Sophie's Wedding Planning Checklist

Do you ever wish somone just told you EXACTLY how to do something and YOU do it and it turns out FABULOS?

Now, I am going to reveal the ONE most important thing you need to know about wedding planning!

HAVE A PLAN!

Get your personalized instant Wedding Planning Advice by answering a short questionnaire and then print my Wedding Planning Checklist below.

12-9 Months Before
Buy a Calendar
Buy an Engagement Ring
Throw an engagement party for friends and family to announce your plans to marry
Set preliminary budget
Set the date, select officiant
Select and Book reception site! Sign contract and place Deposit if necessary!
Select and book photographer! Sign contract and place Deposit if necessary!
Select and book a caterer! Sign contract and place deposit if necessary!
Select and book videographer! Sign contract and place deposit if necessary!
Select and book florist! Sign contract and place deposit if necessary!
Select and book musicians! Sign contract and place deposit if necessary!
Select and order dress, headpiece and select bridesmaid dresses.
Select attendants
Begin complying guest list
Shop for a new home or apartment
Complete honeymoon plans with the Groom

9-6 Months Before
If traveling, make sure visas and passports are up to date.
Read Wedding Etiquette
Create a Wedding Website
Choose and order your dress and other accessories: Shoes, stockings, purse, cake knife, candles, guest book
Select and order wedding cake
Register for gifts
Confirm ceremony details with your Officiant
Choose wedding rings and arrange for sizing and engraving
Order invitations, announcements and any other stationary

6-4 Month Before
Make sure addresses for guests are up to date
Send out "Save the Date" cards
Choose bridesmaid dresses and accessories
Choose flower girl dress
Discuss rehearsal dinner with groom and parents
Select a hotel for your out of towners and arrange for a group rate
Arrange transportation

4-2 Months Before
Make sure all out-of-town bridesmaid have submitted their measurements
Verify that bridesmaid dresses and flower girl dress have been ordered
Shop for trousseau
Choose and order formal wear for groom and attendants
Make sure all out-of-town male attendants have submitted their measurements to your formal wear provider
Verify that both mothers have selected and ordered their dresses and they are not the same!
Investigate requirements for medical test and other records for your marriage license
Design a map to direct guests to the ceremony and reception site
Confirm honeymoon plans
Complete registering
Arrange for a Bridal shower
Schedule a final fitting for your Wedding dress
Break in wedding shoes by wearing them around your home
Confirm ceremony details with your Officiant
Take care of blood and medical tests and marriage license requirements
Finish addressing invitations and announcements
Mail invitations
Finalize wardrobe for showers, pre-wedding parties and honeymoon
Schedule appointments with your hair dresser and make-up consultant
Practice applying make-up for your wedding day if you are doing your own
Finalize and verify all details with service providers
Pick up wedding rings
Shop for gifts for bridal party
Plan your bridesmaid party, luncheon or tea
Provide them with a list of responsibilities and your expectations on the day of the wedding
Make final menu decision
Check your selected hotel for room list and prepare gift baskets and thank you notes to be delivered to your selected guest rooms for your out of towners
Set rehearsal, communicate time, date and place with appropriate parties.
Confirm all attendants have been fitted for formalwear
Discuss wedding photo shots with photographer and videographer
Send announcement to newspaper, Pick up wedding gown and confirm its fit and condition.

2- 1 Month before
Write thank you notes for gifts
Select readings and special passages for ceremony Write toast for wedding reception and rehearsal dinner
Finalize musical selections for the ceremony and the reception
Finalize seating chart for reception
Print reception place cards, finish addressing announcements to mail on the wedding day
Arrange to move belongings to new home

1 Week before
Confirm that all attendants know when to arrive at the rehearsal, rehearsal dinner and the wedding ceremony
Provide caterer with final headcount
Confirm details with all service providers
Make a list of names and pronunciation for the best man or DJ to mention at the introduction
Verify all bridesmaids and groomsman have picked up their formalwear
Pay upcoming bills that will be due while you are away
Cancel newspaper and mail while you are away
Pack for honeymoon and purchase traveler's check
Review special seating arrangements with ushers
Make sure marriage license is in hand
Check final details with vendors
Manicure, pedicure, spa
Confirm transportation
Prepare envelopes of tips and fees for distribution to clergy and vendors
Attend rehearsal

1 day before
Relax, sleep and relax
You want to feel and look the best, make some time with family! Especially with parents to share memories of times gone by and to say thank you
Take some quiet time for yourself. Close your eyes and visualize every step of the coming day!

The countdown:
In the morning: have a small meal. Stay calm. Do not run behind schedule. Take a deep breath and remember: the ceremony will wait for you! Your friends and family want to see you shine not to be frazzled because you are running late. Relax and let your happiness carry your day!

Click here to get your instant Wedding Planning Advice