Twelve Month Bridal Checklist

Feb 15, 2022 at 04:26 pm by RMGadmin


You are engaged! Now, it is time to start the planning and it is never too early to begin. If you have a year before you plan to tie the knot, here is a little guide to help you check things off your list leading up to the big day. 


12 Months Out

  • Determine your budget.
  • Make a guest list.
  • Hire a wedding planner.
  • Decide formality and overall theme.
  • Select the venue; while selecting your venue, throw out that pros and cons list and trust your gut—this decision is about how you feel when you’re there.
  • Select the caterer.

11 Months Out

  • Choose a color theme and start  thinking of overall design.
  • Hire vendors who book up quickly, including your photographer, band, DJ and videographer.

10 Months Out

  • Start shopping for your wedding dress.
  • Book hotel-room blocks for guests.
  • Create your wedding website.
  • Take engagement photos.
  • Start looking at invitations.

9 Months Out

  • Buy your wedding dress.
  • Send save the dates. 

8 Months Out

  • Register for gifts.
  • Select the bridesmaids’ dresses and schedule fittings within the month.
  • Meet with potential florists. 

7 Months Out

  • Book the rehearsal dinner venue.
  • Hire the ceremony musicians.
  • Order rental items, such as specialty chairs, linens, draping, lounge furniture, white dance floor, etc.
  • Hire an officiant. 

6 Months Out

  • Hire a lighting technician. 

5 Months Out

  • Book transportation for guests, if needed.
  • Book the newlyweds’ transportation (limo, specialty car, etc.).
  • Book the honeymoon.
  • Buy or rent the groom’s tuxedo.
  • Begin premarital counseling.

 

4 Months Out

  • Have your final tasting with the caterer.
  • Choose your cake.
  • Buy wedding bands.
  • Select the groomsmen’s attire and schedule fittings within the month.
  • Do a hair and makeup trial.

3 Months Out

  • Order the invitations and hire a calligrapher.
  • Create or plan your menu.
  • Brainstorm guest favors and gift bags.
  • Write your vows.
  • Select readings with the officiant. 
  • Start crafting any DIY items if you haven’t already.

2 Months Out

  • Send the wedding invitations (with RSVPs due one month before the wedding).
  • Send out rehearsal dinner invitations. 
  • Have your first dress fitting.
  • Get your marriage license.
  • Buy wedding-party gifts.
  • Do a floral mock-up with your florist.
  • Give the song selections to your 
  • band or DJ.
  • Give the song selections to your 
  • ceremony musicians.

1 Month Out

  • Assemble gift bags.
  • Pay your vendors in full.
  • Create a seating chart.
  • Order or make your escort cards 
  • and place cards.
  • Have a final venue walk-through.
  • Put cash in tip envelopes for your planner/delegate to distribute.
  • Break-in your wedding shoes.

YAY! Final Week!

You made it! Make sure you’re breathing and power through.

  • Practice your vows out loud.
  • Chase any RSVP stragglers and deliver the final headcount.
  • Get your eyebrows done.
  • Have a manicure/pedicure.
  • Pack your bags for the honeymoon; don’t forget your passport if you’re leaving the country and confirm all travel arrangements.

 

Night Before

  • Can you believe it’s here?! It’s going to be a perfect and great day!
  • Eat a healthy meal.
  • Pack a clutch or small bag of personal items.
  • Drink plenty of water!
  • Get a good night’s sleep.
  • Put any boxes, suitcases, bags and survival kits to bring to the ceremony or reception in the car! Prep for next day madness! 

YOUR BIG DAY IS HERE!

  • Eat breakfast.
  • Drink even more water.
  • Take your dress and veil out of the bag early on and have someone steam them if needed.
  • Lay out all the items that you want your photographer to capture.
  • Exchange notes with your partner.
  • Say thank you to everyone around you.

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