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Stress-free Wedding Checklist

THE PERFECT CHECKLIST FOR BRIDES

Here is a comprehensive wedding checklist for brides to help in planning a seamless and stress-free wedding:

12+ Months Before:

  1. Pick a Date: Choose a wedding date that’s meaningful, practical, and considerate of your guest's availability.
  2. Draft Guest List: Make a rough list of guests you'd like to invite.
  3. Research Venues: Look at different venues and their availability on your chosen date.
  4. Envision Wedding Style: Think about the style and theme you want for your wedding.
  5. Engagement Announcement: Share the happy news with friends and family.

9-11 Months Before:

  1. Book Venue: Finalize your venue and secure your date.
  2. Hire Key Vendors: Book your photographer, caterer, and DJ/band.
  3. Hire a Wedding Planner: Consider hiring a professional to help you in planning.
  4. Shop for Dress: Begin shopping for your wedding dress.
  5. Create a Wedding Website: Share details about your wedding day with guests.
  6. Research Accommodations: Look into hotels nearby for out-of-town guests.

6-8 Months Before:

  1. Choose Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Select the dresses for your bridesmaids.
  2. Start a Registry: Choose the items and experiences you'd like to register for.
  3. Send Save-the-Dates: Notify your guests of the date and location of your wedding.
  4. Order Invitations: Select and order your wedding invitations and thank you cards.
  5. Book Florist: Decide on flowers and book a florist.
  6. Book a Cake Tasting: Schedule a tasting and choose your wedding cake.
  7. Arrange Transportation: Book transportation for the wedding party and guests if needed.

4-5 Months Before:

  1. Finalize Menu: Confirm the food and drink menu with the caterer.
  2. Hair and Makeup Trials: Schedule trials and book your wedding day hair and makeup.
  3. Order Wedding Bands: Choose and order your wedding rings.
  4. Plan Honeymoon: Research and book your honeymoon.

2-3 Months Before:

  1. Send Invitations: Mail out your wedding invitations.
  2. Schedule Dress Fittings: Ensure your wedding dress fits perfectly.
  3. Finalize Seating Chart: Decide where guests will be seated.
  4. Purchase Wedding Day Accessories: Choose shoes, jewelry, and other accessories.
  5. Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties: Plan or attend your pre-wedding celebrations.

1 Month Before:

  1. Apply for Marriage License: Make sure all the legal paperwork is in order.
  2. Finalize Vows and Speeches: Write or finalize your wedding vows and any speeches.
  3. Confirm Details with Vendors: Ensure everyone is on the same page for the big day.
  4. Pick Up Wedding Bands: Collect your rings and make sure they fit.

1-2 Weeks Before:

  1. Pack for Honeymoon: Start packing for your honeymoon.
  2. Last-minute Dress Fitting: Have a final fitting to ensure your dress is perfect.
  3. Create a Wedding Day Timeline: Develop a schedule for the day and share it with the wedding party.
  4. Confirm Guest Count: Give the final head count to the caterer and venue.
  5. Relax: Get a massage, read a book, do whatever helps you relax.

Day Before:

  1. Rehearsal Dinner: Attend the rehearsal and dinner with your wedding party.
  2. Prepare Payments: Put final payments and tips for vendors in envelopes.
  3. Pack a Wedding Day Bag: Pack everything you’ll need for the wedding day (makeup, shoes, accessories).

Wedding Day:

  1. Eat Breakfast: Have a good breakfast; you’ll need the energy.
  2. Get Ready: Allow plenty of time for hair and makeup.
  3. Take Deep Breaths: Relax and try to stay calm.
  4. Enjoy Your Day: This is your special day; enjoy every moment.

After the Wedding:

  1. Send Thank-You Notes: Thank everyone who attended and those who gave gifts.
  2. Change Your Name: If you’re changing your name, start the official process.
  3. Review Vendors: Provide feedback on your vendors.
  4. Relax and Enjoy Married Life: You did it! Time to enjoy life as a married couple.

Please note that this checklist is a general guideline and can be tailored to fit individual preferences and timelines.