Bride's Timetable

Use the timeline below as a guide, and set deadlines for yourselves. If you have fewer than 12 months to plan your wedding, don’t panic; just get started as soon as possible. Remember the thing is to enjoy yourselves!!

Twelve or more months ahead

• Announce your engagement, buy a ring, have a party!
• Choose a wedding date.
• Set a budget.
• Decide on a theme and type of wedding you want —formal or informal, big or small.
• Start compiling a guest list and organising addresses.
• Choose your bridal party - maid of honour, bridesmaids etc.
• Booking a wedding planner, if required.
• Arrange appointment with officiant - clergyman, celebrant and make bookings.
• Look for a reception venue and book.
• Look for ceremony location and book.

Six or more months ahead

• Order dress and accessories, including veil and shoes.
• Book caterer, if necessary.
• Order wedding cake.
• Book music for ceremony and reception.
• Book photographer and videographer.
• Organise bridesmaids dresses and accessories.
• Organise an MC for the reception.
• Send save-the-date cards, if using.
• Organise accommodation and activities for out of town guests.
• Reserve rental equipment, such as tables, chairs, and tents.
  

four to six months ahead

• Begin a health and beauty regime
• Order stationery, including invitations and thank-you notes;
  book calligrapher, if using.
• Organise gift registry.
• Purchase wedding rings.
• Buy stockings and any special lingerie your dress requires.
• Organise your guest gifts or bomboniere.
• Choose gifts for wedding party.
• Sign up for dance lessons.

two to four months ahead

• Choose readings for ceremony.
• Write or choose your wedding vows.
• Schedule rehearsal time and rehearsal dinner.
• Draw up a timetable for the wedding day.
• Try out makeup and hairstyle.
• Mail invitations.
• Discuss details of menu with caterer.
• Discuss service with officiant.
  

one to two months ahead

• Write thank-you notes as gifts arrive.
• Buy a guestbook.
• Have programs printed.
• If you intend to change your name prepare the necessary documents.
• Send change of address details to the post office.
• Contact local newspapers about publishing wedding announcements.
• Complete Notice of Intended Marriage form
• Hold bridal shower and / or kitchen tea
  

Two weeks ahead

• Have final dress fitting with shoes, accessories, and lingerie.
• Check the bridal party outfits are in order
• Begin seating plan, and write place cards.
• Reconfirm all details with all bridal suppliers; get their mobile numbers!
• Hold rehearsal dinner
• Notify caterer of guest count.
• Write toasts and speeches for rehearsal dinner and wedding reception.
• Address announcements.
• Break in wedding shoes at home.
• Designate someone to look after your home while you are on your honeymoon.
• Find out where your guests will be staying, if you plan to deliver welcome notes or gifts to their rooms.
• Deliver place cards and bomboniere to reception manager.
• Present bridal party with gifts.

One week ahead

• Finalize seating plan.
• Assign specific responsibilities, such as handing out corsages, to members of your wedding party.
• Pick up dress or have it delivered.
• Confirm details with caterer.
• Pack for honeymoon.
• Update caterer with final guest and vendor meal counts.

One day ahead

• Give announcements to an attendant for mailing after the wedding.
• Have manicure and pedicure.
• Prepare payment envelopes for officiant and vendors, and make arrangements for someone to distribute them your wedding day.

On the day

• Relax and enjoy yourself!

Something to add?
We would love to hear from you if you have any tips, advice, or stories about your wedding experiences that we could add to our site. Please email us at info@invitingconcepts.com.au