For the Bride and Groom

BRIDE'S CHECKLIST

Six to Twelve Months Prior

• Select a wedding date and time

• Set a Preliminary Budget

• Determine the type of Wedding you want

• Reserve the location for your Ceremony

• Determine who will Officiate at the Ceremony

• Reserve the location for your Reception

• Determine Size for the Guest List

• Compile Names & Addresses of Guests

• Select Bridal Attendants

• Have Fiancée Select his Attendants

• Select a Professional Photographer

• Select a Reliable Florist

• Select your Gown and Headpiece

• Select Bridesmaids Dresses 

• Make Final Arrangements for Ceremony

Four Months Prior

• Have Both Mother's coordinate and Select their Dresses

• Register at a Bridal Registry in the Name of Both Families

• Order invitations and person stationary

• Complete the Guest List and Compile them in order

• Select the Men's Wedding Attire and Schedule Fitting

• Check Requirements for Blood Tests and Marriage License

• Decide on your Color Scheme

• Make an appointment for a physical exam

• Shop for Wedding Rings

• Start Planning the Honeymoon

• Publish your Wedding Announcement in the Newspaper

• Decide where you will live after the wedding

• Begin Shopping for your Trousseau

• Make Reservation for your Limousine Service

• Make Rehearsal Arrangements

• Make your Reservation for your Rehearsal Dinner

Two Months Prior

• Address Invitations and Announcements
  *They should be mailed 4-6 Weeks Prior to the Wedding Date

• Finalize all Details with Caterer, Photographer & Florist

• Make Appointments with Hairdresser

• Finalize Honeymoon Plans

One Month Prior

• Schedule Final Fitting your Bridal Attendant's Gowns

• Complete all physical or dental appointments

• Get Blood Test and Marriage License

• Make Transportation Arrangements for Wedding Day

• Purchase a Gift for Fiancée - if gifts are being exchanged

• Purchase your "Going Away" Outfit

• Make sure you have all Accessories: Toasting Glasses, Ring Pillow, Garter, Candles, Guest Book, etc.

• Select a Responsible Person to Handle the Guest Book

• Reconfirm the Hotel Accommodations for Out of Town Guests

Two Weeks Prior

• Attend to the Business and Legal Details
   

• Prepare Wedding Announcement to be Sent to the Newspaper
   

• Arrange to have Possessions and Gifts Moved to your New Home
   

• Give Change of Address to Post Office
   

• Finish Addressing Announcements to be mailed on the Wedding Day
   

• Contact Guests who have Not Responded
   

• Plan the Seating Arrangements

• Give the Final Count of Guest to the Caterer and Review Details

• Give Photographer list of Pictures you Want

• Give all Musicians the lists of Music for the Ceremony & Reception

• Arrange for someone to Assist with Last Minute Errands and to help you Dress

• Practice having your hair done and make sure it comes out Perfect!

• Apply your make-up in the same type of lighting you will have on the Wedding Day

• Keep up with the writing of your Thank You Notes

• Pack your Suitcase for the Honeymoon

• Make sure you have all the Wedding Rings and that they Fit!

• Have rehearsal with all participants and review their duties

• Stay with your family the night before the Wedding

• Go to bed early, you'll want to look and feel Great the Next Day!

GROOM'S CHECKLIST

Six to Twelve Months Prior

• Purchase the Bride's Engagement Ring

• Discuss with Fiancée the Date & Type of Wedding

• Start on Your Guest List

• Select your Best Man & Ushers

• Start planning and making Arrangements for the Honeymoon

• Discuss and plan with your Fiancée your new home together,
     if she is moving in with you begin cleaning out closets,
     cupboards, and drawers to make room for your bride. 

• Make arrangements with local hotels to set aside rooms for out of 
     guests, or guests who might over indulge at the reception.

Four Months Prior

• Shop for Wedding Rings

• Complete your Guest List, including Full Names, Addresses, and Phone Numbers

• Check requirements for Blood Tests and Marriage License

• Select and Order the Men's Wedding Attire

• Finalize Honeymoon Plans - do not forget to send in your Deposits!!

Two Months Prior

• Meet with the Officiant to Finalize Ceremony Details

• Assist Parents with Plans for the Rehearsal Dinner

• Discuss the amount and Financial Arrangements for the flowers,
     which are normally the Groom's responsibility.

One Month Prior

•  Schedule Final Fittings for Tuxedos, and make sure all Wedding Attire has been ordered

•  Purchase Gifts for Best Man and Ushers

•  Purchase a Gift for your Bride, if Gifts are being exchanged

• Take care of Business and Legal Affairs, 
       such as adding Bride's name to Insurance a New Will, Add her name to Checking Accountetc...

• Reconfirm accommodations for guests

Two Weeks Prior

• Together with your Bride to Be, file for your Marriage License

• Arrange Wedding Day Transportation

• If moving, get a change of address card to the Post Officeed on in New Home

• If you are not moving - continue with cleaning and reorganizing your home and help
       your Fiancée  with the moving of her things

One Week Prior

• Discuss All Final Details with Fiancée, offer to Assist Where & When Needed

• Pick up and Try On Wedding Attire

• Make sure Best Man & Ushers get their Wedding Attire

• Pack Clothes for your Honeymoon

• Reconfirm All Honeymoon Reservations - If flying, Make Sure you have the Plane Tickets

• Have your Hair Cut

• Make sure your Attendants are at the Rehearsal, and know their Duties

• Make sure your Ushers are aware of Special Seating Arrangements

• Make sure your luggage is in the Car or Hotel where you will stay your First Night

• Bring your Wedding License to the Officiant at Rehearsal, be sure it is filled out properly 
        so it can be signed and returned to you after your Wedding

• Attend your Rehearsal Dinner - Relax and Enjoy Yourself!

• Go to Bed Early, you want to look and feel your best!

The Wedding Day

• Be sure to have a Good Breakfast

• Time to Get Dressed: Start at least One Hour before the Ceremony

• Give the Best Man the Bride's Wedding Ring

• Prepare the Officiant's Fee or Gift in an Envelope, and give it to the Best Man so he 
       can present it after the ceremony.

• Don't Forget the Marriage License, Make sure it's Signed by Officiant, & Witnesses

• Dance First with your Bride, then both Mothers, and then Bridesmaids

• Just Before leaving the Reception, Thank the Bride's Parents

• Say Goodbye to your Parents
      

After the Wedding Day

On the First Day of the Honeymoon Send Flowers Expressing your Appreciation and Thanking the Bride's Parents again for a Beautiful Wedding & Reception.  Remember to Treat your Wife with Dignity, Love, and Respect.  Don't forget to Surprise her with thoughtful gifts.