TIMELINE (In A Time Crunch!)
Often times, people who are on a tight monetary wedding budget are also on somewhat of a "time budget." This ambitious wedding timeline is for those of you who don't have the luxury of planning your wedding at your leisure. If you have a full 12 months to plan, you can simply stretch the timeline over a longer period. This will give you an idea of what comes first and what can wait.
** Starred tasks are not necessary-eliminating these will help you save time and $$
12 weeks to wedding
Research wedding vendors.   Discuss the style of the wedding. Decide on the wedding budget.
11 weeks to wedding
Decide on guest list. Choose the date & time, lock in the reception, caterer and ceremony site and officiant. Start a binder to keep track of everything- moving at a pace this fast can be hard to keep track of everything! Select wedding party. Purchase wedding gown.
10 weeks to wedding
*Post an announcement. Send a save the date email- no time for ordering and sending out. Allow bridesmaids to select their own dresses with your approval- this will take a huge task off your plate- trust your friends! Register online. Discuss honeymoon. Reserve rentals, if having tents, rental tables, chairs, linens, etc. Lock in cake, entertainment, florist, photography, videography.
9 weeks to wedding
Check requirements for blood tests and marriage license in your state. Select and order men's attire. Discuss style of cake, photography, flowers, entertainment with vendors.
8 weeks to wedding
Choose rehearsal dinner place. Gather addresses of guests. Purchase invitations. First alterations to wedding gown. Order online favors, if getting favors online. All vendors locked in. Buy wedding rings- likely need to be sized and picked up later.
7 weeks to wedding
Send invitations- set response deadline at 3 weeks prior to wedding. Reserve room at nearby hotel for wedding night.
6 weeks to wedding
Submit tentative arrangements to vendors- meal choices, music choices, schedule, photography and videography "must-capture list." Finalize honeymoon plans. Schedule rehearsal. Designate helpers for things like the guest book, gift table, programs, etc. Hire transportation.
5 weeks to wedding
Take care of blood test requirements. Alterations to men's attire. Order programs online if ordering online. Make sure bridesmaids are scheduled to be fitted for their dresses. Select menu for catering.
4 weeks to wedding
Lock in rehearsal dinner times and menu. Send out invites to rehearsal dinner. *Order wedding programs, if ordering from the internet. Final gown fitting. Plan ceremony schedule (for programs). *Purchase ceremony accessories (ribbons, pillows, baskets, etc). *Make wedding day appointments (nails, hair, etc). Order wedding party gifts & favors if ordering online.
3 weeks to wedding
Give caterer estimated headcount. Discuss finalized arrangements with vendors. Choose wedding music. *Get sample hair style at stylist. Create wedding day schedule. Book flight if flying to honeymoon destination- it is a common tip that flight prices go down exactly 21 days before the flight . Keep track of invitation responses. *Get programs printed if using a local company.
2 weeks to wedding
Pick up wedding gown, groom's attire. *Design and print wedding programs if making yourself. Give vendors detailed timeline and checklist for wedding day. Buy groom's/ bride's gift (for each other). Arrange for wedding gifts to be moved to your new home. *Get place cards and table numbers printed, if printing. *Arrange seating, if assigning seats. Get marriage license. Get wedding party gifts, favors. Confirm honeymoon arrangements. Contact people who haven't responded. Pick up wedding certificate.
1 week to wedding
Review ceremony details with ushers and readers. *Make place cards and table numbers, if making yourself. Break in wedding shoes. Pick up wedding rings. Pick up all accessories (veil, hairpiece, jewelry). Give caterer final headcount. Give musicians/ DJ song list. Have a small bridesmaid luncheon- relax!!
Day of the wedding
Don't forget to bring the wedding certificate/ marriage license. Relax and enjoy!
After the wedding
Order name change materials, change of address, change ssn#
Thank you notes- can pick up after wedding- may be able to find better deals than getting professional matching ones like your invitations
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