Wedding Countdown

by Latino Bride & Groom Staff · 01/29/2016

Wedding Day Countdown

Our checklist will help guide you on what to do in the following months, so that you can set reasonable goals and have a timeline as a guide. Every wedding is different, so you may have your own additions or deletions to this list. It’s important to remember though, this is the most exciting time of your life, so enjoy it!

12 Months Before

Set the date (and alternate dates)

Set a budget for the wedding

Determine the type of wedding you will have (formal or informal, large or small)

Reserve ceremony site

Select the reception location and reserve it

Select and officiant for the ceremony

Determine the number of guests you wish to invite

Determine your need for Bridal Consultant services

10-12 Months Before

Begin shopping for bridal gown and accessories

Order gown

Determine the guest lists

Choose and notify wedding party attendants (bridesmaids, groomsmen, and others)

Send save-the-date cards (optional)

Select and order attendants wedding attire (bridesmaid gowns and accessories)

10 Months Before

Select and reserve the following:

Caterer

Florist

Photographer

Decorator

Musicians, DJ, and entertainment

Videographer

Party rental equipment (tents, tables, chairs, décor)

Select wedding cake design and baker

Select music for the wedding ceremony

Plan the details for the reception

Begin shopping for Rings

8-7 Months Before

Meet with officiant

Arrange rehearsal

Order invitations, announcements,

and thank you notes

Reserve transportation

Register for gifts

Reserve accommodations for

out-of-town guests

Arrange honeymoon plans

Meet with photographer for engagement portrait

Create guest list

4-6 Months Before

Choose stylist for bridal party hair and make-up

Select and order men’s formal wear

Choose florist

Select and order wedding guest favors

Confirm menu with caterer

Confirm schedule with all suppliers

Meet with officiant to discuss ceremony

4 Months Before

Select appropriate readings and vows for ceremony

Schedule ceremony rehearsal and notify participants

Arrange rehearsal dinner and notify participants

Create a time schedule for delivery and pick up of flowers, cake and food.

Select bridesmaid and groomsmen gifts

Address wedding invitations

1-2 Months Before

Schedule final gown fitting for bride

Remind bridesmaids to schedule final fittings

Purchase guest books, toasting glasses, knife and server, napkins and other accessories

Confirm honeymoon plans

Schedule a date to pick up marriage license

Mail invitations six weeks prior to the wedding date

Prepare place cards for reception (if applicable)

Plan pre-wedding party for bride and bridesmaids

Confirm ceremony and reception details with Bridal Consultant

Try hairstyle with headpiece

Give wedding day tasks to friends

Confirm request with photographer musicians, DJ, and videographer

2 Weeks Before

Finalize arrangements with your catering manager and liquor representative if needed

Confirm the number of guests

Pick up the wedding gown

Arrange for cleaning and preservation of wedding gown after wedding

Confirm arrangements for attire and accessories of all wedding party members

Confirm final guest count to caterer and reception facility

Schedule pre-wedding day manicure/pedicure, massage and spa treatments

1 Week Before

Make final contact with baker, caterer, florist, musicians, DJ, photographer, and videographer

Make final preparations for honeymoon

(pack suitcases, prepare camera)

Confirm wedding-day assignments with Bridal Consultant, family and friends

Confirm time/location for rehearsal, rehearsal dinner and wedding with wedding party participants

Confirm pick-up times/locations with transportation providers

On THE BIG DAY

The bride and her attendants see hair dresser and make-up artist

The bride should transfer her engagement ring to her right hand

Don’t forget: car keys, wedding rings, marriage license, keys to your home, airline tickets, passports, money and honeymoon hotel confirmation.