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12 Month Planning Calendar
We offer a twelve month wedding planning calendar to help you with your upcoming marriage plans. Print out this checklist to follow our suggestions of what and when you need to do things to plan a successful wedding.
Nine to Twelve Months Before
Learn the facts about diamonds, and find the engagement ring.
Propose. (For the groom, but if he doesn't get it... PUSH HIM!! LOL)
Set an initial budget.
Select a wedding date and time.
Announce your engagement in the newspaper.
Determine the type of wedding you want (day/night, indoor/outdoor,
formal/casual).
Research availability of reception locations.
Select and book your reception location, or get a tent if that is what
you decided upon.
Find a caterer if not already provided by the reception facility.
Research availability of ceremony locations, if not included with your
reception site.
Select and book your ceremony location.
Determine who will officiate at the ceremony, if not provided with the
ceremony location.
Determine how many guests you wish to invite.
Set aside blocks of hotel/motel rooms for out-of-town guests.
Get a band or DJ, get one early because they can get booked
quickly. You can listen to wedding bands in our song directory.
Decide if you want a bridal party, and if so, then how large.
Start to research your bridal gowns.
Start to research the grooms formal wear/tuxedo.
Start to research bridesmaids' dresses.
Start to research formal wear for the groomsmen.
Compare and find a photographer.
Compare and find a videographer.
Find local florists and set appointments to look at their work.
Be sure that you get contracts from all the professionals you choose.
Create a bridal registry, and/or an engagement registry.
Visit bridal shows. Check the schedule of upcoming bridal shows in your areas.
Six to Nine Months Before
Start compiling the guest list (inform your families to do the same).
Select the attendants for your wedding party.
Purchase the bride's gown.
Purchase the groom's tuxedo. (Optional unless you want to keep it)
Purchase bridesmaids' dresses or contact the seamstress if you want them made. Decide the pattern, style, and fabric
Arrange for your groomsmen to be measured and reserve the
tuxedos. TIP: If your groomsmen do not live close to the formal wear
shop you choose, tell them to go to a local shop - most shops will
measure them as a courtesy.
Shop for the wedding dress, headpiece, veil, and other accessories.
Start planning for honeymoon, research you destinations. Will it be a Caribbean Island, the South Pacific, Hawaii, a cruise, or a trip through Europe. Whatever, you decide research thoroughly. AAA has some great travel discounts and packages.
Choose and reserve your florist.
Order the wedding cake, if not provided by the caterer or reception
hall.
The parents of the groom should begin to arrange the Rehearsal
Dinner, and reserve a restaurant or make other arrangements.
Arrange for transportation for the wedding. Limousines, Horse&Carriage, vans, etc.
Four to Six Months Before
Make appointments for a physical exam with your doctor/dentist.
Check requirements for blood test and marriage license in your state.
