Thursday, April 4, 2013

From Panic to Preparedness: A Basic Wedding Timeline


Wedding Timeline

Wedding Timeline




Wedding Timeline

Wedding Timeline



Wedding Timeline


He proposed and she accepted. Or she proposed and he accepted! The engagement ring is on, and family and friends all told. Now what? What comes next? Whether it’s a small affair, or a large, traditional style wedding, the wedding doesn’t just happen on its own. There are arrangements to be made, and lots of decisions along the way. From wedding rings, to dress for the bridal party and invitations to be sent, even a small, intimate wedding will go much more smoothly if a wedding timeline is followed.


This doesn’t mean all wedding-related activities must be done in an exact order. Instead, a basic wedding timeline is a general guide as to what needs to be done, and about how much time should be allowed before the wedding to get them done. Also, not all activities may be included in the following as each wedding is unique, with some aspects pertinent only to each one.



Wedding Timeline

Wedding Timeline




Wedding Timeline

Wedding Timeline



Wedding Timeline


Basic Wedding Planning Timeline


15-12 months before wedding:


1. Official engagement announcement


2. Choose a Wedding date. This involves deciding where the wedding will be held, and making sure the date is open for the place where the ceremony will be held, as well as the venue of choice for the reception afterwards. Also involved in this is deciding who will officiate, and availability of that person.


3. Decide on a budget, as well as who pays for what, and which costs are “shared”. The budget will be based in part of the type of wedding chosen – formal, semi-formal, or relatively informal. The more formal the wedding, the higher the overall cost.


4. Start looking at wedding gowns. By choosing one this early, time for alterations is allowed, or, if one wants a custom made gown there is time to do so. Fittings and measurements take more time than most people realize!


5. For those who wish to hire a wedding planner/consultant, now is the time to do so. Otherwise, start a “wedding planning” file or organizer. Specialized software is available for this.


12-9 months before wedding:


1. Select the wedding party, bridesmaids, Maid of Honor, Best Man, etc.


2. Plan guest list. Compile names and addresses.


3. Hire the following as needed:


- DJ

- musicians (band, singer – whatever is decided on) >> Listen to sample CDs, and get recommendations from others. Check out online reviews.

- videographer/photographer >> Look at samples of previous work done.


4. Start gift registry if using one.



Wedding Timeline

Wedding Timeline




Wedding Timeline

Wedding Timeline



Wedding Timeline


9-6 months before wedding:


1. Plan honeymoon.


2. Plan accommodations for guests from out of town.


3. Finalize guest list and shop for invitations. Other wedding stationery can be purchased at the same time, such as thank you cards.


4. Decide on bridesmaids dresses.


6-4 months before wedding:


1. Plan and select wedding cake.


2. Book the florist.


3. Shop for wedding rings.


4. Send out invitations.


5. Arrange for any rental items at this time. This could include fountains at the reception, arches, etc.


6. Make finalized menu options for the reception


7. Time for the groom to choose a tux, and for the groom’s party’s outfits to be selected.


4-3 months before wedding:


1. Any transportation or limousine service should be arranged


2. Select and purchase any wedding party favors and gifts.


3. If blood tests and/or physicians visits are required, do them now.


4. If pre-marital counseling is required, make sure it is done at this point.



Wedding Timeline

Wedding Timeline




Wedding Timeline

Wedding Timeline



Wedding Timeline


3-2 months before wedding:


1. Choose wedding music.


2. Make arrangements for rehearsal dinner, bridesmaid’s luncheon, and any other before wedding parties.


3. It’s time for the final fitting for wedding gown, and fittings for bridesmaids and flower girl.


One month to two weeks before wedding:


1. Apply for and pick up marriage license. Confirm all plans, including arrival times, rehearsal times and dates, and check on guests invited who haven’t yet responded. Any legal information that needs name changing should be done now.


2. Don’t forget to check out parking arrangements for guests arriving at the wedding ceremony and reception.


3. Have hair stylist and make-up consultations, and appointments arranged.


The week before the wedding is the time for any last minute adjustments or changes to be made. Honeymoon packing can be done now, as well as picking up any passports needed. This is also the time for any bachelor party to be held.


Once it’s the “wedding-eve”, make sure the best man has the wedding rings. Then relax. Take a warm bath, get some shut-eye, and think of the honeymoon.



Wedding Timeline

Wedding Timeline




Wedding Timeline

Wedding Timeline



Wedding Timeline



Wedding Timeline

Wedding Timeline



Wedding Timeline


Similar Posts: Wedding Ceremony Timeline, Wedding Timeline Guides, Wedding Day Schedule, Wedding Checklist Timeline



From Panic to Preparedness: A Basic Wedding Timeline

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