Final countdown checklist
PHOTOGRAPHY by Heather Cook Elliott Photography
1-2 Months
- Mail invitations four to six weeks prior to wedding.
- Call contracted services to confirm arrangements.
- Final dress fitting with shoes, accessories and lingerie.
- Final attendants’ fittings.
- Confirm honeymoon and trip reservations.
-Select ceremony accessories – unity candle, ring pillow, guest book, etc.
- Have programs printed
- Begin seating plan and write or order place cards
-Select personal accessories – handbag, garter, engraved goblets, guest mementos.
- Arrange bridesmaids’ brunch or luncheon.
- Buy marriage license and request certified copies.
- If changing your name, prepare the necessary documents.
- Send wedding announcement to local newspapers.
PHOTOGRAPHY by Front Room Photography
2 Weeks
- Schedule appointments for hair stylist, facial, manicure, massage.
- Invite wedding party and guests to rehearsal dinner.
- Review reception seating and order place cards.
- Confirm lodging for out-of-town guests with reserved hotels.
- Record gifts as you receive them. Write thank-you notes accordingly.
- Schedule caterer for gift-opening party.
- Arrange for gown cleaning and bouquet preservation after wedding.
- Give final guest count to reception facility and caterer.
- Write toasts for rehearsal dinner and wedding reception.
- Break in wedding shoes at home.
- Arrange for someone (ushers, parents, groomsmen) to gather and transport cards and gifts to the next day’s gift opening.
PHOTOGRAPHY by Front Room Photography
1 Week
- Finalize seating plan.
- Pick up wedding rings, check engravings and sizes.
- Final consultations: caterer, florist, musicians, photographer, videographer.
- Remind men to pick up formal wear and shoes – check for fit.
- Make a wedding day schedule and give everyone copies at the rehearsal dinner.
- Assign responsibilities such as handing out corsages and boutonnieres to members of your wedding party.
- Pick up dress.
- Give your honeymoon itinerary to a friend or family member in case of emergency.
1 Day
- Give announcements to an attendant for mailing after the wedding.
- Have a manicure and a pedicure.
- Attend ceremony and rehearsal dinner.
- Distribute gifts to the wedding party, special attendants and parents, to thank them for their support.
- Prepare tip and payment envelops for officiant and vendors and make arrangement for someone to distribute them.
- Keep personal appointments; finish honeymoon packing.
