Wedding Checklist

Here's our checklist with everything you need to do to plan your wedding.  We've also added helpful links to find vendors and informative articles on making those important decisions.  If you need help with your wedding you can search our directory for wedding planners.

 

1 year before the wedding

❏  Discuss the wedding budget with both sets of parents.
❏  Choose your wedding date (have a second choice in mind) and arrange to meet with the ceremony officiant.
❏  Arrange for the soloist, organist or other musicians.
❏  Reserve the reception facility.
❏  Arrange for the catering, disc jockey and/or band.

Getting Started

 

6 months to 1 year before

❏  Arrange a visit with the clergy to set the date and time of the ceremony.
❏  Sit down with both sets of parents to review the budget and guest list.
❏  Bride: Select your wedding gown and veil.

Getting Started

 

6 months before the wedding

❏  Book your photographer and videographer.
❏  Start your guest list and have parents start theirs.
❏  Bride: Choose your attendants and order their dresses.
❏  Groom: Choose your best man and ushers and advise them what to wear.
❏  Register for china, crystal, flatware, linens and other gifts.
❏  Discuss honeymoon plans, visit a travel agent and send away for brochures.

Getting Started

 

4 months before the wedding

❏  Groom: Choose suit style.
❏  Complete the guest list.
❏  Order invitations and other stationery. (Don’t forget a guest book.)
❏  Get any vaccinations required for travel.
❏  Get passports in order.
❏  Order flowers.
❏  Register for premarital classes.
❏  Shop for wedding bands.
❏  Meet with the musicians to select music

Getting Started

 

3 months before the wedding

❏  Finalize your own and your families' guest lists.
❏  Groom: Order wedding attire for yourself and your attendants.
❏  Arrange honeymoon. Are your visas and passports in order?

 

2 months before the wedding

❏  Order the wedding cake.
❏  Bride: Have makeup and hair consultations.
❏  Finalize the reception menu.
❏  Address invitations and announcements.
❏  Mail invitations to arrive six weeks before the wedding.
❏  Arrange for limousines or alternate transportation.
❏  Bride: Attend gown fittings and make appointments for attendants’ fittings.

Getting Started

 

1 month before (Bride)

❏  Have your final dress fitting.
❏  Buy gifts for the groom and your attendants.
❏  Write thank-you notes as gifts are received. (Keep a list.)
❏  Schedule a rehearsal for the week before the wedding.
❏  Arrange accommodation for out-of-town guests.
❏  Confirm details with the caterer, florist, photographer and musicians.

Getting Started

 

1 month before (Groom)

❏  Buy gifts for the bride and your attendants.
❏  Arrange overnight accommodation for out-of-town attendants and guests.
❏  Confirm honeymoon reservations.

Getting Started

 

2 weeks before the wedding

❏  Review all transportation arrangements.
❏  Continue with thank-you notes.

 

1 week before the wedding

❏  Check final details & confirm times with caterer, florist, photographer, band, limousine company.
❏  Bride & Groom: Pick up your wedding attire.
❏  Advise best man and ushers regarding the rehearsal and any special seating arrangements at the service.
❏  Give gifts to your attendants.
❏  Give the clergy’s honorarium to the best man.
❏  Pack clothes for the honeymoon.

 

On the Big Day (Groom)

❏  Speak with the best man and review his obligations – ring clergyman’s honourarium and timing for the day.
❏  Arrive 20 minutes prior to the ceremony.
❏  Perhaps phone the next day to thank all the parents.