Congratulations! You’re getting married! And if you’ve had some time for the initial excitement of your engagement to settle, you’re probably starting to feel a tad overwhelmed thinking about all you have to do before the day you say “I do!” We understand it can be a stressful time, but we’re here to help. We’ve compiled a cheat sheet for you to ensure you’re on track to have everything in line for your dream wedding. Read it below, or click here to download a printable version.
12+ Months
- Insure your engagement ring
- Decide on a wedding date
- Create a wedding budget
- Decide on your wedding style
- Create a preliminary guest list
- Find a ceremony and reception venue (like the stunning Acre Orlando pictured here)
- Select an officiant
- Create a wedding website
9 – 11 Months
- Narrow down guest list to fit within budget at venue capacity
- Have an engagement party
- Order your wedding dress (We reccommend checking out the stunning selection at White Magnolia Bridal)
- Book your wedding planner and photographer
- Send out save the dates
- Decide who will be in your wedding party and ask them
- Find and book your caterer if your venue does not provide one
- Get estimates for decor and lighting rentals
- Set up hotel room blocks for out-of-town guests
6 – 8 Months
- Pick grooms and groomsmen attire
- Decide wedding invitation wording
- Start planning your honeymoon
- Select a baker for your wedding cake/dessert — Vanilla and the Bean (pictured) makes the most amazing cakes if you're one of our Savannah brides!
- Create your wedding registry
- Schedule bridal hair and makeup
- Book a videographer
- Book your florist
4 – 5 months
- Send your Save the Dates — We're in love with the dreamy invitation pictured for this #IDCouple
- Finalize details with caterer and rentals
- Purchase decor/details you are not renting
- Purchase your wedding bands
- Start planning your rehearsal dinner
- Reserve your day of transportation
- Start dance lessons for your first dance
3 Months
- Have your bridal shower
- Finalize playlist details with your DJ or band
- Get your marriage license
- Finalize ceremony details with officiant
- Decide on wedding favors
2 Months
- Start brainstorming your wedding vows
- Finalize menu
- Create wedding ceremony programs
- Send thank yous for your bridal shower gifts
- Have your Bachelor/Bachelorette parties
- Mail your wedding invitations
- Purchase presents for future spouse, wedding party and parents. Check out our blog for the perfect gifts for your bridal party! Studs of any size are always a great pick.
- Schedule your dress fitting
1 Month
- Final dress fitting
- Plan where you and your future spouse will get ready
- Book wedding night accommodations
- Shop for honeymoon clothing. Our favorite boutique, Haden Reid, has tons of trendy and romantic options like this very bridal jumpsuit pictured!
- Have your emergency kit for the day of, along with your “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue”
1 – 2 weeks
- Follow up with guests who haven’t RSVP’d
- Give final guest count to caterer, baker and venue
- Make escort cards and or display — Look into super unique and creative options like the laser-cut wood names pictured.
- Confirm all final payments and details
- If you are giving a toast, prepare your speech
- Pick up your marriage license
- Give your day-of schedule to your vendors and wedding party
- Provide rehearsal and rehearsal dinner information to those attending
2 to 3 days
- Pack your wedding overnight bag
- Pick up grooms attire
- Leave honeymoon details with a family member
- Make sure details are clear with ceremony and reception sites
- Pamper yourself with a manicure and pedicure – keep it simple or take the opportunity to add a little extra sparkle like the mani pictured!
- Designate someone to take your wedding gifts home
1 day
- Have your rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
- Give marriage license to your officiant
- Bring any ceremony details with you to your rehearsal
- Get a good night’s rest
Wedding Day
- Make sure you eat breakfast
- Exchange gift with spouse and give gifts to parents and wedding party
- Enjoy your day!
Post Wedding
- Freeze the top layer of your wedding cake
- Send thank you notes for wedding gifts
- If you are planning to, change your name
- Have your dress cleaned and preserved