Planning time table

[zoebartlett]

I know this has to exist but I can''t find it. I''m looking for a time table of when to do what. For example, if we''re planning a July ''08 wedding, what should we do now, and at what point (month) should we do other stuff or have that stuff completed?

So far we''ve begun looking at invitations and venues and we''ve worked on the guest list.

Thanks in advance!

 

[neatfreak]

As much as the knot has been bashed recently, they have a planning timeline that I have found somewhat helpful.

 

[So_happy]

Yes, the Knot has a very complete to-do-list. You can even add your own items, appointments, payments due, and events as you see fit.

 

[Kit]

I also think that if you buy a martha stewart weddings mag they have a basic timeline that you can cut out and use for your own.

 

[Class n Sass]

You can even do a simple google search and find a timeline

 

[sumbride]

Surprisingly, Bed Bath and Beyond has a pretty decent wedding planner part of their site as well. Just open a registry (you don''t even have to put stuff on it yet) and you''ll have free access to it. I''ve found it pretty complete and a little bit less scary than the knot.

 

[bravesfan]

Ohhhh! I have a great one! I purchased a website and it came with a to do by date check list. What is your date and I can plug it in. and see what it says...

 

[bravesfan]

Here I plugged in a July 2008 date to see if it would work and it did. I highly suggest getting this website, it is soooooo worth the money and it is really reasonably priced. I modified it so unfortunatly it isnt as specific as it could be but I didnt want to break copywrite laws.

May 2007:

Determine a budget and decide who''s contributing
Interview and hire wedding planner (if needed)
Locate & book reception site
Locate & book wedding venue
Select a wedding date
Announce your engagement

July 2007:

Begin determining a guest list - rough estimate
Begin doing wedding gown research
Select wedding party and ushers

August 2007
Interview videographers
Interview photographers
Interview caterers
Audition musicians/DJs
Interview/Audition organist and wedding soloists
Engagement Party

October 2007
Book a photographer
Book a videographer
Book a caterer
Create your gift registry
Meet with clergymember or JP as a couple
Pre-marital counseling: priest, minister, rabbi, counselor

November 2007
Book musicians/DJs

January
Purchase wedding gown
Select attendants'' dresses and accessories
Update passports, visas, vaccinations, etc.
Discuss rehearsal dinner plans with fiancé
Complete honeymoon plans with fiancé
Book portrait photographer
Book transportation for wedding party
Book calligrapher
Select bridal accessories, veil, shoes, etc.

February
Consider Necessary Rentals - tents, lights, heaters for outside sites
Consult w/ travel agent about honeymoon
Reserve rental equipment for ceremony & reception
Order invitations & announcements

March
Schedule fittings for bridal apparel
Select cake designer & sample cakes
Reserve wedding night accommodations
Hire a Florist
Select ceremony music

April
Determine menu with caterer
Plan reception, flowers, decorations, theme, etc.
Tuxedo rentals & fittings for groom & groomsmen
Arrange for speakers at reception
Mothers select their dresses
Plan liquor needs if not handled by the caterer
Make appointment with hairstylist (bride)
Take dance lessons if desired
Make arrangements for out-of-town guests
Arrange for welcome gifts in rooms of travelers
Do maps and directions for out-of-town guests
Check state requirements for blood tests
Finalize ceremony with officiant
Order wedding rings & engraving
Finalize guest list - collect addresses
Order wedding cake
Work out traffic and parking issues
Send hotel and city info. to out-of-town guests

May
Arrange rehearsal dinner
Address invitations
Have portrait taken
Plan recording and displaying of wedding gifts
Get the marriage license

June
Mail invitations
Record gifts & send thank yous as received
Select gifts for wedding party and ushers
Provide bridesmaids or planner with a guest list for showers
Send announcement to newspapers
Plan bridesmaids'' party
Order reception favors
Pick up wedding rings
Buy accessories, ring pillow, goblets, candles etc
Make a list of the pictures you want taken for the photographer
Buy going-away outfit
Do name change paperwork, licence, banks, ss#, etc
Make sure homeowner''s insurance covers ring/gifts
Review music preferences with musicians
Final gown, headpiece, etc. fitting
Confirm details with florist
Check & change insurance policies
Hairstyle, makeup, headpiece trial run

July
Design and print ceremony program
Address wedding announcements
Arrange for dress cleaning & flower preservation
Arrange for someone to run errands for you on the wedding day
Try on wedding bands for fit
Break in bridal shoes - wear around house
Confirm accommodations for out-of-town guests
Try on wedding apparel for all participants
Call invited guests who have not yet responded
Make reception seating plans & place cards
File change of address if moving to new home
Double check ALL arrangements
Pick up honeymoon tickets, travelers checks, etc.
Give honeymoon contact info to someone
Bachelor and/or Bachelorette Parties
Confirm transportation plans
Confirm rehearsal plan with officiant & wedding attendants
Finalize count for rehearsal dinner
Review duties with wedding participants
Review seating details with ushers
Pack for honeymoon
Last minute details with all service providers
Give photo wish list to photographer
Label envelopes with fees for officiant, dj, etc.
Groom & groomsmen get haircuts
Give gifts to attendants
Finalize reception count with caterer
Arrange for someone to pick up gifts/cash from reception
Wedding rehearsal
Bride get a manicure
Pick up rental wedding attire
Finish packing for wedding night and/or honeymoon
Give wedding rings to best man & maid/matron of honor
Sign & witness marriage license
Pay balance due to service providers
Pay officient, musicians, etc.
Bride & attendants have hair done
Eat a light, nutritious breakfast & if time, a light lunch
Mail wedding announcements
Someone take dress/veil to be cleaned/preserved
Someone take bouquet to be preserved

August
Send gift thank you cards

 

[zoebartlett]

Bravesfan, you rock! That''s awesome! Thank you so much.

 

[ladyciel]

Bravesfan,

What website company did you go with?

 

[bravesfan]

I ended up going with wedding window. Like I said though, I really took out alot to of the good information because I didnt want to break copywrite laws. Its really cool - they give you the exact date when to do things and send you reminder emails, have a guest list tracker, a gift tracker, a thank you note creater etc. Not to mention the actual website part is really great. I get tons of compliments on it. You can get a year of services for under 100 I think and people can RSVP online, and request songs for the recpetion, and get travel and hotel directions and reservations etc. Since my wedding is destination it has been a huge help. 100% reccommend it!