By Mimi Ko Cruz, Advertising Special Sections Writer
12 OR MORE MONTHS BEFORE
Announce the engagement.
Hire a wedding consultant or get a date book or a computer program that can help organize the event.
Set a date and time.
Set a budget.
Decide on the size and style of the wedding.
Choose attendants.
Book the ceremony and reception.
9 TO 12 MONTHS BEFORE
Interview caterers, bakers, florists, photographers, videographers, limousine services, lighting technicians and musicians or deejays, and check out their portfolios (or taste their cakes or meals) and business licenses and call their references.
Buy or order the bridal gown.
Choose a honeymoon site and make reservations.
Draft the guest list.
Register for gifts.
Set a date for the rehearsal dinner and organize it.
Meet with wedding officiants and clergy to discuss requirements, restrictions and other details.
6 TO 9 MONTHS BEFORE
Finalize the guest list.
Hire the florist, photographer, videographer, caterer, baker, musicians or deejays, limousine service and lighting technician, and plan the details.
Hire hair and makeup consultants.
Schedule bridal gown fittings and tuxedo rentals or purchase groom’s attire.
Select attendants’ attire.
Order invitations, announcements and thank-you notes.
Hire calligrapher to address invitations or be prepared to do it yourself or appoint people to help.
Help mothers select their outfits.
Book lodging and transportation for out-of-town guests.
2 TO 6 MONTHS BEFORE
Start addressing invitations.
Make final decisions about ceremony and reception.
Confirm all services.
Choose wedding rings and have them engraved.
Set a date for obtaining the marriage license.
Make beauty appointments for the wedding day.
Get accessories and gifts for attendants and fiancé.
Write vows or research special wedding traditions or rituals and make arrangements for their presentations.
1 TO 2 MONTHS BEFORE
Mail invitations.
Get final bridal gown fitting.
Apply for marriage license.
Pick up rings.
Pick up all accessories, including veil, lingerie, shoes and jewelry.
Confirm all honeymoon reservations.
Make plans for name, address and tax-status changes.
Record gifts and write thank-you notes promptly after they arrive.
1 TO 4 WEEKS BEFORE
Confirm rehearsal plans and meal.
Finalize seating assignments for reception.
Give final head count to the caterer.
Review attendants’ duties with them.
Attend parties (bridal showers, bachelor dinners) and send thank-you notes to hosts and guests.
Prepare a must-have photo list for the photographers and videographers.
1 TO 7 DAYS BEFORE
Pack for the honeymoon
Confirm wedding night hotel accommodations.
Arrange for someone to take gifts that arrive at the reception to a storage area.
ON THE BIG DAY
Set aside enough time to get groomed and dressed.
Have someone get luggage and airline tickets to the honeymoon suite.
Let wedding day coordinators take care of ceremony and reception details.
