12 or More Months Before

• Determine potential dates and times for your wedding.
• Decide on the size, formality and setting of your wedding.
• Create a wedding and engagement budget.
• Reserve the locations for your wedding and reception.
• Meet with and book your wedding officiant or clergy.
• Choose your wedding party and confirm the participants.
• Choose your wedding rings.
• Draw up an initial guest list.
• Organize your engagement party.

9–12 Months Before

• Order your wedding dress and attendants’ attire.
• Book your photographer and videographer.
• Reserve a caterer.
• Arrange for decor, chair covers and linens.
• Book your live entertainment or DJ.
• Reserve your florist.
• Order your wedding cake.
• Reserve any rental items from the rental company.
• Register your gift choices at your favourite stores.
• Research accommodation for out-of-town guests.
• Plan your honeymoon.

6–9 Months Before

• Decide on your menu.
• Reserve the musicians and soloist for your ceremony.
• Reserve your limousine service.
• Order your invitations and any other stationery.
• Order bombonieres for your guests.
• Choose outfits for mother of the bride and mother of the groom.
• Check marriage license requirements.

3–6 Months Before

• Finalize your guest list.
• Choose the reader for your ceremony.
• Finalize your order with the florist.
• Reserve the men’s wedding attire.
• Make an appointment with your hairdresser.

2 Months Before

• Mail the invitations.
• Decide on your wedding vows or compose your own.
• Finalize the reception menus.
• Confirm the wedding details with the musicians and clergy or officiant.
• Have the programs printed.
• Purchase gifts for parents and attendants.
• Make appointments for nails and make-up.
• Schedule final dress fitting.

1 Month Before

• Apply for a marriage license.
• Plan the rehearsal dinner.
• Meet with photographer and videographer.

2 Weeks Before

• Have a party for the attendants.
• Draft the speeches.
• Finalize reception details.
• Call any guests who have not replied.
• Meet with your hairdresser and make-up artist for consultation.
• Deliver song lists to musicians or play lists to DJ.
• Confirm honeymoon reservations.

1 Week Before

• Finalize seating plan.
• Determine the order for the procession.
• Have your rehearsal.
• Confirm accommodation reservations.
• Pick up the attire for the groomsmen.
• Confirm the final numbers with the caterer.
• Confirm details with the limousine company.
• Deliver your marriage license to the officiant.
• Draw up a seating arrangement for the reception and write out the place cards.
• Choose someone to hand out the bombonieres.
• Choose someone to return any rented items after the wedding.
• Write any cheques required for the wedding day.
• Pack for your honeymoon.

On the Day

• Give the wedding bands to the best man.
• Give the best man any cheques that need to be given out that day.
• Present the attendants and parents with their gifts.
• Relax and enjoy your special day!

After the Wedding

• Make a gift list and send out your thank-you notes.
• Send thank-you letters to suppliers and attendants.
• Arrange for cleaning and preservation of your gown.