Brides USA

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