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TIFFANY JOHNSON PHOTOGRAPHY - SF BAY AREA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
 
Bridal Tiaras - Elegant and Affordable $
Gowns: Bridal Tiaras - Elegant and Affordable

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Jump to Quick Access Box Wedding Timelines

Jump to Quick Access Box  12-18 Mths 

  12-18 Mth | 6-12 Mth | 4-6 Mth | 3 Mth | 2 Mth | 1 Mth | 2 Wks | 1 Wk

Top of Page

Attendants - Bridal Party - Ushers etc.
Choose Maid of Honor and Bridesmaids
Choose Best Man, Attendants and Ushers
 View more on attendants/bridal party

 General
Set date for engagement party if you are having one.

Honeymoon
Plan excursions and entertainment for your honeymoon location.
Research destinations and contact travel agents for brochures and information about cruise packages, resort sites and/or action/adventure honeymoon packages.
Research travel guides and online travel sites for excursion ideas.
 View more on honeymoons

Paperwork
Determine guest List - consult with both families.
Determine how much to spend.
Begin to compile a list of friends, family, and vendor contact details.
Plan your wedding budget
Write and prepare engagement announcement for the newspaper.

Personal
Choose a diet or exercise program.
Discuss diet and exercise options with your physician or a licensed nutritionist.
Join a gym or register for classes (if applicable)
Make your weekly exercise schedule (and plan to stick to it)
Make weekly menu plans.
Purchase appropriate exercise equipment, attire and shoes.
Research health clubs and personal trainers in your area or more information and rates.
  View more on personal details

Reception
View possible reception venues. As many venues can be booked up to 2 years in advance, it may be advantageous to confirm the venue you like as soon as possible.

Shopping
Select and order a ring for the bride.

Wedding Details
Choose Your Wedding site - Enter into Vendor Details
Determine color scheme - Enter into Vendor Details
Inform mother and fiancees mother of color scheme
Meet with officiant.
Meet with priest.
Select date & time of your wedding - Enter into Vendor Details
Select style and size of wedding
         (i.e. formal, semiformal, informal)


Vendors

You need to keep track of all contracts
Select Bridal Consultant

Florist
Research florists and select one that fits within your budget and style, and color scheme.
Meet with florist to browse selection and order your floral arrangements - Enter into Vendor Details

Music / Entertainment
Review a variety of music -- Classical, Traditional, contemporary, Alternative -- Select your style.
Research D.J’s/musicians, listen to their tapes/cd's.
Select and book D.J’s/musicians of your choice.

Outdoor
Reserve tent if you will be renting one for an outdoor wedding.

Photography - Video
Have engagement photo taken.
Select Photographer
Meet with several candidates and review their samples/portfolios determine photos to include (ceremony shots, reception shots, formal bridal portrait and wedding party portrait)
Research videographers and review tapes.
Select a videographer and book for the events you choose to include in your wedding video - Enter into Vendor Details

Jump to Quick Access Box  6-12 Mths

  12-18 Mth | 6-12 Mth | 4-6 Mth | 3 Mth | 2 Mth | 1 Mth | 2 Wks | 1 Wk

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Attendants - Bridal Party - Ushers etc.
Choose Flower girl and ring bearer
 View more on attendants/bridal party

Attire
Choose and order flowergirl(s) dresses, accessories and dye shoes to match (if applicable)
Have your first fitting for your gown ASAP
Help both mothers select their dresses.
If your gown is an heirloom, allow time for cleaning, dressing, and any alterations that may need to be made.
Order attendants gowns; buy shoes and have them dyed to match (if applicable)
Purchase desired attire accessories: hosiery, garter, lingerie, corset, jewelry, etc. ready for first fitting.
Review your gown budget.
Select wedding gown, headpiece/ veil
Set the date to order the dresses for the bridesmaids and outfits for attendants.
 View more on attire


Honeymoon
Book airline, hotel/resort, and rental car reservations ASAP.
Meet with travel agency to discuss honeymoon trip.
Send necessary deposits for honeymoon ASAP.
 View more on honeymoons

Paperwork
Arrange for pickup and/or delivery of announcements
Choose the wording for your pre-event invitations.
Divide list into guests receiving invitations to the ceremony and reception, and ones receiving invitations to the ceremony only.
Determine design, wording, stock, font and paper stock for your invitations
Finalize Guest list. Compare with Fiancees list.
Order personal Stationery, thank you notes, etc..
Place print order for your wedding announcements & invitations and envelopes
Review and approve proofs of your wedding announcements.

