Guideline for Countdown to the Wedding

Enjoy your engagement. Don’t procrastinate and then feel the pressure of trying to catch up with deadlines. This is a suggested list to help you plan your wedding and to take a little pressure off by helping you plan early!

As soon as you are engaged: 

• Begin to think through the wedding budget.  This will determine the size and style of the wedding.  Talk with the parents of the bride, and decide who will pay for specific details of the wedding.  Determine that the Lord will be glorified throughout the wedding and the reception.  This is a time to glorify Him, not glamorize selves.
• Select a wedding date and time.  Speak with your pastor, and book the church and fellowship hall for the reception.
• Will you be using a wedding coordinator?  Work with your pastor in the selection of the wedding coordinator as well as her role.
• Ask the pastor his procedure and dates for premarital counseling.
• Register at local bridal registries.
• Select and retain the photographer.

At six months before the wedding ceremony: 

• Begin to compile the guest list.
• Select and order the wedding gown.  Make sure there is plenty of time for it to arrive and any alterations to take place.
• Double check with the pastor as to when he wishes to begin premarital counseling.
• Work with your wedding coordinator in retaining the services of the organist, janitor, videographer, florist, and double check with the photographer to make sure the date is still confirmed.
• Some bridal couples send out a “Be sure to save the date” for the wedding announcement.
• Choose the wedding rings.
• Send the engagement announcements to the newspapers.
• Select the attendants (bridesmaids and groomsmen).
• Select the wedding cake.
• Complete the honeymoon plans.  If you are traveling outside the country, check on visa, passports and any required inoculations.
• Check on the availability and prices of salons if the bride and her maids will require their services.
• Book the caterer, and enter the contractual agreement to reserve the date.
• Check with area motels.  If possible to hold a block of rooms without penalty for cancellation, it will be wise to do so.

Four months before the wedding date:

• Confirm the final details with the caterer, and double check the date to be sure it is confirmed.
• Order and purchase items not being furnished by the caterer for the reception and ceremony.
• Order the wedding invitations.
• Visit with the photographer to work out specific details of the wedding and reception.
• Check with the florist to confirm your wishes for the flowers.  You will most likely have to at least make a partial payment, if not in full, at this time.
• Begin to gather estimates for the decorations for the reception.
• Purchase the wedding rings.
• Order tuxedos for the groomsmen and the fathers.
• Check with local city or village clerk as to marriage license requirements.

Two months before the wedding ceremony:

• Meet with your wedding coordinator to review details and deadlines for the wedding and reception.
• Mail invitations to the invited guests.  This is usually done between six weeks and two months before the wedding.
• Finalize arrangements for out-of-town attendants and guests.
• Select a small but meaningful gift for the attendants and those helping with the wedding.
• Check with the Social Security Administration concerning the bride’s name change and her social security number.

One month before the wedding ceremony:

• Meet regularly with the wedding coordinator.
• Double check with all vendors to make sure the date is confirmed.
• Have final fitting for bridal party.
• Have groomsmen fitted for tuxedos.
• Check with newspaper on wedding announcement requirements.
• Finalize plans with the pastor.
• Finalize plans for the rehearsal dinner.