Brides USA

(Grace) #1

YOUR WEDDING TO-DO’S —AND WHEN TO DO THEM


Silk dress,
$5,900, Dior;
800-929-3467.
Earrings, Vita
Fede; vitafede
.com. Ring,
Kirk Kara;
kirkkara.com.

THE LIST


GET AN INTERACTIVE TO-DO LIST
CUSTOMIZED FOR YOUR WEDDING
DATE AT BRIDES.COM/CHECKLIST.

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 meet-
    ings with potential vendors.

  • Select the bridal party.

  • Hire the stationer if
    you’re going custom.


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!


8 months before



  • Hire the caterer, florist,
    band/DJ, ceremony musi-
    cians, and photographer
    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 groomsmen’s attire.


2 months before



  • Have your hair-and-
    makeup trial.

  • Buy your wedding 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.


90 F E B R U A R Y / M A R C H 2 0 1 6

BEN MORRIS, STYLING BY ELEANOR STRAUSS
Free download pdf