The PB Ultimate Planner

Here it is, the ultimate in planning tools!  Organized advance planning will ensure you enjoy every minute of your special day. Start planning your wedding 12 months ahead of time if possible and use the following timeline as a guide through the process. Once the planning is complete, relax and get plenty of rest – the festivities are about to begin.

Wedding Day Checklist

12 months or more before the wedding:

• Decide on the budget
• Reserve ceremony site and officiant
• Work on guest list for a rough count
• Visit reception sites and reserve one
• Hire wedding consultant (for help with all planning, certain aspects of it, or day of coordination only)

9-12 months before:

• Shop for and order wedding gown, veil and accessories
• Compile guest list
• Choose attendants
• Select bridesmaids’ attire
• Plan details of reception: colors, decorations, balloons
• Select photographer
• Select videographer
• Select band or DJ for reception
• Discuss honeymoon plans
• Mail save-the-date cards if necessary
• Get engagement photo taken

6-9 months before:

• Reserve wedding day transportation
• Register for gifts at one to three stores
• Book musicians for ceremony
• Select florist
• Select caterer
• Reserve party rental equipment (table, tent, chairs, etc.)
• Order wedding cake
• Order invitations, personal stationery and thank you notes
• Reserve accommodations for out-of-town guests
• Finalize honeymoon plans (get your passport if needed!)

4-6 months before:

• Order men’s formalwear
• Book stylist or salon for bridal party hair, nails and make-up
• Select and purchase wedding guest favors
• Find and reserve rehearsal dinner location
• Reserve accommodations for wedding night
• Finalize guest list

2-4 months before:

• Address wedding invitations
• Buy and wrap attendants’ gifts
• Buy wedding rings and order engraving
• Announce engagement in local newspapers
• Confirm delivery dates of bridal gown and bridesmaids’ dresses
• Meet with caterer to discuss menu
• Select ceremony music, readings and vows and meet with officiant
• Arrange ceremony rehearsal and notify participants

1-2 months before:

• Call county clerk’s office for marriage license details, and schedule date to obtain
• Mail invitations
• Arrange for final fittings on your gown
• Make reservations for bridesmaids’ luncheon
• Confirm honeymoon arrangements
• Record gifts received and write thank you notes promptly
• Prepare printed program for ceremony
• Start reception seating chart and place cards
• Purchase wedding accessories (guest book and pen, unity candle, toasting glasses, cake knife and server, and flower girl/ring bearer accessories)

2-4 weeks before:

• Arrange for professionals to preserve your gown and bridal bouquet
• Follow up on missing RSVPs and finish seating chart/place cards
• Confirm final guest count to caterer and reception site
• Write rehearsal dinner and wedding toasts
• Confirm honeymoon arrangements

1 week before:

• Have final consultation with caterer, florist, musicians, photographer and videographer
• Host bridesmaids’ luncheon
• Begin packing for honeymoon
• Put fees due on the wedding day in envelopes, for the best man to distribute

The Premier Bride Planner

The smallest forgotten detail can often create the biggest headache. To help you check off each step and ask the right questions about your cake, catering, flowers, entertainment, photography, reception, videography, and wedding attire; pick from the list below. Click here to print our 12 page planner.