Bridal Couple’s Checklist

Jan 28

The Bride

6 Months or Longer

Prepare a budget for the wedding and reception.
Schedule consultation for selecting the correct color and style of wedding gown and attendants’ attire for a picture-perfect wedding.
Begin your guest list.
Select the time and place for the wedding and reception.
Ask your attendees to be in your wedding.
Order your wedding gown and bridal accessories.
Interview florist, caterers, photographers, videographers, baker and reception entertainers.

3 To 6 Months Before

Register for your china, crystal and other items.
Select and register for your bridal lingerie (trousseau).
Order bridesmaid’s dresses and accessories.
Order invitations and other stationary, including informals and map cards.
Meet with your clergyman and obtain a copy of the church’s wedding policies.
Purchase the groom’s wedding ring.
Make your final decisions on your florist, caterer, photographer, videographer, bakery and entertainment.
Make arrangements for accommodations for your out-of-town guests.

10 To 12 Weeks Before

Arrange transportation to the wedding and reception for your attendants and out-of-town guests.
Choose your house party, such as the guest book attendant and photographer’s liaison, etc.
Meet with your music director.
Finalize the reception menu.
Begin the fittings for your gown and the bridesmaids’ dresses/
Coordinate showers with gift registry sources.
Have your bridal portrait taken.
Address invitations and announcements.
Arrange a time and place for your bridesmaids’ luncheon, consider a chauffeur-driven limousine.
Select gifts for your attendants.
Double-check arrangements with your florist, caterer, photographer, videographer, bakery and entertainment.
Schedule appointment with professional make-up artist for make-up and hair styling.

4 To 10 Weeks Before

2 To 4 Weeks Before

Finalize arrangements with your clergyman and music director.
Inform the wedding party and close family members of the time and place for the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.
Apply for the pressing of your wedding down and bridesmaids’ dresses.
Pick up lingerie trousseau.
Arrange for someone to take your dress to be heirloomed or preserved after the wedding.
Arrange for someone to take your bouquet to be preserved or dried after the wedding.

Week of the Wedding

Day of the Wedding

The Groom

6 Months or Longer

Prepare a budget for your share of the wedding and honeymoon expenses.
Purchase engagement and wedding rings.
Begin interviewing with travel agents to arrange your honeymoon.
Begin your guest list - ask the bride’s family the number of guests you can invite.
Ask your attendants to be in the wedding.

3 To 6 Months Before

Arrange lodging for attendants and close family members coming from out-of-town.
Ask the bride’s family to determine your share of the florist bill.
Reserve the restaurant or other facility for the rehearsal dinner, consider a limousine service for transportation.
You may want to go with your bride to register for china, crystal, [*]
Make an appointment for you and your bride to visit your clergyman.

10 To 12 Weeks Before

You and your attendants must be measured for tuxedos.
Inform the wedding party where and when the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner will take place.

4 To 10 Weeks Before

2 To 4 Weeks Before

Apply for your marriage license with your bride.
Ask your best man to prepare a toast to give you and your bride at the reception.
If you’re going to have a new address after the wedding, file change-of-address cards with the post office and correspondents.

Week Of The Wedding

Give the final guest count to the caterer for the rehearsal dinner, confirm bridal party transportation.
Take your marriage license to the rehearsal.
Reconfirm honeymoon plans.

Day Of The Wedding

Give the clergyman’s check to the best man to handle.
Arrive at the wedding site, along with your attendants. 1 ½ hours before the ceremony.

“Engagement Gap” Lessons