Weddings by Dan          Rev. F Daniel Latour

There is "reason to the madness!" - why things are done in a certain order. After many years of planning, we offer this Wedding Planner to help things go smooth. You may use it as your guide by printing, filling in dates and making notes in each section. If you have less than 8 months to plan, take care of everything up to the current period.

For a free packet in .pdf format which includes a Planner, Budget, Ceremony Form and Rehearsal Guide, click the Contact Us link at left.  

8 TO 12 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING

DATE          ITEM

________   Discuss budget with all parties who will contribute.

________   Research locations for wedding and reception. Ask about restrictions

________   RESERVE location for wedding and reception, ask about preferred vendors

________   Select and RESERVE officiate. Ask about restrictions

________   Consider at least one good session of premarital counseling

________   Use this planner or purchase one. Do not commit anything to memory

________   Should you hire a planner? Some times a planner can provide more value by using

                    preferred vendors (and preserve the sanity of the family!)

7 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING

________   Choose color scheme for bridal party to coordinate with Florist

________   Interview and RESERVE a photographer/videographer

________   Interview and RESERVE a caterer (inquire with wedding facility first)

________   Interview and RESERVE a Florist. (This is not too early. They need plenty of time to

                      pre-order the types and colors of flowers from their suppliers.)

________   Select bridesmaids, groomsmen and ushers

________   Begin looking for wedding gown, veil, accessories and attendants attire. Unless you

                      find the perfect gown, do not purchase yet

________   Begin preparing a guest lists. Bride, Groom and parents prepare separate lists

________   Begin considering honeymoon options. (Do not book yet)

5 TO 6 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING

________   If there will be a prenuptial agreement, take care of that now.  (Once counseling and                      the  agreement are taken care of it is generally okay to start purchasing as you are able.)

________   Start planning music for ceremony and reception

________   Interview and RESERVE musicians, soloists, dj's

________   PURCHASE wedding dress, veil and shoes

________   Finalize attire for Bridesmaids

________   Consider options for invitations, etc. (Do not order yet)

________   Contact newspapers for rules concerning engagement and wedding photos

4 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING

________   Arrange discounts at hotels for accommodation of out-of-town guests

________   Persons needing to make travel arrangements should be given advance notice now

________   Take engagement photo

________   If you choose to, select a gift registry. Keep a list of who gave what.

________   Finalize arrangements with Florist

________   Finalize arrangements with musicians, soloists, dj's

________   Decide on wedding stationary and wording. Do not abbreviate. Check spelling.

                     (invitations, announcements, thank you cards, envelopes). Do not order yet!

________   Research options for wedding cakes. (Do not order yet)

________   BOOK honeymoon plans

________   Start shopping for bridal party tuxedos if a formal wedding

________   Plan and BOOK limo/transportation services for wedding and reception

________   Begin planning wedding and reception decorations

3 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING

________   Send engagement photo to newspaper(s)

________   Select and ORDER wedding and groom's cake

________   Begin preparations for rehearsal and dinner

________   Decide on wedding favors and throws, if any

________   Combine and finalize invitation and announcement lists

________   ORDER or print invitations, etc. Have 10 to 20 extra.

2 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING

________   Choose and PURCHASE wedding rings. This is best done together

________   BOOK location of rehearsal dinner/party

________   PURCHASE gifts for your attendants

________   Get all males fitted for tuxedos or suits

________   Confirm honeymoon arrangements

________   If you are preparing your own vows, this is a good time to start writing

________   Begin addressing invitations

________   ORDER, buy or make wedding favors

________   Schedule appointment for final dress fittings

________   Begin writing thank you notes for gifts already received but do not mail yet

________   Schedule hair and make-up appointments for ladies

________   Finalize music selections and get them to the proper people

________   If necessary, meet or call photographer, caterer and florist for confirmations

________   Call the Clerk of Court's office to verify requirements for a marriage license

________   Take formal wedding portrait now or as soon as possible.

1 MONTH BEFORE THE WEDDING

________   Discuss the wedding trip plans, going-away attire and other wardrobe needed

________   If there are any fees or vendors waiting payment or decisions, take care of that

________   Go for final fitting of wedding gown

________   In keeping with 4 traditions, select something old, new, borrowed and blue

________   MAIL invitations 3-4 weeks before the wedding

________   Best Man and Maid of Honor should plan bachelor/bachelorette parties for a few

                     days or weekend before the wedding. Everyone should be fresh the wedding day.

