Wedding Planning Timetable

Note: This timetable is based on a 12 month or greater engagement. While more time to plan is better, you can compress the time line. Use this table to at least establish the order in which you should approach tasks.

• Arrange for both sets of parents to meet (unless they have already).
• .Work out a budget and review it with your parents, if they’ll be paying for any part of the event.
• Interview and hire a wedding consultant if you are using one.
• Decide on the style of wedding you want.
• Decide who will officiate. Favorite officiants may book up as quickly as caterers and banquet halls. You will need to consult this person regarding many issues throughout your planning. When necessary, book the sanctuary or chapel.
• Make a preliminary guest list and estimate final size of party for planning purposes.
• Determine whom you want to have in your wedding party and make the calls.
• Set a date and time for the wedding.
• Pick out a caterer, a location for the ceremony and reception (and, if there will be one, for the engagement party, rehearsal dinner, after-wedding breakfast). Send in a deposit when necessary.
• Book a block of rooms for out-of-town guests at a local hotel/motel.
• Interview photographers, videographers, florists, musicians, calligraphers and make your choices.
• Make reservations for transportation.
• Make plans and shop for your honeymoon.
• Start shopping for a wedding dress.
• Send a “Save-the-Date” cards to your “A” list guests.

• Book the Bar/Bat Mitzvah band or DJ. Ask about booking other alternate entertainment such as magicians, caricaturists, virtual reality games, photo favors and cocktail hour music.
• Decide on your Bar Mitzvah party theme and color scheme.

•  Decide what gifts you would like and register for gifts (china, flatware, etc.).
• Shop for and order invitations, announcements, programs and any other printed materials.
• Have your engagement party. Start a “thank you list” and mail notes as soon as possible.
• Have an engagement picture taken and submit it to your local newspaper.
• Create schematics for the processional, recessional, under the chuppah, reserved seating. Distribute them to those who will be participating.
• If you are not having a wedding consultant, arrange for someone to be in charge of keeping everyone on schedule and coaching the processional.
• Select guests for honors (e.g., toast, speech, blessing on bread and wine, one of the seven blessings, aliyah at the Ufruf.)

• Discuss wedding attire with the mothers of the bride and groom.
• Order your accessory items and bridesmaid dresses.
• Look at tuxedos.

•  Decide on which ketubah text you want and order a ketubah. Hand decorated ketubot take the longest time to prepare.
• If you are buying a home, get serious about a contract. If you will be renting, place a deposit.

• Select wedding favors for guests.
• Order imprinted yarmulkes.
• Order wedding invitations, wedding programs, and other stationery.

• Make arrangements for tuxedo rentals.
• Book your honeymoon.
• Put together directions to be included, as needed, in Save-the-date and/or invitations. Take a trial drive to double check distances and landmarks.

• Purchase wedding gifts (for attendants and fiance).
• Finalize floral arrangements.
• Set hair, make-up, nail, and wax appointments.
• Select a bakery for your wedding cake, as well as cakes for pre-wedding receptions and pastries for an after-wedding brunch or lunch.
• Begin to address invitations or take your final guest list to your calligrapher.
• Select wedding bands. Place an order.
• Get change of address cards from the post office and get them ready to mail.
• Decide who will ride with whom and where people need to be when.
• Prepare programs and/or a wedding booklet for the wedding and assign someone to distribute them.
• Have the groom select and order tuxedos for himself, his groomsmen and the dads. If people are in different locations, get measurements mailed.

• Attend your final dress fittings and have your bridesmaids do the same.
• Finalize cake arrangements.
• Write your own vows.
• Buy cake knife, toasting glasses, guest book & garter.
• Pick out associated events clothing. Remember shoes (ballet slippers, sandals) for the reception.
• Find a hairdresser and make a test run with your veil.
• Send out invitations (double check for correct postage) (8-10 Weeks)

• Get name-change forms for social security, driver’s license, credit cards and bank. Review documentation and make changes as needed (e.g., insurance, lease, Health Care Proxy, Living Will, etc.).
• Reserve rooms for out-of-town guests you know will be attending.
• Get blood tests and marriage license.
• Make an appointment for your hair and nails for as close to the wedding day as possible.
• Meet with the caterer to set the menu.
• Review your needs with your photographer and videographer. Give him/her a list of your wedding party, a schedule of events, any toasts or speeches planned, and any special photos, memories or candids you want. It is best not to surprise these professionals.
• Meet with your entertainment (music, etc.) and make arrangements and schedule. A schedule of events, along with favorite tunes and style of music requsted, plus a list of toasts speeches, etc. will ensure the MC is on the same page as you.
• Arrange the rehearsal dinner, as well as other wedding-day-connected parties.
• Arrange for someone to deposit your check and cash gifts in the bank, while you are away on your honeymoon.

• Put Guest Baskets together and assign someone the task of distributing them.
• Make sure all your groomsmen, ushers, ring bearer, and fathers have ordered their tuxedos.
• Send change-of-address form to post office.
• Reconfirm all the reservations and accommodations.
• Confirm honeymoon plans.
• Start the seating plan for the reception.

• Call guests who have not responded.
• Finalize reception seating arrangements.
• Get your marriage license.
• Prepare wedding announcement for the newspaper.
• Pick up your wedding bands.
• Fill out the table cards or give names to your calligrapher.
• Put the fees and tips in envelopes (rabbi, soloist, maitre d” etc.) and give it to someone you put in charge of making the payments.
• Arrange with someone to bring items to the wedding venue, such as cake knife, toasting glasses, programs, yarmulkes, emergency kit for the bride, wedding license, ketubah, etc. and to take them home.
• Arrange for someone to return the rentals (tuxedos, chairs, etc.).
• Arrange for someone to take your bouquet and your gown “home” or bring it in for wedding gown preservation.
• Pay all venue fees.

• Call caterer with final total of guests.
• Confirm directions and pickup and drop-off points with transportation service. Confirm all other professionals.

• Create a detailed schedule of your wedding day activities.
• Get a manicure and/or pedicure and/or other beauty services.
• Pack for your honeymoon.
• Confirm Post-wedding brunch arrangements.

• Get a manicure.
• Attend wedding rehearsal.
• Pack wedding day emergency kit. (extra pantyhose, safety pins, thread and needle, steamer, brush and make-up).
• Get a good night”s sleep.

• Eat a good breakfast.
• Have your make-up done.
• Have your hair done.
• Give yourself plenty of time to get ready.
• Relax and have fun!

• Write thank you notes and/or send gifts to the special people who made your wedding “happen.”
• Send wedding photo and announcement to the newspaper(s).