12-9 Months before

• Start a wedding folder or binder so all relevant information is in one place
• Work out your budget and be realistic as there are always unforeseen expenses
• Pick your wedding party
• Begin your guest list, keep in mind this may change as a result of budget restraints
• Visit RGV Wedding and Quince Expo with family & friends to meet several vendors in one day
• Hire a planner if desired. This could be eat up some of your budget but often is of great help
• Reserve your date and keep in mind possible major sporting or other events that your groom or guests may not want to miss
• Book your officiant
• Start researching your entertainment, florist, caterers and venue
• Throw an engagement party if you wish
• Book your venue

8 Months before

• Hire your Photographer
• Book your entertainment
• Meet with caterers and try out their food and book who you choose
• Purchase your dress
• Reserve accommodation for your out of town guests

7-6 Months before

• Select and purchase your invitations
• Start planning a honeymoon
• Shop for bridesmaids dresses
• Meet with your officiant
• Reserve any structural or electrical necessities
• Book and confirm rentals such as tables, chairs, linen and decor
• Book a florist
• Book transport
• Start composing a “day of” timeline so it is clear who does what and when

5-4 Months before

• Book rehearsal / rehearsal dinner
• Select and order your cake
• Send the guest list to the host of your shower
• Purchase your wedding shoes and do a dress fitting
• Schedule your hair and make up
• Choose your music

3 Months before

• Finalize the menu and flowers
• Order any favours now
• Make a list of people giving toasts
• Finalize the readings
• Purchase your undergarments
• Finalize the order of the ceremony and reception
• Select and purchase your thank you gifts for your guests
• Print menu cards and or programes if you wish
• Purchase the rings
• Send your event schedule to all your vendors

2 Months before

• Touch base with everyone involved
• Meet with the photographer
• Review your playlist with your band or DJ
• Have a great bachelor or bachelorette party
• Send out your invitations

1 Months before

• Enter all RSVP into your guest list
• Finalize your rehearsal
• Do a final dress fitting
• Stock the bar
• Send out as many final payments as you can
• Confirm your time for hair and makeup and any other necessities
• Email directions to all your guests
• Assign seating arrangements
• Purchase bridesmaids gifts
• Write your vows if necessary
• Get your hair cut and colored so it has time to set

1 Week before

• Reconfirm arrival time with all your vendors
• Delegate small wedding day tasks to your bridal party plus a timeline for each person
• Pick up your dress
• Check in one last time with photographer
• Book a spa treatment
• Send final guest list to the wedding venue, caterer plus wedding related events
• Break in your shoes
• Pack for your honeymoon