Shopping
An idea would be to find out what bridal shows are on in your area.
Order wedding rings and arrange for engraving
Insure your wedding rings.
Purchase desired attire accessories: hosiery, garter, lingerie, corset, jewelry, etc.
Registry - Register at bridal registry - Enter into Vendor Details
Registry -
Select stores and begin browsing now, as you can add and modify your registry as need be.
Shop/Arrange for decorations for the reception.

Vendors
Get estimates from florist
Hire a driving service for bridal party, family and/or guests - Enter into Vendor Details
Meet with caterer to discuss menu and beverages.
Reserve transportation between ceremony and reception sites
Select a baker and plan wedding cake, be sure you both taste several favors. - Enter into Vendor Details

Wedding Details
Your religion may require you to complete a premarital course before the wedding day, so inquire as to the necessary arrangements.

Jump to Quick Access Box  4-6 MONTHS

  12-18 Mth | 6-12 Mth | 4-6 Mth | 3 Mth | 2 Mth | 1 Mth | 2 Wks | 1 Wk

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Attire
Begin shopping for trousseau.
Discuss and confirm attire with ushers and refer them to local formal wear shop(s).
Discuss and confirm attire for ring bearer and refer to local formal wear shop.
Groom: Visit retail shops to choose formal wear.
Have your second gown fitting.
 View more on attire

Honeymoon
Complete honeymoon plans with travel agency
Research, Purchase and Insure personal cameras and/or video cameras for your honeymoon
Shop for luggage for honeymoon (if needed) and have luggage monogrammed with post-wedding initials. 
 View more on honeymoons

Personal
Begin shopping for home furnishings.
Make appointment with a stylist and/or hairdresser to practice hairstyles (don’t forget to bring your veil)
Plan your new home - meet with Realtor or visit apartments.
Research blood test requirements in your state.

Shopping
Order rental items for the ceremony and reception
        
(i.e. chairs for outdoor ceremony)
Order wedding cake.
Registry - For bridal showers, consider adding lower priced items to your register.
Registry - Remember to check seasonal items for availability.

Wedding Details
Plan rehearsal dinner site.

Vendors
Choose calligrapher if using one - Enter into Vendor Details

Jump to Quick Access Box  3 MONTHS

  12-18 Mth | 6-12 Mth | 4-6 Mth | 3 Mth | 2 Mth | 1 Mth | 2 Wks | 1 Wk

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Attendants - Bridal Party - Ushers etc.
Arrange lodging for out-of-town wedding attendants.
Choose a guest book attendant
 View more on attendants/bridal party


Attire
Groom: Have attire fitted
Groom: Buy or rent cufflinks and/or any other accessories such as shoes, shirt stays, cufflinks, and a pocket square.
Order best man and usher's attire. Have attire fitted.
 View more on attire

Honeymoon
Arrange for wedding night accommodations.
 View more on honeymoons

Paperwork
Address Invitations
Determine method of addressing announcements
         (calligraphy or labels)

Personal Stationery and thank you notes should be ready.
Review your beauty budget

Personal
Get necessary inoculations/vaccinations for your honeymoon destination
Make day-of-wedding hair appointment
Make appointment with a make-up artist
Make appointment for groom's haircut, if needed
Make appointment for physical exam or check up
Make appointments for pedicure, manicure, waxing, teeth clean/bleach
Renew or obtain your passport or visa if traveling abroad.

Shopping
Choose a guest book and pen.
For Jewish weddings: obtain a light bulb or glass to wrap in a handkerchief and step on.
If you will choose something to be thrown at your Wedding, (rose petals, confetti, bird seed or butterflies) Choose and order what will be.
Purchase "Love" Postage stamps
Purchase or gather toasting goblets.
Purchase a ring bearers pillow
Purchase a garter.
Purchase candles, or arrange for candles with wedding coordinator

Wedding Details
Apply for marriage license (depending on where you live, more time for filing may be necessary)
Fulfill your marriage license requirements and obtain your license.

