Organize Your Wedding With a Wedding Timetable

by Rachel Urbanak


You have finally decided to tie the knot. Congratulations! The bad news is there are dozens and dozens of decisions that you will have to make before the big day.

Although it sounds overwhelming now, don't look on the wedding decision making process as a chore. It should be fun and memorable and hopefully it will be for both the bride and groom. Here is a terrific tip to help you stay organized from the outset: start a wedding timetable.

A wedding timetable consists of a short list of wedding-related tasks as well as a rough estimate of when the activities should be done.. The timetable will give you guide and help you stay on track for planning the big day. Remember, you are in control of the tasks needed to complete a flawless wedding. Here are some wedding timetable points of interest and obvious tasks that will follow each one.

The Engagement

1) Let your loved ones know that you've just been engaged. Parents and immediate family members should be the first to know, followed by close friends - especially people that you would like to be a part of the wedding ceremony.
2) Put together a folder or 3 ring binder, an organizer for your wedding. This will help you keep track of all the appointments, payments and other wedding-related activities that you must attend to.
3) Schedule your engagement photo as soon as possible. You will use this for announcements for newspapers and for friends, relatives, etc.

6 to 12 Months Before Your Wedding Day

1) Set the date and time for the ceremony. You'll need to contact the church and person who will be marrying you to arrange for the ceremony to be held there (unless you are eloping to Las Vegas!) You should also reserve the spot for the reception as well at this time. The sooner the better.
2) Now is the time to outline your budget for the wedding. Everyone would like to have a no-holds barred wedding day, but the reality is that everyone has different budgets - money doesn't grow on trees. Plan your budget and stick to it. Also, begin preparing your wedding list. This may take some time as to not leave anyone out that you may not have thought of.
3) Now is the time to begin to line up other professionals that will make your day special. This includes the photographer, florists, and a band or DJ, ceremony musicians, and also the caterer. It is best to first get estimates from 1 or 2 that you have been recommended to or konw, then decide which one to go with based on how much you can spend.
4) Register at the bridal gift registry.
5) Begin to research and decide on the wedding dress and accessories for the big event. If you are having a seamstress make you one, this is the time to have it arranged. Keep in mind that you will need several fittings if you go this route, so plan early. You will also need to select your bridesmaids and decide on the style and designs of the dresses they will be wearing. Be sure to set a date for ordering dresses for the bridesmaids.

4 to 6 Months In Advance Before the Wedding

1) Order invitations, stationary, wedding favors, and thank you notes.
2) You should by now have other professionals lined up. You'll need to sit down or talk with your photographer, florist, band leader or DJ, ceremony musicians and the caterer to go over details with each of them. Leave nothing to chance. Once your wedding day arrives it is too late to negotiate with these professionals if you have left something out that you desired.
3) Select the style and attire for your groom and groomsmen. 4) It is not too early to begin setting honeymoon reservations. Hotels, flights, rental cars and other planned activities should be set in advance so everything goes smoothly after the wedding day as well.
5) Confirm the delivery of the bridal gown.

2 Months In Advance Before the Big Day

1) Plan the rehearsal dinner. If you are having out-of-town guests and for those standing up in the wedding, arrange for their lodging and transportation.
2) Make an appointment with your chosen photographer for the shooting of the bridal portrait.
3) Order the wedding cake.

1 Month In Advance Before the Big Day

1) Both the bride and groom should decide on a wedding band set.
2) Complete and mail the wedding invitations.
3) Check to see that bridesmaids dresses and mens tuxes are all set to go for the wedding party.
4) Attend showers held by friends and relatives.

2 Weeks Before the Wedding

1) Apply for the marriage license and attend to other legal matters, especially for the bride. She will need to change her name and address for on bank accounts and other official documents.
2) Decide on a wedding hairstyle and make-up with your stylist or hairdresser.
3) It is a good idea at this point to check with the caterer and the reception venue for any last minute changes or concerns.

1 Week Before the Wedding

1) Begin packing for the honeymoon!
2) Don't forget to buy and wrap gifts for the groom and attendants.
3) Schedule and notify all involved regarding the wedding rehearsal.

On the Wedding Day

1) Be sure to eat a good breakfast even if you don't feel particularly hungry. You don't want to faint at your own wedding!
2) Have your hair and make-up done.
3) Now relax and enjoy your day!

Seems like a lot of things to do doesn't it? Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day. Take one step at a time and refer to your wedding timetable. Check them off when you are done. A wedding timetable will keep you on track and not stressed out for your wedding day.


Rachel Urbanak is a wedding photographer and wedding planner in the NE United States. She regularly contributes to online wedding magazines and informative wedding web sites such as http://www.weddingplanningsuccess.com