No what style of wedding you are planning, the key is the planning. A wedding checklist offers a timeline and structure to ensure that every detail falls in place.

Planning for Success

For most little girls the wedding planning is an integral part of their childhood. Dressing up Barbie and Ken for the perfect ceremony, planning the dress and cake for their own Cinderella event can be the stuff dreams are made of for many little girls. But now that the time is here, he popped the question and you said “YES!!”, the reality can be a bit daunting. The secret to survival is in the planning.

Go Big

Weddings are as unique as the couples involved, so the level of planning will depend largely on the scope and scale of the event. Party and event planners have time and resources to make the process easier but some initial planning is essential for the success of the event.

While destination weddings, elopement packages and one stop wedding locations have become more popular; if you are envisioning the big production wedding planning and timelines are critical.

Twelve to eighteen months

In the early stages it is important to spend time listening to the needs of each other and your families in the vision of the event. Often the mother of the bride has had a vision for years of the day. While it is truly your day, communication and respect for the wishes of others early in the process will keep the drama, stress and tensions at a minimum.

•    Is this a family event?
•    Will you be inviting distant relatives; if so who will pay for transportation and lodging?
•    Will you invite colleagues and business clients?
•    Are you planning a religious or civil ceremony?
•    Are there family traditions from either side that may cause logistical issues?
•    Do you have a venue in mind?
•    When would you like to be married?

It is important to listen to each other, check that visions and dreams line up and that the money and resources to make the dream come to life are available.

Important Wedding Checklist items (12 -18 months out)

•    Determine type of event (civil, religious)
•    Estimate a budget
•    Estimate a guest list
•    Set a date
•    Select venue
•    Announce engagement (plan engagement party if desired)

Set individual price targets for the major elements of the wedding in order to keep to the budget:

•    The Ceremony location
•    The Reception venue
•    The dress and tux (any additional dress requirements you will cover)
•    Flowers
•    The rings (engagement and wedding)
•    Cake
•    Food, Liquor and Décor and Music for the ceremony and reception (maybe included with venue)
•    Gifts, favors, tips and other incidental costs
•    Photographer, videographer, web site for wedding (related)
•    Honeymoon

Nine to Twelve Months

•    Hire a planner if desired (many have long waiting lists)
•    Finalize venue and guest count (reserve)
•    Create a budget tracking system (keep current)
•    Select officiant or clergy (reserve)
•    Select dress and veil (order)
•    Screen photographers and videographers
•    Interview and select caterer (if desired)
•    Interview and select florist
•    Register for bridal registry

Six to Nine Months

•    Select attendants, bridesmaids and other members of the wedding party
•    Select and order tuxes, bridesmaids dresses and other attire
•    Finalize guest list
•    Finalize menu
•    Select invitations, save the date cards
•    Select honeymoon venue
•    Arrange accommodations if necessary for out of town guests

Four to Six Months

•    Reserve any rental items (catering or venue may handle)
•    Make adjustments for food, liquor, cake for final guest count
•    Plan rehearsal dinner (reserve)
•    Address invitations (mail)

Two to Four Months

•    Record RSVPs and total final guest counts
•    Prepare and send thank you notes for gifts received in advance
•    Finalize catering details, cake, flowers, all other vendors
•    Book transportation for wedding
•    Select rings
•    Marriage license (check requirements)
•    Alterations for Wedding Dress

One Month

•    Hair and Makeup Styles selected (book salon)
•    Shop for accessories, favors and gifts
•    Pick up attire (check fit)
•    Coordinate vendors, confirm details and make final payments
•    Confirm honeymoon reservations

Day Before

•    Arrange for someone to manage details and accessories at the event
•    Provide a timeline for wedding party and vendors
•    Determine someone to return rental items
•    Confirm transportation and other vendors

The Wedding Day!

•    Give rings to best man and maid of honor
•    Allow time for scheduled events
•    Have a wonderful wedding

The checklist is designed to accommodate the details but not to drive the wedding party insane. Keep in mind this is a wonderful event. Plan for some hiccups in the process, keep a flexible attitude. The goal is a wonderful day, not perfection. And remember the point of all this is to begin a wonderful life together.