Wedding Checklist
This checklist is intended as an aid to get you started in the right direction. There are a number of excellent, detailed wedding planner books and etiquette books available in the major bookstores. Start as soon as an approximate wedding date is selected, since many of these people and locations are usually booked up to a year in advance. Quick action on your part will help assure that you get the locations/vendors you want on the date you desire!
Task* |
Priority/Considerations |
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| Reserve wedding location (church, synagogue, temple, other) |
As soon as possible after the engagement | |
| Book wedding officiate (priest, minister, rabbi, notary, etc.) |
Usually at the same time the location is being lined up | |
| Determine number of guests | Needed to determine reception location, and food budget and selection for caterer |
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| Establish a budget | This should be done in conjunction with determining the number of guests and before proceeding so that you will be able to determine the facilities and services you can afford. Do you want 200 people, hors d'oeuvres and no honeymoon, or 100 people, a nice buffet, and a weekend trip? You should have a firm idea of what you can spend before talking to the following vendors. Most of them will have different options for different price ranges. |
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| Determine attire for attendants |
Formal, semi-formal, informal | |
| Choose attendants |
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| Guest list | Have each set of parents/family make out their guests lists. |
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| Purchase Invitations |
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| Reception location/caterer | Be sure to investigate at least three before booking a date. Depending on your choice and budget, this may end up being two separate entities (e.g., reception at Philippi Mansion being catered by The Waterside Room). |
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| Hair & make-up | Be sure to book a date with your hair and make-up artist for you and your wedding party. |
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| Photographer/videographer | It's usually a good idea to interview three or four to see how they work, what they offer, and what they charge. Depending on your budget, you'll have to decide if you want photography, videography, or both. |
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| Florist | Again, talk to at least three different florists. Reserve your date - coordinate specific bouquets, boutonnieres, corsages, etc. based on your florist's recommended timetable. |
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| Baker | Reserve your date - coordinate details of wedding cake and other items as appropriate. |
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| Musicians, disk jockey, etc. |
Reserve your date - coordinate details one-two months in advance. | |
| Mail Invitations |
You should mail your invitations no later than one month in advance. | |
| Set appointments for hair, medical, dental |
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| Select bride's gown |
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| Select attendants' gowns and accessories |
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| Select china, crystal and silver patterns |
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| Register with gift & department store registries |
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| Record gifts and write thank-you notes as they arrive |
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| Plan the seating for the bridal table, parents' table, and other tables, if applicable |
* In sequence of general priority