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Free Wedding Checklist and Bridal Planner
Free Wedding Checklist Details, Details, Details, its no wonder your head is spinning. My free wedding checklist will be your guide to keep you sane and on track while planning all the items on your “to do” list. So many brides get caught up on one detail that they forget something else. In order for that not to happen to you, I strongly recommend that you print this checklist and update it every time you complete a task. Make notes as to where you are with each item and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you start feeling overwhelmed. This free wedding checklist assumes you have 12 months or more before your marriage. ONE YEAR OR MORE BEFORE YOUR NUPTUALS - After you have spoken to all parents, arrange a get together if they haven’t already met.
- Announce engagement in the local newspaper.
- Prepare a preliminary guest list .
- Decide what type of wedding (theme, formal, informal, destination)you would like to have.
- Prepare a list of everything that is important to you and what items you are willing to compromise on.
- Purchase or diy wedding organizer (note book) and wedding box (wrap a fairly large box to contain your contracts, ideas, pictures of items that you like, magazines, samples of fabric and anything you don’t want to lose).
- Discuss your wedding budget with your fiance and all parents and determine who will pay for what items.
- Attend several bridal shows , talk to the vendors and obtain ideas from the planners and other brides.
- Read bridal books , research internet articles and web sties to gain information.
- Talk to your friends and recent brides to garner thoughts and ideas.
- Research reception and ceremony locations.
- Determine the season of the year you would like to marry and choose an officiant, ceremonial place (church, temple, mosque, outdoor site) and venue . Book the above as soon as possible as many popular officiates and places are booked 1 – 2 years in advance.
- Book music DJ or band.
- Decide if you will use a wedding planner and if so, begin interviewing consultants.
- Block out hotel rooms for out of town guests.
- Decide who you and your spouse will ask to be in your bridal party .
- Begin researching and book a photographer and Videographer. If you are not hiring a professional ask a trusted friend or relative to take your pictures for you.
- Research bridal gown and bridesmaid’s dresses .
- Research groom’s tuxedo/suit and groomsmen’s attire .
- Make some floral decisions (fresh, dried or silk) and decide if you want to hire a local florist, wholesaler or internet florist.
- Research what type of cake you would like to have.
- Determine if you will put up a web site .
- Confirm all of the above free wedding checklist items .
9 TO 12 MONTHS BEFORE YOUR NUPTUALS - Complete all of the above items that have not been finalized.
- Finalize your rings, theme and style .
- Contact your maid of honor, bridesmaids, best man, groomsmen, flower girl and ring bearer and ask them if they will honor you by being in your bridal party. Make sure they understand and agree to carry out their duties .
- Together with your honey and all parents finalize your guest list .
- Choose and purchase your wedding bands .
- Purchase your bridal gown, veil, headpiece, accessories (bag, shoes, undergarments, hosiery, gloves) and your attendant’s attire.
- Purchase groom’s tuxedo or suit .
- Order rentals for groomsmen and ring bearer .
- Begin researching honeymoon options . Decide if you need to talk with a travel agent or if you can make your own arrangements.
- Order your cake and grooms cake (if you are having a grooms cake) if your hall does not provide one.
- Research and book your transportation .
- Contact your city or town’s clerk’s office to determine what requirements are needed to obtain a marriage license. Verify and determine if all of your documents are available and updated i.e. passport, birth certificate, religious papers, residency requirements.
- If you are hosting a web site remember to keep it updated.
- Confirm all of the above free wedding checklist items .
6 TO 9 MONTHS BEFORE YOUR NUPTUALS - Complete all of the above items that have not been finalized.
- Select and order invitations, programs and stationery .
- Make your physical appointments .
- Begin shopping for trousseau .
- Book honeymoon reservations.
- Confirm that all brides, grooms and bridal party attire has been ordered .
- Research and make appointments for hair, nail, makeup and massages .
- Visit an attorney if you are having a prenuptial agreement .
- Begin pre-marriage counseling .
- Visit stores and sign up for your gift registry . Remember, some brides register with their travel agent.
- Send save the date cards .
- Start planning your ceremony and reception music choices .
- Update your web site if you are using one.
- Confirm all of the above free wedding checklist items .
4 TO 6 MONTHS BEFORE YOUR NUPTUALS - Complete all of the above items that have not been finalized.
- Plan and purchase decorations .
