Wedding Timetable
B&G’s guide for what to do and when

While you might feel that doing some things sooner than we suggest is better, this timetable should still get you started.

(Scroll down or click on any of the following.)
At engagement         Four - six months         Two - six weeks
Nine - 12 months      Two - four months       One week
Six - nine months     Six - eight weeks          Wedding day

At engagement
  • Discuss what size/type of wedding you want keeping style (formal or casual) and number of potential guests in mind.
  • Determine the budget, and who will be paying for what.
  • Book your reception location, making sure it coordinates with your ceremony (if it is being held elsewhere).

Once the date is set
Nine – 12 months
  • Research and interview potential vendors, such as photographers, bands/DJs, caterers (if necessary), bakeries, florists, videographers, transportation etc. Many book events a year or more in advance, so start this process quickly.
  • Decide on any theme/decorative elements for your reception.
  • Begin shopping for wedding dress and accessories (veil, headpiece, shoes, jewelry, undergarments, etc.).
  • Renew your passports (if necessary) if you’re honeymoon trip will outside of the U.S.
  • Select wedding party.

Six – nine months
  • Go over ceremony details/ideas with officiant.
  • Order wedding dress and schedule fitting/delivery dates.
  • Select and order bridesmaids’, mothers’ and flower girl dresses.
  • Have all of your major vendors (see #1 above) reserved.
  • Block off hotel rooms for out-of-town guests.
  • Decide on any extras for ceremony and reception (i.e. programs, favors, menus, etc.).
  • Finalize guest list and obtain updated addresses.
  • Send save-the-date cards.
  • Post wedding details on your wedding Web site.

Four – six months
  • Select and order groom and ushers’ attire.
  • Select and order invitations.
  • Hire calligrapher or schedule a printer to address invitations.
  • Plan honeymoon.
  • Experiment with hair and make-up styles.
  • Consider extras: teeth cleanings/bleaching, regular facials, etc.
  • Shop for and order wedding rings. Have them engraved.

Two – four months
  • Order and/or begin to make favors and other wedding-day extras.
  • Check marriage license requirements (see page 84).
  • Plan activities for out-of-town guests.
  • Purchase gifts for attendants.
  • Coordinate ceremony and reception music with entertainment specialists.
  • Finalize guest list.
  • Shop for lingerie and honeymoon clothes.
  • Arrange for rehearsal dinner.

Six – eight weeks
  • Address and mail invitations.
  • Start/maintain records of RSVPs and gifts received.
  • Write and send thank-you notes for gifts received before the wedding.
  • Schedule final dress fittings and pick-up times.
  • Get marriage license.
  • Finalize details of rehearsal dinner.
  • Purchase all bridal accessories. Break in shoes.

Two – six weeks
  • Confirm ceremony details with officiant.
  • Discuss and confirm special requests with photographer.
  • Confirm final arrangements with florist, bakery, limo service, etc.
  • Give wedding-day itinerary to the wedding party and to any necessary vendors.
  • Start the seating chart.
  • Confirm honeymoon arrangements.
  • Arrange for a hold on your mail (while you’re away).

One week
  • Pick up wedding attire. Last check for fit.
  • Do a final guest count and submit to reception facility/caterer.
  • Pick up tickets for honeymoon.
  • Confirm final details with vendors, such as time and place of delivery/arrival.
  • Check weather report.

Wedding day – Have fun!