Wedding Planning Tools

Wedding Planning Tools

12 to 18 months ahead

Determine your budget and the type of wedding (formal, informal)
Choose a location for the wedding (banquet hall, church, etc)
Visit your officiate (church) with your fiancée. Select date
Plan and attend several bridal shows for ideas
Choose your attendants (wedding party)
Write up a tentative invitation list, for number of guests
Select your entertainment: Band or Disc-Jockey. NOTE: Since bands and mobile DJ's do private events you may not be able to view one of their receptions live. Ask to see a video, and check references. Ask the band how long they have been in business and what is their long term projection for being together for your wedding date. Ask the band what style of music they play and do they take requests. Ask the DJ service about Back-up equipment and what they use for their music source to stay current. Look for a DJ who is a wedding specialist. Ask how long they have been in business. Some DJ's may help you with invitations, photographer and videographer (Since larger DJ's work with most of these professionals in your area regularly.) Ask about discounts and specials if you utilize multiple services. The DJ will actually be your wedding/time coordinator and make or break your reception. If you plan on a memorable event, hire a "professional wedding specialist" and not a friend of a friend or uncle Joe and his CD player! As far as what you pay, look at what you just paid for your cake and even your veggie trays. Is the person who will actually run your special day worth more than these items? Either way, make sure you have a signed contract.
Choose your location for the reception. Call around to several locations (just in case) and compare prices and services.
Plan the reception. Most services like the reception hall, DJ and photographer will require a deposit.
Pick your date, determine day or evening, color schemes etc.
Enroll with a bridal registry at your local department store
Select your dress, veil, accessories. Select your bridesmaid's dresses. The Groom should also consult a formal wear specialist.
Select photographer and/or Videographer
Select a florist or floral supplier, determine fresh or artificial flowers

4 to 6 months ahead

Order your invitations.
Order napkins, matchbooks and personalized favors.
Plan accommodations for out-of-town guests.
Arrange for your rehearsal dinner
Select a baker for your wedding cake. (This is the best part! Go out and try samples of different bakeries and choose your baker. Then decide the configuration of the cake(s).)

2 to 4 months ahead

Address wedding invitations - Ask your wedding consultant or invitation supplier for correct protocol for addressing, stuffing, and sealing envelopes.
Draw up a seating plan for invited guests
If you're planning on a custom-made wedding cake top, order at this time.
Select music for your church service (if any)
Choose and purchase gifts for your attendants (bridal party)
Buy Wedding Rings
Make a date to get your marriage license
Make a map to the church and reception hall, for local and out-of-town guests

1 to 2 months ahead

Buy wedding gift for your future spouse
Make appointment with hairstylist, manicurist, etc
Have final dress fitting, bride and bridesmaids
Groom verify all groomsmen have been fitted for their outfits
Mail invitations - before stamping bring one "finished" invitation to your local post office and verify the cost. Then purchase additional outer and inner stamps. (TIP: The post office makes self-adhesive stamps for most wedding envelope costs, much better than licking them if you have a lot to do.)
Have formal wedding portrait taken
Pick up wedding rings
Confirm with all hired professionals (DJ, Photo, Video, Reception) Correct dates and times

2 weeks ahead

Send your wedding announcement and photo to local newspaper.
Review seating plan for reception
Meet with DJ to select music and special events during the reception. Remember the DJ will be the coordinator for events at your reception, as well as master of ceremonies and playing music. You should be able to see a breakdown of time frames for the entire reception as far as what is being done (cocktail hour, dinner, traditional wedding events) Most DJ's have a wide selection of music and will play for your crowd appropriately. Don't be misled and think you need to choose every song, that is the job of a professional entertainer. If you would like special songs for your wedding dances , choose them at this time.
Confirm your honeymoon arrangements.

1 week ahead

Have final consultation with caterer and florist
Write out checks (or withdraw cash) for hired professionals to give to Best-man for distribution.
Verify tickets and seating (if flying), obtain all travel documents. (NOTE: If traveling out of the USA, have appropriate proof of citizenship and other travel documentation. Check with your travel planner or travel agent.)
Pack for your honeymoon.

GET MARRIED!