The big question has been asked…and accepted? Now it’s time to get ready! Although preparation time varies enormously depending on whether it will be a civil or religious wedding, a simple ceremony or an elaborate one, planning the event is still as hard and must be done meticulously, in the best possible way. Here’s a checklist which will ensure you don’t miss any important steps.
9 to 18 Months Before
* Tell your family and friends the big news. Don’t forget to inform employers so you can take time off.
* Decide what kind of ceremony you want (civil or church); determine the date and hour it will take place, as well as the location.
* Consult the pastor, minister, priest, rabbi or imam of the church where you wish to get married or make an appointment to arrange your civil wedding service. The marriage date will only be confirmed after this meeting.
* Set a budget for the wedding.
* Create a preliminary guest list.
* Hire a wedding planner if you want to.
6 to 9 Months Before
* Reserve the services of the celebrant, the place of the ceremony and the reception room.
* Choose bridesmaids, the best man, ushers and other participants.
* Choose the wedding dress and accessories, and coordinate the bridesmaids’ outfits.
* Book a photographer and/or videographer.
* Book a musician, singer or band, and/or a mobile disco for the ceremony and evening.
* Hire a caterer and decide on the menu.
4 to 6 Months Before
* Choose the rings.
* Finalize the guest list.
* Choose the groom’s suit and accessories and coordinate the male procession members’ clothes.
* Order the announcements.
* Register for a wedding rehearsal (church wedding)
* See your doctor to have a complete medical (it is always good to have a medical before getting married.) (Find a doctor.)
2 to 4 Months Before
* Confirm arrangements with the celebrant, write the wedding vows, choose the readings and prepare a wedding program.
* Meet the priest, imam, rabbi, or pastor for the prenuptial enquiry and to prepare the liturgical celebration (for a church wedding).
* Register for wedding gift registries.
* Send the announcements and invitations with R.S.V.P. 30 days before the wedding.
* Taste and confirm the final menu, including drink choices.
* Order the wedding cake.
* Choose the gifts for the procession members.
* Order the bouquet and flowers for procession members, the celebration and reception.
* Have make-up and hair consultations.
* Organize transportation for the bride, groom and members of the procession.
* Start to plan the honeymoon. Make sure your passports are valid and request visas if required. Have vaccinations. Buy clothes and accessories.
* Reserve a hotel room for the wedding night as well as lodging for guests. Confirm plane reservations if required.
* Learn how to dance if necessary.
1 to 2 Months Before
* Obtain the marriage license, establish a wedding contract with a notary (if desired), publish the banns (if necessary) and an announcement in the paper.
* Determine the date and time of the reception.
* Print the wedding program.
* Write thank you notes for gifts as they arrive.
* Keep musicians, singers and the DJ updated on the music selection.
* Plan on getting a babysitter if you have young children.
2 Weeks Before
* Confirm transportation for the honeymoon.
* Contact guests who did not reply to the invitation.
* Give the caterer the final number of guests.
* Design table plans.
* Have the final fitting for the wedding gown, tuxedo and outfits of those in the procession.
* Make arrangements for speeches during the reception.
1 Week Before
* Reconfirm guest numbers with the caterer, your order with the florist, and the appointment with the hairdresser and esthetician.
* Confirm arrangements with the photographer, videographer and musicians.
* Reconfirm everyone’s responsibilities and tasks.
* Choose someone responsible to receive last-minute gifts, whether at the ceremony or the reception.
* Finalize the table plans.
* Pack the bags for the honeymoon.
* Relax (sports, massage, beauty treatments)
The Day Before
* Confirm the arrival time of the procession members, the caterer, florist, photographer, videographer, limousine, etc.
* Plan the rehearsal for songs and music at the church or place where ceremony will take place.
* Prepare envelopes with clergy honorariums. Ensure the best man has them on hand.
* Visit the place of the celebration one last time in order to practice and familiarize yourself with the place and sort out any last details with the celebrant.
* Give gifts to bridesmaids/best man and those who helped with the planning or financial aspects of the celebration.
Morning of the Wedding
* Take care of the delivery of the flowers and check the bouquets and floral arrangements as well as decorations.
* Hair and make-up session.
* Start getting dressed two hours before the ceremony.
* One hour before the ceremony those in charge arrive to check everything is correct: decorations, music, photographer, videographer, etc.
* 30 minutes before the ceremony, the wedding guests’ cars should arrive.
* At the appointed hour, say: “I do!”