The “To Do” Countdown

HEARTLANDBRIDEONLINE.COM
The “To Do” Countdown                       
Step-by-Step Planning for Your Big Event

ONE YEAR BEFORE THE WEDDING

• Choose a wedding date and a back-up date (just in case).
• Talk to parents to set a budget and discuss their financial support as well as how many guests to invite.
• Decide on formal or informal wedding.
• Book your Church or Ceremony site and officiant. Be sure to ask what fees are involved.
• Secure your reception site to confirm your wedding date.
• Purchase wedding rings.
• Choose your consultant or planner if needed.
• Book photographer.
  

NINE MONTHS to ONE YEAR BEFORE THE WEDDING

• Schedule appointment for engagement photos to be taken.
• Complete guest list with addresses.
• Arrange overnight accommodations for out- of- town guests and the bridal party if needed.
• Register for gifts.
• Begin planning your honeymoon.
• Reserve a time for your rehearsal.
• Book caterer, videographer, and reception entertainment.
• Choose color scheme for the wedding and reception.
• Choose and book the florist and the decorator, if needed.
• Select your wedding attendants: maid/matron of honor, brides maids, flower girl, ring bearer, gift table and guest book person. Also choose best man, groomsmen, and ushers. (Plan for one usher per 50 guests.)
• Decide on attendant’s attire.
• Purchase bridal gown and schedule fittings and delivery date.
  

FOUR to SIX MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING

• Obtain the marriage license. (There is no waiting period but there are requirements.) Call the Hotline (402) 441-8448 for information.
• Talk with your officiant for any pre-wedding requirements.
• Order attendant’s dresses and arrange fittings.
• Order the invitations, announcements, and thank-you notes.
• Send your engagement announcement with picture to the newspaper.
• Help mothers co-ordinate and select their dresses.
• Start looking for trousseau.
• Order wedding cake and grooms cake.
• Order reception favors if desired.
• Schedule rehearsal at wedding site and start planning the rehearsal dinner.
• A passport is now required to fly between the U. S. and Canada, Mexico, Central, or South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. If you plan on traveling to one of these places on your honeymoon, apply now for your passport. Also, check on your Visa, if necessary.       
• Make reservations for honeymoon: airlines, cruise, accommodations, etc.
• Book your wedding day transportation for bridal party.
• Choose and order formalwear for men in bridal party and for groom.
• Reserve the hotel room for wedding night.
  

TWO to THREE MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING

• Start sending thank-you notes as gifts arrive.
• Choose or write your vows and/or accolades for ceremony.
• Start planning the move to your new home or residence, if necessary.
• Mail invitations.
• Follow-up with photographer, videographer, baker, florist, reception entertainer, decorators, caterer, and any others necessary to finalize plans.Purchase or order gifts for the groom and the bride’s attendant’s.
• Plan parties for attendants.
• Purchase items such as, cake knife, serving pieces, bride and groom goblets, ring pillow, garter, candles, card box, etc.
• Finalize ceremony details.
• Schedule consultation and appointment with hair stylist, manicurist, etc. for yourself and your attendants.
• Confirm rehearsal dinner arrangements.
• Groom should purchase gift for the bride and his groomsmen/ushers.
  

ONE MONTH BEFORE THE WEDDING

• Pick up wedding rings.
• Pick up gifts for attendants, if ordered.
• Have final fittings for bride and attendants. Arrange for bridal gown delivery or pick-up.
• Get name changed on drivers license, Social Security, car registration, credit cards, employment records, IRS, post office, bank accounts, voter registrations, etc.
• Design and have printed wedding programs and any other personalized items such as napkins, matchbooks, etc.
  

TWO WEEKS BEFORE WEDDING

• Give your photographer a “must have” list of pictures you want taken and give your videographer a list of specific people you want included.
• Give to your entertainment provider a list of special songs to be played for the father/daughter dance, first dance, garter toss, bouquet toss, and any other special moments you want highlighted.
• Finalize all arrangements for your wedding ceremony rehearsal and your rehearsal dinner.
• Arrange reception seating and order or make place cards for the head table and others if wanted.
• Confirm all the details for the honeymoon.
• Groom should schedule his haircut/styling appointment.
• Arrange with best man the transportation from reception to hotel or airport.
• Confirm groomsmen/ushers attire for fit and pick-up time.
  

ONE WEEK BEFORE THE WEDDING

• Give the caterer final guest count and confirm final details.
• Go over last minute details with photographer, videographer, entertainment, and florist.
• Talk to your wedding party about their tasks to be done on your wedding day.
• Do final fit of bridal gown and pick-up all wedding attire. Make sure everything fits.
• Review time schedule with wedding party. Allow two hours before ceremony for pictures to be taken with wedding party.
• Confirm your room reservations for wedding night.
• Pack suitcase for honeymoon.
  

DAY BEFORE THE WEDDING

• Groom and groomsmen should pick-up formalwear.
• Give gifts to groomsmen and ushers.
• Confirm limousine or other transportation pick-up time.
• Explain seating arrangements to your head usher.
  

THE WEDDING DAY

• Allow plenty of time to get ready.
• Ask someone to mail your wedding announcements.
• Groom: remember to take the wedding rings and license to the ceremony.
• Give your best man the officiant’s fee and any others in envelopes.
  

AFTER THE HONEYMOON

• Send thank you notes for all gifts received.
• Have your bridal gown professionally cleaned and preserved, if keeping.