Vendors
Ask for a song list from your DJ/Musician to make selections.
Confirm floral order and arrange for delivery times at each location.
Meet with caterer for final food and beverage decisions.
Select wedding ceremony music

Jump to Quick Access Box  2 MONTHS

  12-18 Mth | 6-12 Mth | 4-6 Mth | 3 Mth | 2 Mth | 1 Mth | 2 Wks | 1 Wk

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Attire
Arrange for final gown fitting (don’t forget to take undergarments and shoes worn with your gown to the final fitting)
Choose going-away outfit.
 View more on attire

Attendants - Bridal Party - Ushers etc.
Meet with ushers to decide duties during the ceremony.
 View more on attendants/bridal party

Honeymoon
Check online sites about your honeymoon destination.
Purchase appropriate language phrase books or destination guidebooks for your honeymoon
 View more on honeymoons

Paperwork
Keep wedding and shower gift records.
Mail invitations (6-8 weeks prior to wedding)
Review Newspaper wedding announcement guidelines and comply.
Send thank you cards for gifts as they arrive.

Personal
Complete your blood tests and obtain the results.
If you have any skin irritations or blemishes, see a dermatologist.
Meet with hairstylists. If you color or lighten your hair, make appointment for touchup.
Organize moving arrangements.
Start tanning sessions.

Rehearsals
Decide rehearsal budget.
Decide size of rehearsal.
Decide type of rehearsal.
Reserve a bartender for rehearsal.
Start your rehearsal guest list.
Decide on wording for invitaions for the rehearsal.
Order or make invitations for rehearsal.
Reserve rehearsal location.
Reserve rehearsal catering.
Decide if you need babysitters for the rehearsal.
Create map and directions to rehearsal.
Mail rehearsal invitations.
Hire photographer for rehearsal if being used.
Hire videographer for rehearsal if being used.
Purchase flowers for rehearsal if being used.

Shopping
Arrange for gift-wrap of all gifts.
Choose gifts that your attendants will treasure.
Purchase gifts for attendants and ushers.
         (Have gifts for attendants personalized/engraved, if appropriate)
Purchase special gift for flower girl and ring bearer.
Purchase gifts for mother and father of both bride and groom.
Purchase gifts for out-of-town attendees. (Hint: a welcome gift basket of fruit and champagne in their hotel room is a great idea).
Registry - Update registry. Majority of people will now consider buying gifts, so be sure to have a wide range of items and price brackets.
Select party favors for reception.

Wedding Details
Meet with financial planner if you have one.
Review details of wedding ceremony.
Write a ceremony program.
Write wedding vows if writing your own.

Vendors
Not really a vendor, but have you considered a baby-sitter if it is necessary for your wedding day?

Jump to Quick Access Box  1 MONTH

  12-18 Mth | 6-12 Mth | 4-6 Mth | 3 Mth | 2 Mth | 1 Mth | 2 Wks | 1 Wk

Top of Page

 

Attendants - Bridal Party - Ushers etc.
Check wedding party apparel.
Confirm date and time of rehearsal.
Notify wedding party and family of rehearsal.
 View more on attendants/bridal party

Attire
Bride/Groom:  Break in your wedding shoes before the big day.
Make sure that all bridal attire fits perfectly and arrange for pickup or delivery.
 View more on attire

Guests
Arrange lodging for out-of-town guests.
It's proper to send lodging information to your out-of-town guests, most facilities will do so for you if provided with your guest list.

Honeymoon
Finalize honeymoon plans/itinerary.

Paperwork
Create or order place cards for the reception if required.
Acquire all forms and submit name-change form to legally change your name
          Driver's License or State ID card
          Passport
          Social Security
          State and Federal Tax Boards

Send change-of-address/cancellation/renewal notices to...
          Animal minders, vets, etc.
          Banks.
          Cable company.
          Computer company/supplier/service co.
          Credit card companies.
          Department stores.
          Doctors, dentists, accountants& other professionals.
          Electrical appliance service agents, electricians, etc.
          Friends, relatives, associates!
          Government dept's / tax etc.
          Home maintenance, gardeners, windows, etc.
          Insurance companies.
          Laborer, plumbers, service men, painters, etc.
          Magazine subscriptions.
          Motor vehicle - garages, mechanics, service, etc.
          Music clubs, garden clubs, societies, groups etc.
          Non profit organizations you may donate to.
          Religious organizations and personal associations.
          Schools, and all associated clubs, groups, tutors and organizations your children belong to.
          Utilities and phone companies.
          Your internet provider.

