A Free Wedding Planner -
Planning your wedding is going to be exciting and stressful. There will be a million decisions to make and just as many details that must be attended to. Whether you are planning a big wedding or a small one, the same details will need to be taken care of to make the day perfect and enjoyable. A wedding planner can be an invaluable partner in planning your wedding and will take care of many of the tasks for you. However, knowing what you need to do, and having a timeline will help you to focus and thoroughly enjoy your wedding.
Engagement - Things To Do
This is the wonderful time when you will call your family and friends to share the news
You will want to publish an engagement announcement in the local paper of yourself and, if your fiancée lives out of town, their paper
Make plans for your engagement party
Step 1 - Wedding Plans
Establish your wedding budget - This will be the most important thing you do
Contact your wedding party
Call a wedding planner if you are going to use one
If you are going to use a professional decorator, contact them now
Choose and book your wedding photographer/videographer
Set the date for the wedding
Decide on your theme and colors for your wedding
Plan your guest list
Decide on the location of your wedding
Contact your priest, celebrant, or registry office
THE FOLLOWING WILL BE THE MOST TIME CONSUMING ITEMS TO DO
Choose your venue and the location of your wedding and book these locations
Book your DJ
Reserve any items not provided by the venue, such as seats, marquee, etc.
Go shopping for your bridal gown and accessories.
Shop for, and reserve rental of tuxedos for the groom and grooms-men
Book your transportation for the wedding and reception.
Select, order, and send "save-the-date" cards and include accommodation information
3 Months Before
Choose and order your wedding cake and grooms cake
Select and order your wedding invitation, stationery, and thank you cards
Select and order your wedding cake and the grooms cake
Select your gift registry locations and get cards to include with your invitations
Arrange your passports and book your honeymoon
Select and meet with your Master of Ceremonies for the event.
Address and send the wedding invitations.
Choose your florist and flowers for the wedding
Choosing your music/musicians for the wedding ceremony
Select and order wedding rings
2 Months Before
Meet with the wedding official and give them your license to marry.
Schedule a wedding rehearsal through the wedding location.
Mail invitations, be sure to include your registry cards and RSVP cards.
Check to make sure you have all of your wedding accessories such as your tiara, garter, etc.
Contact your travel agent for honeymoon and travel insurance
Contact your insurance company about wedding insurance.
6 Weeks Before
Confirm your venue and other bookings
Confirm florist and make date to see a sample arrangement
Plan hen's and buck's nights
Buy gifts for wedding party and in-laws
If you are going to do your own vows, write them
If you are going to have an informal reception, purchase disposable cameras
Select bonbonniere, place cards, table stationery, and 2 guest books, one for wedding, one for reception
Make a seating plan
4 Weeks Before
Contact venues and caterer with guest numbers
Confirm minister/celebrant or wedding officiate
Have final bridal gown fitting and arrange for dry cleaning if needed
Confirm wedding photographer/videographer
Pack for the honeymoon
Update guest list
Have a hairstyle/make-up rehearsal with your cosmetician
Begin writing thank you cards - Leave a blank to write in the gift received after the wedding
Contact venue coordinator to confirm beverages and open or closed bar
Contact travel agent to confirm honeymoon arrangements
2 Weeks Before
Confirm that men have been fitted for their tuxedos
Confirm that bride maids have been fitted for their gowns
Collect wedding gown and hang it in a safe place
Confirm that hairdresser and makeup artist are scheduled
Make final changes to seating plan
Finalize guest numbers with venue and caterer
Make sure that all place cards have been completed
1 Week Before
Spend one day at the spa, soaking in the herbal bath, getting a massage, pedicure and manicure
Make final payment to all vendors and the venue
Confirm with the wedding party that they have their clothing and everything fits well
Arrange for a final wedding rehearsal with the church and officiate
Pack an emergency kit that include water, crackers, aspirin, band-aids, an ice-pack, sewing thread and thimble, small spray bottle containing a mixture of lavender and water
Pack wrapped wedding gifts in a box and put it where it can't be missed
Lay-out your wedding day wardrobe (keep your gown in its cover until the day of the wedding)
It is important that you have a few days of free-time before the wedding to relax and enjoy the moment. Plan at least one day to spend with your fiancée to relax and enjoy each others' company alone before the big day.
