12 Month Planning Countdown

Holly Ireland Photography

12 Months

Choose the date and time for wedding and rehearsal.
Purchase San Diego Style Weddings Magazine and register on sandiegostyleweddings.com.
Create a wedding email account.
Create a wedding website on sandiegostyleweddings.com.
Decide on style – whether a formal event with a sit-down dinner or an afternoon one in the garden, for example.
Choose color schemes.
Review your budget. Ask both sets of parents for advice if they’re paying for any or all of the occasion.
Select wedding and reception sites.
Make appointment with the officiant to learn about pre-marital requirements.
Plan the guest list to get a rough count.
Choose bridesmaids/groomsmen and ushers.
Research honeymoon spots.
Interview wedding planners (if you are using one).
Shop for gown and headpiece.
Book the musicians for ceremony and reception.
Interview photographers, videographers, caterers and florists.
Holly Ireland Photography

 

9 Months

Announce engagement in newspaper.
Select dress for bridal attendants.
Start shopping for men’s wedding attire.
Decide on the caterer, photographer and videographer.
Book a florist and choose arrangements.
Register for gifts at bridal registries of choice.
Select transportation for ceremony and reception.
Holly Ireland Photography

 

6 Months

Order dress and accessories – including veil, gloves and shoes; schedule delivery date.
Help mothers select and coordinate their dresses.
Reserve any rental equipment such as tables, chairs and tent (if you’re marrying at home or in unfurnished space).
Choose baker – order wedding cake and groom’s cake.
Shop for your trousseau.
Select your wedding invitations, envelopes and thank-you cards.
Scout around for accommodations for out-of-town guests.
Plan the rehearsal dinner.
Research marriage license requirements. (sandiegostyleweddings.com)
Choose favors.
Confirm honeymoon plans. (Compile necessary documents: passports, visas, etc.)
Finalize guest list.
Holly Ireland Photography

 

3-4 Months

Choose the ceremony music.
Talk over reception music with band or DJ.
Discuss menu details with caterer.
Confirm out-of-town guest accommodations.
Order wedding rings and arrange for engraving.
Meet with a premarital counselor.
Visit officiant and review vows, readings, and music.
Select and reserve men’s attire.
Address invitations and announcements.
Holly Ireland Photography

 

2 Months

Mail invitations.
Plan a trial run with headpiece and makeup.
Make wedding day hair appointment.
Confirm ceremony details.
Arrange rehearsal and dinner plans.
Draw up map to ceremony and reception site.
Complete proper documents for changing your name.
Holly Ireland Photography

 

1 Month

Obtain marriage license.
Pick up rings and check engraving.
Confirm details with the florist, caterer, entertainers, and officiant.
Notify the newspaper with wedding announcement and photograph.
Schedule final dress fitting for you and for your attendants.
Buy gifts for attendants, flower girl, ring bearer, fiancé, parents (and anyone else who helped make the wedding extra special).
Finish trousseau shopping.
Plan pre-wedding attendants’ party.
Jess Kunert Photography

 

2 Weeks:

Confirm rehearsal dinner plans.
Find out about gown, bouquet, and/or cake preservation.
Contact guests who did not RSVP to invitations.
Arrange seating plan and write place cards.
Break in wedding shoes at home – scuff the bottom, walk around in them.
Meet with photographer and videographer – submit list of must-take shots.
Mr & Mrs Wedding Duo

1 Week

Pick up dress or have it delivered.
Host bridesmaids’ party.
Pack for honeymoon.
Confirm travel arrangements – if traveling abroad, purchase small amount of
local currency.
Write toast for rehearsal dinner and
wedding reception.
Arrange for facial and other beauty treatments.
Give assignments to wedding party members,
remind them of rehearsal details.
Confirm transportation details.
Notify caterer of the final guest count.
Review timetables and details with vendors.
Mr & Mrs Wedding Duo

1 Day Before

Give wedding announcements to an attendant to mail after the wedding.
Verify transportation to and from the wedding ceremony.
Deliver gift baskets if you have them.
Have manicure and pedicure.
Attend ceremony rehearsal.
Hold rehearsal dinner and hand out special gifts to wedding party.
Prepare tip envelopes and arrange for someone to distribute them the day of.
FALKNER WINERY
BOB HOFFMAN PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO

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