Wedding To Do List

Keep things in order and on track


Nine to Twelve Months Before:

  • Pick out engagement ring with fiancé.
  • Select a wedding date and time.
  • Determine if you need the services provided by a wedding coordinator.
  • Announce your engagement in the newspaper and with engagement announcements by Carlson Craft.
  • Select the attendants for your wedding party.
  • Start compiling the guest list (inform your families to do the same).
  • Determine how many guests may attend.
  • Determine the type of wedding you want (size, formality, style, color scheme).
  • Establish a preliminary budget.
  • Select and secure your reception location.
  • Select and secure your ceremony location.
  • Select and secure a photographer.
  • Select and secure a video professional.


  • Six to Nine Months Before:

  • Determine who will officiate at the ceremony.
  • Shop for wedding dress, headpiece, veil, etc.
  • Select and order bridesmaids' dresses.
  • Inform mothers to select their wedding day dresses.
  • Select a caterer if not already provided by the reception site.
  • Interview and choose your wedding cake baker, videographer, musicians and florist. Sign necessary contracts.
  • Choose and reserve DJ or Band for reception.
  • Schedule Engagement Photo.
  • Reserve accommodations for guests (block hotel rooms).
  • Send Save The Dates.


  • Four to Six Months Before:

  • Complete the guest lists.
  • Register with a gift bridal registry in your favorite store(s).
  • Prepare all maps and directions for the ceremony and reception.
  • Select and order invitations and stationery.
  • Start planning for honeymoon.
  • Select and order the men’s attire.
  • Confirm dates with bridesmaids and hostesses for Showers.
  • Finalize the florist details, photographer, videographer, musicians, etc.
  • Hire the limousine or other forms of transportation for the wedding.


  • Two to Four Months Before:

  • Check requirement for blood test and marriage license in your state.
  • Shop for wedding rings.
  • Confirm the menu and provide an estimated number of guests to the caterer.
  • Determine your resources for designing and printing the program for the ceremony.
  • Buy ceremony and reception accessories, available through Carlson Craft. (Guest Books, Unity Candles, Toasting Flutes, etc.)
  • Select gifts for all your attendants, parents and each other. Shop Quite Personally!
  • Choose and reserve location for rehearsal dinner.
  • Confirm the wedding cake details with the baker.
  • Set appointments with any hair dressers and/or make-up artists.
  • Plan the seating for the reception as well as other details for the ceremony and reception.
  • Start writing placement cards.
  • See your Invitation Retailer for designing and printing the program for the ceremony.


  • Six to Eight Weeks Before:

  • Handle business and legal details such as name changes, address changes, etc.
  • Prepare the wedding announcement for the newspaper.
  • Mail invitations and announcements.
  • Do a rehearsal of your hair and makeup.
  • Create a wedding day schedule.


  • Four to Six Weeks Before:

  • Finalize honeymoon details and make the necessary reservations.
  • Set the dates and times with the officiate for the rehearsal.
  • Confirm menu, time & place for rehearsal dinner.
  • Schedule a final fitting for your gown.
  • Make sure all bridesmaids’ attire has been fitted.
  • Get your marriage license and any blood tests which are needed.
  • Confirm florist details and delivery times.
  • Make sure all bridesmaids’ attire has been fitted.
  • Call any guests who have not responded yet.
  • Select song for father/daughter, mother/son dance.


  • Two to Three Weeks Before:

  • Pick up your wedding rings.
  • Confirm florist details and delivery times.
  • Make arrangements to have your wedding gifts moved to your home.
  • Make sure all clothing and accessories for you and the bridal party are ready.
  • Verify groom's party's measurements and final fittings.
  • Confirm your honeymoon reservations. Ensure you have any necessary documents.
  • Review all the final details with your photographer, videographer, etc.
  • Give a final head count to the caterer.
  • Confirm the availability of the musicians and vocalists.
  • Finalize your rehearsal dinner arrangements and other plans.
  • Prepare speeches for reception.
  • Write personal wedding vows.


  • The Week Before:

  • Start packing for your honeymoon.
  • Delegate responsibilities to reliable individuals on your wedding day.
  • Finish all the place cards for the reception.
  • Get a manicure or massage to relax yourself.



    Rehearsal:

  • Review any seating details with the ushers.
  • Wrap and present the wedding party gifts. Give Best Man officiant's fee.
  • Give wedding rings to Best Man/Maid of Honor.
  • Give Marriage License to officiant.


  • One Day Before:

  • Stay with your family the night before and go to sleep early.
  • Pack bag with personal needs and a change of clothes for after the wedding.
  • Rest and relax with a good bath.
  • Be sure to eat properly.
  • Prepare for your hairdresser and make-up appointments.
  • Pick up any tuxedos/suits.


  • The Wedding Day:

  • Make sure the best man and maid of honor sign the wedding certificate.
  • Allow yourself plenty of time to get dressed.
  • Be sure to eat properly.


  • After the Wedding:

  • Send thank you notes as soon as possible, after the wedding.
  • Have bridal gown cleaned and preserved.
  • Change your name on ID and important documents.
  • Complete change of address cards.
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