So we all know that it might not fit into your budget to hire a wedding planner because it really can be expensive. Even though I would most definitely recommend having a wedding planner. BUT, that's not the point. These calendars can be helpful to the planning of your wedding especially without a wedding planner. So here goes.
WEDDING CALENDAR:
12 MONTHS
-Congratulations, you're engaged! Announce your engagement to family and friends. Consider making the announcement in local newspapers.
-Having an engagement party? Set a date, choose a location, create a guest list, and mail invitations.
-If you're having an engagement party, start a small gift registry now.
-Decide on the budget, and enter it into your Budget Tool.
-Start the guest list. Use the guest importer and address collection tool to quickly build your guest list.
-Determine a time frame for your wedding date. Narrow down your wedding date to a few weekends that don't conflict with other family events.
-Need help from a professional wedding planner? Start searching for one now, since the help provided can make the next decisions easier.
-Choose a color scheme for your big day.
-Search for a ceremony venue.
-Search for a reception venue.
-Book your wedding planner. Record deposits and payments in your Budget Tool.
11 MONTHS
-Start your wedding workout routine now! Eat well, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep. You may even want to join a gym or get a personal trainer to give you some motivation!
-Create your wedding website.
-Search for a photographer.
-Search for a caterer.
-Search for a florist.
-Search for a videographer.
-Book your reception venue. Record deposits and payments in your Budget Tool.
10 MONTHS
-Get Inspired! Browse your favorite wedding dress gallery to get ideas for your own dress!
-Search for a band.
-Search for a DJ.
-While you are thinking about music, be sure to checkout WeddingWire's Wedding Song Gallery, the largest collection of wedding songs.
-Book your ceremony venue. Record deposits and payments in your Budget Tool.
-Book your caterer. Record deposits and payments in your Budget Tool. Begin working on a menu.
-Book your caterer. Record deposits and payments in your Budget Tool. Begin working on a menu.
9 MONTHS
-Finalize your guest list.
-Set up your registries. Add registries page to your wedding website.
-Search for an officiant.
-Search for a ceremony musician.
-Having a destination wedding? Check into legalities and marriage license requirements.
-Book your florist. Record deposits and payments in your Budget Tool.
-Book your videographer. Record deposits and payments in your Budget Tool.
8 MONTHS
-Start shopping for your gown.
-Choose the members of your wedding party - maid of honor and best man, bridesmaids, groomsmen, ring bearer, flower girl as well as your ushers - and invite them to take these roles.
-Start shopping for bridesmaid gowns and flower-girl dresses. View gowns in every hue and for every body shape.
-Reserve blocks of hotel rooms for out-of-town guests. Add accommodations and travel info to your wedding website, so your guests know what to expect. Find an affordable Marriott brand hotel near your venue.
-Send save-the-date cards (be sure your guest list is finalized first). Include hotel information for out-of-town guests, if it's available, plus your website address.
-Search for a wedding cake maker.
-Order your wedding cake. Record deposits and payments in your Budget Tool.
7 MONTHS
-Search for a wedding stationer for invitations, plus place cards, menus, announcements (if you'll use them) and thank-you stationery (which you may need to order now).
-Search for a rentals supplier if you need to rent chairs, chair covers, a tent, etc.
-Book your band. Record deposits and payments in your Budget Tool.
-Book your DJ. Record deposits and payments in your Budget Tool.
-Book your officiant. Record deposits and payments in your Budget Tool.
-Select your wedding dress and place the order. Record deposits and payments in your Budget Tool.
-Book your invitations vendor. Record deposits and payments in your Budget Tool.
-Book your ceremony musician. Record deposits and payments in your Budget Tool.
-Discuss rehearsal dinner with the groom's parents � who will host? Whoever is hosting should begin searching for a venue. You will also need to negotiate who will be invited.
6 MONTHS
-Select your bridesmaid dresses and flower-girl dress, and have your attendants place their orders. Record payments in your Budget Tool.
-If your venue requires wedding insurance, start researching now and look to purchase insurance soon.
-Search for a vendor to help with your hair, makeup, or any prewedding pampering.
-Contact out-of-town guests and notify them about the hotel block and other discount travel information. Utilize your wedding website to convey this information.
-Finalize your order for event rentals. Record deposits and payments in your Budget Tool.
-Rehearsal-dinner host should finalize venue. If you are hosting, record deposits and payments in your Budget Tool.
5 MONTHS
-Check your gift registry. If items on your list have been discontinued, you may want to update the registry.
