Bridal Checklist

12 to 18 months ahead of the wedding

• Determine your budget and the type of wedding (formal,informal)
• Choose a location for the wedding (banquet hall, church, etc)
• Visit your officiant (church) or clergyman/woman with your fiance
• Agree with your spouse-to-be and your family on your wedding date
• Plan and attend several bridal shows for ideas
• Choose your attendants (wedding party/guest list)
• Hire a wedding planner/coordinator, if you choose
• Write up a tentative invitation list, for number of guests
• Select your entertainment: band or disc jockey (DJ)
• Choose your location for the reception; call around compare prices and services
• Plan the reception. Most services will require a deposit
• Plan and agree upon the rehearsal site
• Pick your date, determine day or evening, color schemes, etc.
• Enroll with the bridal registry at Drees, Panowicz and another store of your choosing Look for your dress, veil, accessories; allow time for alterations/fittings
• Call up and select the bridesmaids
• Select your bridesmaid's dresses
• The groom consults with a formal wear specialist
• Agree on a date to order bridesmaids' dresses
• Choose a beautiful place for your honeymoon
• Select photographer and/or videographer
• Select a florist or floral supplier, determine fresh or artificial flowers
• Shop for a caterer
• Apply for passports and/or acquire appropriate proof of citizenship if needed

4 to 6 months ahead of the wedding 

• Shop for and order invitations, calligraphy, announcements &
thank you notes
• Buy your wedding rings together
• Order napkins, matchbooks and personalized favors
• Plan accommodations for out-of-town guests
• Arrange for your rehearsal dinner
• Select a baker for your wedding cake. Decide the configuration of the cake(s)
• Make airline & hotel reservations for the honeymoon
• Fine tune the guest list
• Shop for and order wedding favors
• Draw a time line for the wedding reception
• Call the photographer to set up a time for the bridal portrait
• Book a limousine company for transportation on your wedding day
• Shop for a Party rental place and make reservations for any rentals
• Agree on a caterer, a florist and place an order for the wedding cake
• Share and discuss the reception timeline all parties involved

2 to 4 months ahead of the wedding

• Address, stuff and seal wedding announcements
• Draw up a seating plan for invited guests
• If you're planning on a custom-made wedding cake top, order at this time
• Select music for your church service (if any)
• Select gifts for the wedding party with the help of your sales associate at Panowicz
• Make a date to get your marriage license
• Make a map to the church and reception hall, for local and out-of-town guests
• Mail wedding announcement to guests living abroad

1 to 2 months ahead of the wedding

• Buy wedding gift for your future spouse
• Make appointment with hairstylist, manicurist, etc.
• Have final dress fitting, bride and bridesmaids
• Groom verify all groomsmen have been fitted for their outfits
• Mail all other invitations
• Visit the photographer to have formal wedding portrait taken
• Pick up your wedding rings
• Confirm with all hired professionals correct dates and times
• Discuss with the officiant the specifics of the wedding ceremony
• Set a date and time for the rehearsal dinner
• Choose the perfect wedding day gift for your beloved with the help of your sales associate at Panowicz
• Choose gifts for the attendants
• Make final alterations and fittings for the wedding gown
• Contact out of town guests and make necessary hotel reservations

Two weeks ahead of the wedding

• Send your wedding announcement and photo to local newspaper
• Review seating plan for reception
• Confirm your honeymoon arrangements
• Meet with DJ to select music and special events during the reception.
• Make reservations for bridesmaids' luncheon.
• Send reminders to the rehearsal dinner attendees about the location & time
• Fill out and submit application for the marriage license
• Finalize music list and no-play list with band or DJ
• Attend showers

One week ahead of the wedding

• Take your rings to Panowicz for cleaning so they ll look like new on your big day!
• Have final consultation with caterer and florist
• Write checks (or get cash) for hired professionals, give to best man to distribute
• Verify tickets and seating (if flying), make sure all travel documents are handy
• Start packing for your honeymoon - try to do most of it
• Discuss final details of the ceremony and reception with the pertinent parties
• Get final guest counts to necessary hired service professionals

The day before...

• Visit the beauty salon for manicure and pedicure
• Attend the rehearsal and dinner
• Make sure the ushers have the final guest list

The wedding day...

• Visit the beauty salon for hair styling & make-up (bring veil/headpiece)
• Make sure your wedding gown is pressed and steamed
• Bring a change of clothes if you are leaving for your honeymoon
• Try to relax... unwind yourself... and savor your special day