Wedding Countdown Checklist

12 Months Before the Wedding

• Announce your engagement to family and close friends, then send your engagement announcement to local newspapers.
• Talk with your families about the wedding.  Discuss topics such as the theme, budget, dates, ceremony and reception sites and the guest list.
• Set a date for your wedding.
• Begin to develop the guest list.  Make a note next to each person’s name as to what events you’ll be inviting them to; engagement party, bridal shower, bachelor or bachelorette parties, wedding ceremony and reception.  Also make a note if they are a local or out of town guest.
• Select possible ceremony and reception sites.  Visit each of them to narrow down your decision.
• Choose your wedding attendants and ask them to be a part of your wedding party.
• Mail save-the-date cards to ensure your guests have enough notice.
• Research wedding dress styles.  Get ideas of current styles that you like from wedding magazines and websites.
• Attend bridal shows in your city to meet wedding vendors and get ideas and prices for the services you’ll need to reserve such as photography, music and transportation.

11 Months Before the Wedding

• Set a budget for your wedding.  Use a budget planning worksheet you make sure your estimates are realistic and that you don’t overlook anything.  Review the budget with your families and discuss who will pay for what.
• Decide if you are going to use the services of a professional wedding coordinator.  If you are; begin interviewing potential coordinators and make your decision.
• Decide on the ceremony reception and location.  Reserve the location(s) leaving a deposit if necessary.
• Decide who will perform your wedding ceremony.
• Purchase your wedding rings.

10 Months Before the Wedding

• Interview and select your wedding service vendors.  Research and interview a minimum of three vendors for each service to ensure you make an educated decision on pricing and service levels.  The services you’ll need to reserve include:
  • Caterer
  • Transportation
  • Photographer
  • Florist
  • Musicians
  • Videographer
  • Decorations
  • Rentals
  • Hair & Makeup

9 Months Until the Wedding

• Visit your local bridal boutiques and choose your wedding gown.  Bring with you pictures of gowns that you like, keeping in mind your body shape and budget.
• Choose your attendant’s dresses.  Have your Maid of Honor and Bridesmaids order their dresses at least 6 months before the wedding.
• Thinking of dropping a few pounds before the big day?  Start early and plan ahead.  Crash diets don’t work and can be damaging to your health.  Make realistic goals for yourself and visit your doctor to decide what programs will work best for you.

8 Months Until the Wedding

• Choose your cake style and bakery.  Gather ideas for your cake from wedding magazines and websites.  Set up cake tasting appointments with local bakeries and bring cake photos with you to discuss decorations and pricing.
• Research and discuss honeymoon locations, keeping your budget and vacation schedule in mind.
• Finalize your guest list.
• Begin researching your invitations and stationary.

7 Months Until the Wedding

• Order your wedding invitations and stationary.  The items you’ll need include:
  • Announcements
  • Invitations
  • Envelopes
  • Reception Cards
  • Response Cards
  • Informal Notes
  • Thank You Cards & Envelopes
  • Ceremony Programs