enjoy the day!
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