-Plan and book your honeymoon, including travel, accommodations, and activities.
-Choose groom's attire; will you purchase or rent? Record deposits and payments in your Budget Tool.
-Purchase accessories for your gown, such as a veil, shoes, undergarments, and jewelry. Record payments in your Budget Tool.
-Schedule your ceremony rehearsal and alert your attendants, officiant, and ceremony musicians of the date and time.
-Finalize the text for your invitations and place the order. Also consider purchasing thank-you notes and wedding announcements from the same vendor.
-Book your hair and makeup appointment. Record deposits and payments in your Budget Tool.
4 MONTHS
-Book accommodations for your wedding night.
-Search for a transportation vendor.
-Choose your bridesmaids' accessories (shoes, jewelry, etc.). Purchase or pass along the purchasing information.
-Choose groomsmen's and ring bearer's attire (including a rental shop if they'll be renting formal attire). Send them the information necessary to purchase or rent.
-Discuss and confirm party plans for bachelor and bachelorette parties, as well as any shower that is offered, with your maid of honor and best man.
-Provide guest lists to your maid of honor and best man for your shower, bachelorette party, bachelor party, and other social events.
-Address your invitations (they should be mailed 6 to 8 weeks before the event, so leave yourself plenty of time if you're using a calligrapher). If you'll be sending announcements, address them now as well.
3 MONTHS
-Book your transportation vendor. Record deposits and payments in your Budget Tool.
-Finalize the menu and service details with your caterer.
-Design and create favors. Search for a favors vendor if you want specialized favors.
-Schedule gown fitting appointments. Your first appointment should be directly after you receive the gown, and the last appointment should fall no later than three weeks before the wedding.
-Purchase your wedding bands. Record payments in your Budget Tool.
-Ask your readers to be a part of your ceremony. Begin a search for readings, and discuss them with your officiant.
-Mail out wedding invitations.
-For an international honeymoon, begin to get your papers in order (passport, birth certificate, visas, vaccinations, etc.).
-If you are handling the bridesmaid dress order, confirm the delivery date.
2 MONTHS
-Confirm number of bouquets, boutonnieres, and centerpieces with your florist.
-Purchase a guest book and a few nice pens.
-Purchase or make gifts for your bridal party and close family. Don't forget ushers, flower girls, ring bearers, and readers!
-Track gifts received from guests and send thank-you notes.
-Check on your hotel room blocks to ensure important guests have made their travel arrangements.
-Order alcohol (wine, champagne, liquor) if they are not included in the catering contract. Discuss with your caterer to determine how it will be transported to the wedding.
-Design your ceremony programs and print them. Create menu cards for the reception tables, if you'll be using them.
-Research local marriage license requirements. Schedule a blood test appointment if one is required in your state. Don't forget to check when the license expires and if there is a waiting period.
-Write your vows if you choose to personalize them. Send a copy to your officiant.
-Alert your wedding party to the rehearsal. The rehearsal-dinner host should send rehearsal dinner invitations.
-Determine your ceremony music selections and send the list to your ceremony musicians.
-If you have guests attending from out of town who are parents, help them by locating babysitting options for them.
-Shop for all additional accessories like undergarments, jewelry, headpiece, bridal purse, etc.
-Pick up wedding rings and check the inscriptions before you leave the store.
-If you have a DJ, work on a list of 'must-play' and 'do-not play' songs. Be sure you also send them selections for your introductions, first dance, cake cutting, father/daughter dance, anniversary dance, and last dance.
-If you have a band, work on a list of 'must-play' and 'do-not play' songs. Be sure you also send them selections for your introductions, first dance, cake cutting, father/daughter dance, anniversary dance, and last dance.
-Finalize any special preferences, readings, or other ceremony details (in writing) with your officiant.
-Create a wedding day schedule. Send the information to your wedding party and vendors.
-At your final gown fitting, bring a friend to learn how the bustle will be tied.
-Obtain a marriage license. Follow your state's guidelines concerning how soon you can apply, and how long the license is valid for.
MONTH OF (1 MONTH)
-Call guests who have not yet RSVP'd for the wedding and rehearsal dinner to get a final head count.
-Pick up your gown. Before leaving the shop, try it on to make sure there are no additional alterations to be made.
-Give final head count to the caterer. Confirm set-up instructions and menu items.
-Verify with your reception venue to make sure your vendors will have access to the site when they need it.
-Confirm head count, delivery time, and location with your wedding cake vendor.
