Step 1: 16 to 9 Months Before
- Start a wedding folder or binder
- Work out your budget
- Start the quest list
- Hire a planner, if desired
- Reserve your date and venues
- Throw an engagement party, if you wish
- Hire the photographer and a cameraman
- Book the entertainment
- Meet caterers
- Purchase a dress
Step 2: Six Months Before
- Select and purchase invitations
- Shop for bridesmaids’ dress
- Book a florist
- Arrange transportation
- Select and order the cake
- Purchase wedding shoes and start dress fittings
- Schedule hair and makeup artists.
- Choose your music
- Start composing a day-of timeline: Draw up a schedule of the event and slot in each component
- Book the rehearsal and rehearsal-dinner venues:
- Negotiate the cost and the menu. If you’re planning to host a day-after brunch for guests, book that place as well.
Step 3: Three Months Before
- Finalize the menu and flowers
- Meet with the photographer
- Review the playlist with the band or deejay
- Send out the invitations
- Enjoy a bachelorette party
- Enter RSVP into your guest-list database: Phone people who have not yet responded.
- Visit the dressmaker for your last dress fitting
- Confirm times for hair and makeup and all vendors
- Assign seating: and final guest list