Bride & Groom Planning Calendar

Three to six months before the wedding

• Finalize guest list. Write each guest's name and address on an index card and use these to track responses.

• Order wedding and reception invitations, response cards, place cards, announcements, thank you notes, stationery-informals, at home cards, hold the date cards and accessories. Always order extra invitations and envelopes to allow for addressing mistakes and surprise guests. It is less expensive to order extras from the start.

• Send out Hold the Date Cards so your guests can reserve your special day on their calendar.

• Address invitations and announcements as soon as possible.

• Arrange to have someone mail the wedding announcements the day of the wedding.

• Start making final decisions and arrangements for the ceremony and reception, including food, music, flowers and any rental equipment.

• Sign contracts and place deposits with caterer, photographer, videographer, florist, musicians and other service providers if you have not already done so.

• Plan rehearsal dinner: time, menu and guest list.

• Arrange for wedding day transportation for important guests and wedding party.

• Reserve a block of hotel rooms for out-of-town members of the wedding party and guests. It is nice to provide a list of local restaurants and attractions.

• Order wedding rings and make arrangements for engraving.

• Have both mothers select their wedding attire.

• Confirm the delivery date for the wedding gown and bridesmaids dresses. Schedule fittings.

• Choose and order formal wear for the groom and groomsmen. Remind men to submit their measurements to your formal wear provider.

• Finalize honeymoon plans.

• Shop for trousseau and special attire for parties, showers and honeymoon.

• Write thank you notes as gifts are received. If you are using preprinted thank you notes to immediately acknowledge that a gift was received, be sure to send a hand written thank you on your informal notes within two months after the wedding.

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