________   Telephone out-of-town guests to check on their travel arrangements

________   RESERVE or confirm room for wedding night

________   PURCHASE guest book, cake knives, toasting glasses, garter, ceremony items

________   Complete buying or making wedding favors

________   Confirm ceremony plans with Officiant and purchase special items if needed

2 TO 3 WEEKS BEFORE THE WEDDING

________   Get formal portrait to newspapers within their deadline

________   Obtain Marriage License from the Clerk of Court

________   If you need a head count, contact guests who have not responded

________   If necessary, determine seating and make any special arrangements or signs

________   Finalize wedding vows if writing your own

1 WEEK BEFORE THE WEDDING

________   Confirm delivery time and locations with florist, caterers, bakery, photographer,

                     videographer, DJ, and transportation

________   Pick up wedding gown and all accessories at least 2 days before the wedding

________   Give final guest count to caterer and facility

________   Finalize Tuxedo/suit arrangements

________   Attend bachelor and bachelorette parties

3 OR 4 DAYS BEFORE THE WEDDING

________   Men get haircuts now if needed to avoid that "just cut" look

________   Spend time with family

________   Purchase travelers checks if needed

________   Reconfirm hair and make-up appointments

1 TO 3 DAYS BEFORE THE WEDDING

________   Attend rehearsal and dinner, give attendant gifts, finalize everything

________   Confirm with all attendants where and when they will meet and any assigned duties

If you have not already done so, select some one to be on site to answer questions, handle last minute details, relay information, and prevent visitors while you are preparing. 

________   If Bride purchased new shoes, wear them a few hours to break them in

________   Get manicure, pedicure if desired

________   If giving tips to vendors, have them ready in envelopes and assign person to handle

________   If you have access to the facility, take everything there that you can

________   Lay out everything you need for the wedding day

________   Give copies of ceremony readings to the persons doing them

The Bride should try to get as much rest as possible the evening before.  Most Brides find they appreciate some time alone. 

WEDDING DAY

To avoid unnecessary problems and added stress, arrange to be at the wedding site an hour before the ceremony, sooner if you are dressing there. Some guests often try to sneak a peak before the ceremony. This is inappropriate and should be discouraged. No matter how well prepared, you will be busy when you arrive and your mind will be on other things. There will be time to socialize after the wedding. The Groom should arrive soon after the Bride, but at least 20 minutes before the Ceremony.

$_______ Wedding facility

$_______ Reception facility

$_______ Wedding Rings

$_______ Officiant

$_______ Counseling

$_______ Legal fees (include copies of needed documents, pre-marital contract, etc)

$_______ Planner/Consultant/Coordinator

$_______ Music (wedding and reception)

$_______ Photographer (wedding and reception)

$_______ Photographer (engagement and formal wedding portraits)

$_______ Videographer

$_______ Caterer

$_______ Bar/Liquor fees

$_______ Cakes

$_______ Rentals (wedding and reception)

$_______ Florist

$_______ Registry fee

$_______ Engagement Party

$_______ Honeymoon location

$_______ Honeymoon travel

$_______ Honeymoon cash

$_______ "Going Away" outfit and travel wardrobe

$_______ Hotel reservations if necessary (for wedding guests, however they should pay their own)

$_______ Stationary/Printing (announcements, invitations, thank you cards, envelopes)

$_______ Bridal gown

$_______ Bridal accessories (shoes, jewelry, etc)

$_______ Groom's attire

$_______ Ceremony goods (candles, roses, vases, etc)

$_______ Hair and make-up (use tried and trusted products to avoid skin reactions)

$_______ Postage

$_______ Gifts for attendants

$_______ Favors at wedding/reception

$_______ Guest book, pens, cake knives, scrapbook etc (include portraits, baskets, candles, etc)

$_______ Limos or other special transportation

$_______ Marriage License

$_______ Newspaper/publishing fees

$_______ Rehearsal dinner and activities

$_______ Incidentals/Tips/Unexpected expenses

$_______ TOTAL