-If you're having a receiving line, determine the order everyone will stand in.
-Determine any wedding day assignments for members of the wedding party and make sure they're aware of their duties.
-Create your seating chart. Make place cards or give typed names to your calligrapher.
-Confirm delivery locations, times, and final arrangements with your florist. Make a list of who will get bouquets, corsages, and boutonnieres, and recruit someone to oversee this on the wedding day.
-Confirm the rehearsal details and wedding day schedule with your officiant.
-Pick up the tuxedo/suit and try it on at the shop. See if there are any additional alterations to be made.
-Prepare your toasts and thanks to friends and family.
-Give the seating chart to your caterer, reception venue manager, and wedding coordinator.
-Send your transportation vendor the schedule, addresses, and contact phone numbers for the wedding day.
-Confirm all final payment amounts with your vendors. Mail your payment checks or make arrangements for the wedding day. Record payments in your Budget Tool.
-Shop and pack for the honeymoon.
-Confirm location, date, and time with your photographer. Create your 'must-take' photo list.
-Confirm location, date, and time with your videographer.
-Confirm your wedding day beauty appointments.
-Confirm all honeymoon travel plans. Give someone a copy of your itinerary and contact information in case of an emergency.
-Pull together wedding gown, veil, shoes, stockings, and a last-minute emergency kit (aspirin, makeup, hairspray, safety pins, mints, etc.).
-Drop off favors, placecards, guest book, pens, cake knife, toasting flutes, and all other reception items at the reception venue.
-Rehearse the ceremony with your officiant and wedding party.
-Give wedding announcements to your maid of honor to be mailed on the wedding day.
-Write a note to your spouse-to-be, to deliver tomorrow, just before or after you marry.
-Enjoy your wedding day! Take a moment to step back and enjoy a quiet moment with your new spouse.
AFTER WEDDING
-Ensure all your vendors have been paid in full.
-Arrange for gown and veil to be cleaned and preserved. Make sure the provider is experienced in preserving wedding gowns.
-Write thank-you notes for all the gifts you received at the wedding and before. Traditional etiquette gives you an 8-week grace period.
-Take the bridal bouquet to be preserved, or save a petal to be pressed for your scrapbook.
-Arrange for all insurance policies to include you and your future spouse: health, auto, homeowner's, and life insurance.
-Do paperwork for official documents if you are changing your name.
-Upload your wedding photos to your account and share them on your wedding website or create your very own 'real wedding' Inspiration Board!
-Review the remaining items in your registry. You may want to keep your registry open after the wedding for those guests who still want to purchase and send gifts.
WEDDING CALENDAR 2:
12 MONTHS
-Announce your engagement.
-Choose a wedding theme and style.
-Work out a basic budget; research reception venues.
-Determine number of guests.
-Look through magazines for attire ideas.
-Meet potential wedding consultations; obtain bids.
-Research wedding pros (photographers, videographers, reception bands or DJs, ceremony musicians). Set up appointments, and review portfolios, tapes and recordings.
11 MONTHS
-Select a wedding consultant and meet to discuss details.
-Determine theme/decorations for your reception.
-Meet with several caterers; arrange for tastings.
-Select and book a caterer.
-Reserve musicians/DJ for reception.
-Determine ceremony musicians and make musical selections.
-Book wedding videographer and photographer; make a list of photos, such as ceremony and reception shots.
-Research and interview florists.
-Select and reserve your ceremony venue and schedule a rehearsal time.
-Choose reception venue; negotiate contract; leave a deposit.
-Secure parking and/or transportation for your guests at the reception location.
-Visit local bridal stores to browse their selection of gowns.
-Choose your wedding-party members and ask them to participate in your celebration.
-Meet with your officiant to discuss the ceremony.
-Determine your honeymoon budget.
-Mail save-the-date notices for a destination wedding.
10 MONTHS
-Select and order your wedding gown.
-If your ceremony or reception will be held in a park or recreational area, obtain necessary permits.
-Discuss attendants' duties with your maid of honor and bridesmaids.
9 MONTHS
-Register for gifts.
-Coordinate with vendors to incorporate your theme/style into all aspects of your wedding.
-Decide on the food and liquor to be served at your reception.
-Prepare a playlist of wedding-reception musical selections.
-Select and order your headpiece, veil, gloves and shoes.
-Confirm orders of and delivery dates for your wedding attire.
-Research airline, hotel and rental-car reservations for guests.
