6 to 24 months ahead:
1. Determine your wedding date
2.Choose the style and formality of your wedding/color scheme/theme
3.Determine your budget
4.Choose your honor attendants, bridesmaids, groomsmen, ushers and other participants
5.Explore chapels, churches
6.Select your dress, veil, accessories and bridesmaids dresses
7.Consult a men's formal wear specialist
8.Interview/Select caterers, photographers, videographers and DJ/Band/Entertainment
9.Enroll with the bridal gift registry


4 to 6 months ahead:
1.Order your invitations, personal stationary and notepaper
2.Plan accommodations for your out-of-town guests
3.Arrange for your rehearsal dinner
4.Select your wedding cake
5.Choose your wedding ceremony music/soloists
6.Reserve a florist


2 to 4 months ahead:
1.Address wedding invitations
2.Select your wedding reception music
3.Choose gifts for your attendants
4.Arrange for rental items for ceremony/reception
5.Discuss final menu items and costs with your caterer
6.Select transportation such as Limousine service


1 to 2 months ahead:
1.Make appointment with hair stylist
2.Draw up map to ceremony and reception for invitations
3.Arrange for physical examinations (if required by your state)
4.Confirm your formal wear shop has received measurements
5.Schedule alterations and final fitting for bride's wedding gown
6.Schedule fitting for bridesmaids and flower girls/other attendees
7.Mail your invitations
8.Have a formal portrait taken
9.Attend parties in your honor


2 to 4weeks ahead:
1.Send your wedding announcement to newspaper
2.Apply for marriage license
3.Make changes on things such as: Social Security card, drivers license, credit cards, bank statements, etc.
4.Confirm rehearsal plans


1 to 2 weeks ahead:
1.Have final consultation with caterer, florist, photographer, videographer and entertainment (DJ/Band)
2.Confirm ALL reservations
3.Confirm final guest count
4.Groom's Bachelor Party!! (should not be the night before the wedding)
5.Give Bride's luncheon (actually Bachelorett's party)
6.Pack your Wedding Survival Kit (see below)


The day before:
1.Decorate for ceremony and reception
2.Attend rehearsal dinner (arrive 30 minutes ahead of time to greet your attendants)
3.Any final errands/purchases
4.Get a good nights sleep !!

 

What Are Your Wedding Party Responsibilities?

Maid/Matron of Honor/Personal Attendant:
1.Helps the bride with shopping, invitations and other details. 2.Attends all pre-wedding events
3.Pays for own wedding attire
4.Takes charge of groom's ring during the ceremony
5.Witnesses, signs wedding certificate
6.Helps bride in arranging veil and dress at ceremony and reception
7.Returns bride's gown to designated place after wedding.


Bridesmaids:
1.Purchases and completes fittings of gowns
2.Performs tasks as assigned by bride
3.Attends rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
4.Has fun !!


Best Man:
1.Plans Bachelor Party !!!
2.Assist groom with all details of the wedding day
3.Pays for own attire
4.Transports groom to church
5.Supervises the groomsmen, regarding their dress and duties at ceremony
6.Takes care of bride's ring until ceremony
7.Presents the clergy person with fee
8.Signs and witnesses the marriage certificate
9.Offers the first toast to the bride and groom and reception
10.Prepares the honeymoon car
11.Returns groom's tuxedo to rental shop


Groomsmen:
1.Pay for their own attire
2.Attends rehearsal dinner
3.Attends bachelor party
4.Escorts bridesmaids during ceremony
5.May perform as ushers in lieu of


Ushers:
1.Pay for their own attire
2.Make sure principles have flowers before being seated (unless assigned to another person)
3.Distribute wedding programs (unless assigned to another)
4.Seat guests on appropriate side of church (if you choose sides)
5.Assist elderly guests into seats
6.After all guests are seated, unroll aisle carpet (if you choose)
7.Check church or ceremony location for any items left behind

Ring Bearer (optional):
1.Wedding attire may be paid for by groom or his family, or anyone who so desires
2.Presents rings on velvet or satin pillow
3.May remain with groomsmen during ceremony


Flower Girl (optional):
1.Attire may be paid for by bride, maid/matron of honor or anyone who so desires
2.Precedes bridesmaids down the aisle, sprinkling flower petals from basket
3.May remain with bridesmaids during ceremony

 

Bride's Emergency Kit

The following list is a general guideline of items to include in the "Bride's Emergency Kit". The actual kit can be taken in many forms, overnight bag, paper bag, basket. In general, the kit is left in the bride's dressing/changing room for easy access and is assigned to a mother, bridesmaid, or personal attendant to bring to the reception. Here are some ideas:

Health:
1.Anacid
2.Antihistamine/cold remedy
3.Any prescription medications
4.aspirin, Tylenol or Advil
5.Bandaids
6.Hard candy
7.Tampons/pads
8.Sunscreen (if outdoors)


Beauty/Grooming:
1.Dusting powder
2.Hair spray, brush, barrettes and/or bobby pins
3.Hand lotion, handy-wipes
4.Kleenex
5.Make-up
6.Perfume
7.Nail polish & remover
8.Small hand towel
9.toothbrush & toothpaste


Attire:
1.Throwaway garter
2.Clear nail polish (for runs in hose)
3.Earring backs
4.Emergency buttons
5.Flat shoes (if necessary)
6.Iron
7.Pantyhose (extras)
8.Safety pins
9.Masking tape (last minute ripped hems)
10.Small sewing kit, including thread for all dresses


Miscellaneous:
1.Phone numbers of all involved in ceremony/reception
2.Small flashlight
3.Spare change for pay phone
4.Something to drink, (keep the alcohol for later) like a bottle of water (particularly useful for lengthy photo sessions)

Remember...  Hope for the best yet plan for the worst.