Bridal Calendar
CapeCod.Com's Bridal Calendar
Print this Timeline out to help keep your Wedding Planning on Track!
12+ Months Before
__ Set Wedding Date and Time
__ Select Bridesmaids and Groomsmen – make sure the date fits their schedule and the schedule of the parents
__ Check to be sure church/ceremony site is available for your selected date
__ Begin Guest List (Get a rough idea of how much room you’ll need at reception hall)
__ Research and Book Reception Site
__ Decide what kind of music/entertainment you’d like
6-12 Months Before
__ Shop for Wedding Gown and Veil
__ Shop for and Order Bridesmaids Gowns
__ Finalize Guest List
__ Research & Select Band/DJ for reception
__ Discuss Options with Several Florists and Select One (Don’t forget to bring Swatch of Bridesmaid’s Gowns)
__ Send “Save the Date” Cards if desired
__ Begin Planning Honeymoon
__ Register for gifts
__ Take an Engagement Photo
__ Reserve Hotel Rooms for Out of Town Guests
__ Order Rental Equipment if needed (Tent, chairs, tables etc.)
__ Hire or Arrange for Wedding Day Transportation
3 to 6 Months Before
__ Order Wedding Cake
__ Shop for and Order Wedding Invitations
__ Secure Honeymoon Plans
__ Shop for Wedding Bands
__ If not leaving for Honeymoon immediately, arrange for a hotel room the night of the wedding
2 Months Before
__ Talk to hairstylist about wedding day hair-do and schedule any hair maintenance appointments (trim, color etc.) and a trial run (Also talk to Bridesmaids to see if they’d like to schedule hair appointments with your hairdresser – especially if they’re from out of town)
__ Talk with Make-up Artist and schedule a trial run
__ Mail Invitations
__ Order Favors or Begin making them
1 Month Before
__ Send Engagement Photo and announcement to local newspapers for publication
__ Send a list of “required songs” to the DJ
__ Send a list of “must have” photos to photographer/videographer
__ Obtain Marriage license and any related examinations
__ Develop a seating plan and write out place cards
__ Set up Rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
__ Make a wedding Program
__ Choose all accessories – shoes, jewelry and lingerie
1-2 Weeks Before
__ Confirm and Finalize: Flowers, Church, Reception Hall, Photographer, Videographer; Limo, Cake, Travel etc.
__ Get a final Guest Count for Reception Hall/Caterer
__ Begin the name-changing process if desired (Don’t forget credit cards, health insurance polices, life insurance policies, driver’s license, car registration, bank accounts etc.)
__ Fill out change of Address form at Post Office if necessary
1-3 Days Before
__ Get Out- of-Town guests settled
__ Get Manicure and Pedicure
__ Hold Rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
Other Things You Don’t Want to Forget
__ Attendant Gifts
__ Gifts for each other
__ “Going-away” Outfit
__ Pack an “Emergency Kit” with things like touch-up make-up, pantyhose, a sewing kit, toothbrush and paste, tissues, feminine products, aspirin, comb and hair products
__ Provide a list of Emergency Phone Numbers for All involved with the wedding (Florist, limo driver, Wedding Cake Provider etc.)
__ Log Wedding Gifts and Send Thank You notes (After Honeymoon, of course!)