8 MONTHS
-Go to first gown fitting; invite your maid of honor to attend.
-Choose and order bridesmaid dresses and accessories.
-Research a variety of wedding ring styles.
-Select florist; discuss wedding theme and style.
7 MONTHS
-Review and finalize your wedding details with consultant.
-Notify bridesmaids about dress fittings.
-Discuss attire with groomsmen and make referrals to local formalwear store.
-Select attire for flower girl and/or ring bearer.
-Determine the design, wording, font and paper stock for your wedding invitations, stationery, table cards and thank-you notes; finalize order.
-Arrange a printer or hire a calligrapher for table cards.
-Determine order of ceremony events and choose appropriate wording for your programs.
-Negotiate rates and book a block of hotel rooms for guests.
-Select and order your wedding rings.
-Purchase bridal accessories: jewelry, lingerie and so on.
-Choose and order something fun for guests to throw after your ceremony (rose petals, confetti or birdseed).
6 MONTHS
-Review and approve proofs of invitations and stationery.
-Discuss the type of honeymoon you want, start reading up on potential destinations and consult a travel agent for ideas and suggestions.
5 MONTHS
-Order table cards; place print order for programs.
-Finalize choice of honeymoon destination.
-Taste a variety of wedding cakes and select a baker; place cake order and arrange for delivery.
-Make reservations for rehearsal dinner and select menu.
4 MONTHS
-Determine method of addressing invitations and hire a calligrapher, if applicable.
-Print labels, and hand-address--or have a calligrapher address--invitations.
-Choose your wedding vows.
-Have groom try on tuxedos.
-Purchase or rent groom's wedding accessories.
-Make honeymoon reservations and place all deposits.
3 MONTHS
-Review and approve wedding announcement and printed program proofs.
-Book venue or secure reservations for post-wedding brunch.
-Discuss bachelorette party plans with your attendants.
-Plan your bridesmaids' luncheon or dinner.
-Make appointment with stylist to discuss your wedding hairstyle.
-Create hotel information cards and maps to include with your invitations.
2 MONTHS
-Secure a wedding-day dressing room for your bridesmaids.
-Weigh, purchase postage for and mail invitations.
-Go to final gown fitting; arrange for pickup or delivery.
-Have groom's formalwear fitted.
-If you plan to have a prenuptial agreement, meet with your attorney to discuss it.
-Purchase attendants' gifts.
-Arrange transportation for bride and groom from the ceremony site to the reception.
6 WEEKS
-Send rehearsal dinner invitations.
-Write thank-you notes as you receive gifts.
-Confirm music selections ("playlist") with musicians and/or DJ.
-Select menu for post-wedding brunch.
-Purchase a gift for your fiance.
-Shop for wedding favors.
-Purchase honeymoon clothing, luggage and accessories.
-Go for a practice hairstyling and schedule a day-of-wedding hair appointment.
1 MONTH
-Confirm floral order and arrange for delivery times.
-Meet with ushers and assign duties.
-Discuss the details of your ceremony with your officiant.
-Determine the placement or distribution of programs at the ceremony venue.
-Arrange for preparation, storage and break areas for musicians/DJ at the reception venue.
-Determine seating arrangements for guests.
-Go in for a dry run with a professional makeup artist and schedule a day-of-wedding appointment.
-Schedule a manicure/pedicure for the day before your wedding.
-Finalize details with photographer and videographer.
-Finalize honeymoon plans and confirm all reservations.
-Arrange for transportation to and from the airport.
-Post announcement and photo on your website.
-Arrange for table card setup at reception venue.
-Schedule pickup/returen of groom's formalwear.
3 WEEKS
-Finalize list of reception guests.
-Give the final headcount to the caterer and review details.
-Arrange for delivery of flowers and other decorations on the big day.
-Call anyone who has not responded to his or her invitation.
1 WEEK
-Confirm your honeymoon travel arrangements.
-Start packing for your honeymoon.
-Pick up your wedding dress.
WEDDING DAY
-Eat a good breakfast.
-Attend hairstyle appointment.
-Give yourself plenty of time to get ready.
-Relax and enjoy yourself.
POST-WEDDING: 3 DAYS
-Arrange for transport of gifts.
-Have family or friends mail wedding announcements.
AFTER THE HONEYMOON
-Take wedding gown and veil to a dry cleaner who specializes in gown preservation.
-Submit name-change forms for driver's license, passport, Social SEcurity card, state and federal tax boards, banks, credit cards and so on.
