Planning
a wedding is no easy task and can sometimes become overwhelming
for the bride and groom. If you have chosen to plan your own
wedding, without using the help of a professional wedding
planner, you should know that many of the details are time
senstive. We have created a list to help you plan and organize
everything you need to make your wedding day dreams come
true.
Looking Ahead: 12
months or more before
• If
you are planning a large sized wedding or a
lavish wedding, you should start planning at least a year
in advance
• This is the time to announce your engagement
to friends and family and to organize an engagement party
• You should arrange for parents and family to meet and
talk about the wedding details
• Discuss size, customs and traditions and setting
• Decide the wedding
budget with all those who will be contributing
• Discuss what
you and your fiance' want and don't want for the wedding;
making sure you have shared ideas
• Research sites for the ceremony and reception; visit the sites and
see what they have to offer
• Choose a
date and time for the wedding day
• Choose members
of the wedding party
• Book a wedding planner, if you choose to use one
• Book a
wedding officiant or clergy
Preparation: 9-12 months before
• Choose your wedding gown, bridesmaids and attendants' attire
• Help choose your parents' attire
• Finalize and book your date
• Book your photographer and videographer
• Book your florist
• Book a caterer, if the venue does not have one in-house
• Book your live entertainment; musicans for ceremony and live band or DJ for reception
• Reserve all rental items for the ceremony and reception including tents, chairs, linens etc.
• Order your wedding cake
• Start planning your
honeymoon
• Refine your
preliminary guest list
Details: 6-9 months before
• Check marriage
license requirements
• Book your limousine service
and other transportation for the day
• Choose your menu for the reception
• Order your invitations and
any other stationary
• Order your bombonieres / wedding
favours for your guests
• Pick out your wedding bands; decide
if you would like to have something meaningful engraved
in your rings
• Start your gift registry at your favourite stores
• Compile addresses for
guests
• Attend pre-marriage
courses if applicable
Finalize: 3-6 months before
• Purchase accessories and shoes
• Book a hairstylist and make-up artist
• Finalize the guest list
• Finalize plans with your
florist
• Book the mens' tuxedo and
wedding attire
• Find readers for your ceremony
• Mail out all wedding invitations at least 3 months before
• Book the honeymoon
Specifics: 1-2 months before
• Finalize the menus
• Print the programs
• Finalize the seating plan
• Choose the songs for the ceremony
and reception
• Create a list of must-have photos
for your photographer
• Create a timeline and itinerary
of the day
• Decide on your wedding
vows or write your own; let the officiant know of any special
reading
• Take care of any outstanding
legal matters, such as name change
• Apply for a marriage
license
• Plan the rehearsal dinner and/or welcome event
• Book your
final dress fitting
• Purchase gifts for your parents
and attendants
Loose Ends: final weeks before
• Finalize the order for the procession
• Confirm final numbers with the
caterer/venue
• Finalize seating arrangements
and print place cards for guests
• Confirm all other details and
arrangements with vendors
• Deliver marriage license
to the officiant
• Pack for your honeymoon
• Write cheques and place
the fees due on the wedding day into envelopes
• Pick up rented attire
for the groom and groomsmen
• Ensure your "assistants"
are aware and comfortable with their duties and responsibilities
Enjoy Yourselves: the day before and day of
The planning is complete and all you can hope for is a smooth
outcome. Make sure to spend time alone with your fiancé in the
final days leading up to the wedding to soak up the moment together, de-stress, and get physically and emotionally ready for the most important days of your lives!
