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Getting ready for your wedding is a big deal! There's a lot to think about and plan, but don't worry, we're here to help. This guide breaks down what you need to do in the months leading up to your big day, making sure you're all set and ready to go. From setting a budget to picking out your wedding dress, we've got you covered every step of the way. So, let's dive in and get started on making your wedding dreams come true!
9-12 months before the wedding
- Decide on a budget and how the wedding will be paid for
- Set a wedding date
- Book the ceremony and reception locations
- Hire a wedding planner if you wish
6-9 months before the wedding
- Announce the wedding date
- Start shopping for wedding dress, shoes, and jewelry
- Decide on bridesmaid dresses
- Hire your catering service
- Hire your photographer and/or videographer
- Hire your DJ/Band
- Start thinking about gift registry options
- Book honeymoon
4-6 months before the wedding
- Order wedding invitations and stationery
- Choose your wedding cake
- Arrange for any items that you will be renting
- Buy wedding rings
- Organize the groom’s tux and what the groomsmen will wear
- Start registry
- Organize helpers and additional wedding staff (readers, musicians, babysitters, etc)
2-4 months before the wedding
- Finalize guest list and send invitations at least 8 weeks before the wedding date
- Select place for rehearsal dinner
- Finalize reception menu
- Select music for the ceremony and reception
- Organize any necessary wedding transportation
- Purchase any wedding accessories (candles, baskets, ring pillow, etc)
1-2 months before the wedding
- Have first bridal gown fitting and schedule a final fitting
- Meet with officiant to finalize ceremony
- Write vows if you plan on writing your own
- Finalize details with any of your wedding service providers
1-4 weeks before the wedding
- Call guests that have not responded to your invitation
- Make final payments for any services
- Have final wedding gown fitting
- Finalize wedding-day schedule and share it with those closely involved
- Reconfirm all of your wedding plans with the ceremony and reception sites, florist, photographer, videographer, musicians, DJ/Band, baker, and honeymoon
- Prepare an emergency kit with a needle, thread, safety pins, tape, and a mirror
- Finalize seating arrangements and prepare place cards for reception
- Pack for wedding night and honeymoon
The day before the wedding
- Prepare payment envelopes and decide who is responsible for distributing them
- Hand out assignment lists so that everyone knows what is expected of them
- Give rings to trusted member of the wedding party
- Rehearse ceremony with officiant and the wedding party
- Have an emergency list of all of your vendors’ contact information
The wedding day
- Eat breakfast
- Engage in a relaxing activity, such as a massage or bath
- Do not forget rings and the wedding license
- Enjoy your special day