- Finalize your arrangements with your florist, photographer, and videographer .
- Begin making arrangements for the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner .
- If you are going to have your invites printed by a calligrapher do your research and book now.
- Research and order favors .
- If you are not using a bridal planner , ask a close friend or family member to help you and be your wedding coordinator.
- Update your web site if you are using one.
- Confirm all of the above free wedding checklist items .
2 TO 4 MONTHS BEFORE YOUR NUPTUALS - Discuss and decide your vows, program and details of your ceremony (unity candle, pouring of sand) with your groom.
- Meet with your officiate to finalize the details of your ceremony.
- Finalize guest list .
- Confirm menu with caterer.
- Purchase a guest book .
- Place announcements in local newspaper and church.
- Prepare directions to the ceremony and reception.
- Confirm the rehearsal dinner plans.
- Plan bridesmaid’s luncheon and any other parties .
- Meet with your DJ or band and give them a list of songs, announcements , first dance, parent’s dances and any other preferences that you may have.
- Purchase a cake knife, toasting lasses, garter, candles and any other items that you would like to have for your ceremony and reception.
- Choose and purchase gifts for your attendants, parents, spouse and helpers .
- Begin addressing the invitations or bring them to the calligrapher.
- Update your web site if you are using one.
- Confirm all of the above free wedding checklist items .
6 TO 8 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR NUPTUALS - Mail invitations and announcements.
- Schedule fittings for your gown
- If you are not using a wedding planner have a trusted friend review this free wedding checklist to determine that you haven't overlooked any items.
- Set appointment with photographer for formal portraits .
- Have a trial run for your hair and makeup .
- Obtain marriage license .
- Write thank you notes and make a list for gifts that you receive as they arrive.
- Finalize the program for your ceremony.
- If you are changing your name , complete the appropriate documents.
- Reserve a room for your wedding night .
- Pick up your rings .
- Update your web site if you are using one.
- Confirm all of the above free wedding checklist items .
4 TO 6 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR NUPTUALS - Make your seating chart and write or have your calligrapher write your place cards.
- Have your first bridal gown fitting .
- Relax and spend some quite time with your fiancé.
- Pick up marriage license if not previously available.
- Have formal portraits taken.
2 TO 4 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR NUPTUALS - Take gifts to your new home.
- Confirm guest accommodations
- Meet with all vendors to discuss last minute details, confirm date, time and payments.
- Assign someone to take your wedding gifts to your new home after your reception.
- Confirm honeymoon reservations.
- Have final wedding gown fitting .
- If necessary, arrange for a reception babysitter .
- Purchase or rent bridal runner for the ceremony.
- Purchase bubbles, confetti or whatever you are using to celebrate when you are leaving your ceremony.
- Contact any guests who did not respond to your invitation .
- Update your web site if you are using one.
- Confirm all of the above free wedding checklist items .
1 WEEK BEFORE YOUR NUPTUALS - Finalize reception seating chart and bring to the caterer
- Confirm delivery time and locations with your florist .
- Review seating details with ushers.
- Confirm that all bridal attire fits correctly.
- Pick up wedding gown, attendant’s gowns and all accessories .
- Remind all men to get their final fitting and pick their tuxedos or suits .
- Reconfirm everything with all vendors and catering hall.Pack for honeymoon.
- Finalize rehearsal dinner arrangements.
- Present wedding party gifts at the rehearsal dinner.
- Update your web site if you are using one.
- Discuss who and how much you will tip your vendors and etc. with your groom.
- Make sure you have the necessary money in your account to cover tips and any other expenses .
DAY BEFORE YOUR NUPTUALS You're almost there, continue to follow this free wedding checklist to have a perfect wedding day. - Get manicure, pedicure and massage.
- Put together a tip envelope for the vendors, officiate, Maitre d, limo drivers, musicians, singers, photographer and Videographer, florist and anyone else that you are tipping.
- Reconfirm your hair and makeup appointments.
- Talk with everyone in your bridal party, parents and the person you assigned as your wedding planner to be certain they know where, what and when they will be assisting you.
- If the ceremonial hall and reception place permits, bring everything that you will be using there and ask that your items be placed in a safe place.
- Layout everything that you will need for the next day so you don’t have to rummage through closets and drawers.
- Go to bed early and get as much sleep as possible.
YOUR WEDDING DAY |
