Survival Guide: Wedding Checklist
When it comes to planning a wedding Rich Bride, Poor Bride planners agree that time is of the essence. The more of it you have, the less stressed you’ll be leading up to your special day. One way to ensure that your time and money is well spent is to create a to-do list. This will allow you to tackle each wedding related task efficiently and painlessly.
Rich Bride Poor Bride Tip: Take on planning your wedding like you would any other goal in your life, one step at a time.
Checklist Timelines
Nine Months or Earlier
• Announce your engagement
• Select your wedding date
• Hire a wedding planner
• Determine the type of wedding you want (formal, destination, number of guests, time of day, etc)
• Figure out your budget and how expenses will be dealt with
• Develop a system of keeping track of vendor payments
• Compile your guest lists (bride’s, groom’s, bride and groom’s parents)
• Reserve ceremony site
• Reserve the officiant
• Reserve reception site
• Order your bridal gown
• Determine your colour scheme
• Book photographer
• Select bridal party dresses, shoes, and accessories
• Choose wedding party (maid of honour, bridesmaids, best man, and groomsmen)
(Tip: one party member for every 50 guests)
Six to Nine Months Prior to the Wedding
• Reserve wedding night suite
• Book musicians or DJ
• Book caterer
• Book florist
• Book videographer
Four to Six Months Before the Wedding
• Confirm rental items needed for ceremony and reception
• Finalize guest list
• Order wedding invitations
• Send out invitations
• Organize your rehearsal dinner
• Plan your honeymoon
• Break-in new shoes
• Create your gift registry
• Meet with décor specialist
• Book wedding day transportation
• Obtain your passport
Two to Four Months Before the Wedding
• Order wedding cake
• Select guest favours
• Shop for wedding rings
• Purchase wedding party gifts
• Update your gift registry
• Get required international vaccination shots
Six to Eight Weeks Before the Wedding
• Mail out invitations
• Record RSVPs
• Make note of any gifts received
• Book your hair/make-up trial
• Complete miscellaneous shopping (guest book, ring pillow, toasting glasses, etc.)
• Look into name/status change requirements on your driver’s licence, bank accounts, insurance policies, etc.
• Reserve wedding attire for the groom and his attendants
• Obtain marriage licence
• Determine your something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue
• Finalize the reception menu
Two to Six Weeks Before the Wedding
• Confirm details with the officiant
• Have your final wedding gown fitting
• Finalize plans for rehearsal dinner
• Finalize floral order
• Finalize decor
• Make a detailed timeline for your wedding party
• Confirm details with vendors and give them a copy of the timeline
• Pack for your honeymoon
• Pick up rings and double check fit
• Pick up wedding attire, do one last fitting
• Go over any photo requirements with photographer
• Confirm music to be played with musicians or DJ
• Print ceremony program
• Determine ceremony seating for special guests
• Finalize reception room layout
One Week Before the Wedding
• Do final guest count
• Give final numbers to Caterer/ Decor
• Review the schedule of events with your wedding planner
• Confirm honeymoon details and pack
Rehearsal Day
• Give the best man a final list of things that he must take care of (e.g., rings, officiant payment, etc.)
• Arrange for someone to be responsible for all accessories needed, such as the guest book, cake-cutting knife, ring pillow, etc.
• Arrange for someone to return rental items (e.g., aisle runner, tuxedos, linens, etc.)
• Confirm ceremony seating with ushers
Wedding Day
• Follow your schedule of events
• Give best man and maid of honour the rings
• Enjoy! It’s your wedding day!
From the producers of Rich Bride Poor Bride.