Brides USA

GET MORE WEDDING-PLANNING TIPS AT BRIDES.COM/IDEAS.

THE LIST

WHAT TO DO AND WHEN TO DO IT

To celebrate two decades of

feeding our shoe habit, Jimmy

Choo is rolling out a special

collection of 20 embellished

(read: sparkly) flats, pumps,

sky-high stilettos, and clutches.

“Storm,” with Swarovski crystals and

stones, $3,850; jimmychoo.com.

Happy 20th

Anniversary,

Jimmy Choo!

12 months before

• Write up the guest list.


• Figure out who’s
  paying for what.


• Set the wedding budget.


• Hire a planner if
  you’ll be using one.


• Book the ceremony site
  and reception venue.

10 months before

• Choose your officiant.


• Go dress shopping.


• Set up in-person
  meetings with potential
  vendors.


• Select the
  bridal party.


• Hire the stationer if
  you’re going custom.

8 months before

• Hire the caterer, florist,
  band/DJ, ceremony
  musicians, and photogra-
  pher and reserve rentals.


• Order your wedding
  dress if it’s custom.


• Set up your wedding
  Web site.
  
  
  • Block hotel rooms
    for out-of-town
    guests.
    
    
    • Register.
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

6 months before

• Order bridesmaids’
  dresses.


• Book the honeymoon.


• Shop for wedding bands.


• Order invitations.


• Send save-the-dates.


• Meet with vendors
  to talk details.


• Choose the getaway car.


• Secure wedding-day
  transportation for guests
  if you’re providing it.

4 months before

• Order your cake.


• Hire the calligrapher.


• Plan the
  rehearsal
  dinner.


• Choose
  the groom’s
  and grooms-
  men’s attire.

2 months before

• Have your hair-
  and-makeup trial.


• Buy your wed-
  ding dress if it’s
  off-the-rack.


• Write vows if you
  plan to personalize
  them.


• Finalize the ceremony
  with the officiant.


• Mail invitations.

6 weeks before

• Confirm delivery of
  bridesmaids’ dresses.
  
  
  • Apply for a marriage
    license.
  
  
  • Print the programs,
    menus, et cetera.
  
  
  
  

2 weeks before

• Have your final dress
  fit ting (!).


• Submit a shot list to the
  photographer.


• Send playlists to the DJ
  or band.


• Pick up your marriage
  license.


• Update the registry.


• Review RSVPs and
  contact stragglers.

1 week before

• Provide a final head
  count to the site and
  caterer.


• Finalize the seating chart.


• Give last-minute
  requests to vendors.

48 hours before

• Pick up your dress.


• Write checks due the
  day of.


• Put vendor tips in
  envelopes, and ask the
  maid of honor or best
  man to distribute them.

Day before

• Reconfirm pickup times.


• Do last-minute primping
  (manicure, pedicure).


• Rehearse the ceremony
  and go to dinner.
  
  
  • Give gifts to the bridal
    party and parents.
  
  
  
  

Day of

• Give rings to the
  best man and maid
  of honor.
  
  
  • Beautify.
    
    
    • Get married.
      Enjoy!
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

68 JUNE/JULY 2016

COURTESY OF THE VENDOR