Notify Mortgage Company or landlord of name change for mortgage, rent and lease purposes.
Write and prepare wedding announcement for the newspaper.


  It would be wise to be careful sending cancellations to services such as phone power, cards etc. if you need them until the wedding day. Many though allow you to specify when the new change is to take affect so you can send them now. Some may choose to send forms after the wedding day to be safe, but fill them out now ready to send, as you won't have time later.

  For couples with older children it would be advisable to give a copy of this list to your siblings as they may have correspondence with ones you may be unaware of.

Personal
Here's a wonderful idea - Book in for a full body massage the morning of your wedding to relax yourself. You can even have them come to your house or hotel. You'll be thankful you did!
If you have sensitive skin, make sure to select and apply only hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic cosmetics.
Meet your health and exercise goal.
Groom be prepared for your bachelor party.
Visit hairstylist for your appointment for touchup if you have colored or highlighted your hair.

Shopping
Buy plenty of film and/or videotape for your honeymoon    
Planning an outdoor wedding? Arrange a supply of umbrellas to have on hand to help ward away the rain.
Recharge or buy batteries
Select a special gift for your parents as a gesture of thanks. Present it to them the morning of the wedding.

Vendors
Meet with insurance representative to update policies

Photography - Video
Arrange for preparation/storage area for videographer at each venue.
Arrange for preparation/storage area for photographer at each venue.
Meet with photographer for bridal portrait sitting
Determine when photographer should arrive at ceremony venue - Enter into Vendor Details
Determine time for videographer to arrive at various venues - Enter into Vendor Details

Music / Entertainment
Arrange for preparation/storage area for musicians at ceremony venue.
Make musical selections for your D.J’s/musicians. Also songs NOT to play!

Wedding Details
Provide directions to venues, church, accommodations etc.

Jump to Quick Access Box  2 WEEKS

  12-18 Mth | 6-12 Mth | 4-6 Mth | 3 Mth | 2 Mth | 1 Mth | 2 Wks | 1 Wk

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Attendants - Bridal Party - Ushers etc.
Thank your attendants by having a cocktail party or going out for dinner and drinks.
 View more on attendants/bridal party


Honeymoon
Arrange for transportation to and from the airport.
Confirm all honeymoon travel and hotel.
Have appropriate items for honeymoon trousseau dry-cleaned.
Purchase Traveler’s Cheques and exchange money for currency according to your destination.
 View more on honeymoons

Paperwork
All response cards should be in (follow up on all response cards not yet received)
Update your wills.

Personal
Arrange to move items to new home.
Keep your dental appointment.
Make sure to view make-up application in a variety of lighting conditions to assure you look your best in every setting.
Practice various techniques for applying cosmetics -- using magazines as a guideline.
Schedule appointments for manicure and/or pedicure.
Schedule appointment for waxing at a professional salon.

Wedding Details
Arrange for delivery and placement of accessories on the day of the wedding.
Gather and verify all of your ceremonial accessories

Vendors
Finalize details with your:
          -Caterer
          -Give the final head count to your caterer and review details
          -Ceremony music
          -Florist
          -Hairstylist
          -Officiant. Special preferences, readings, or other ceremony details.
          -Photographer
          -Reception site
          -Reception decorations and place cards
          -Reception entertainment
          -Rental items
          -Transportation
          -Transportation - Fax Limousine (transport) company a schedule of addresses for pickup and deliveries.
          -Travel agent
          -Videographer
          -Wedding attire
          -Wedding cake

Jump to Quick Access Box  1 WEEK

  12-18 Mth | 6-12 Mth | 4-6 Mth | 3 Mth | 2 Mth | 1 Mth | 2 Wks | 1 Wk

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Attendants - Bridal Party - Ushers etc.
Gift-wrap presents for attendants and include personal thank you cards.
Give gifts to attendants at rehearsal
If you're planning on candles, be sure to appoint someone to light them.
Remind the bridal party of the rehearsal date, time, and place.
Review wedding day checklist with the maid of honor and best man
You should have the wedding rings and made sure they fit.
 View more on attendants/bridal party

Attire
Groom: Go for final attire fitting.
Pick up gowns and shoes.
Select a pretty handkerchief to tuck into your bouquet for sentimental moments.  Walk down the aisle with your mother’s or grandmother’s handkerchief as your something “old”.
 View more on attire

Honeymoon
Leave your honeymoon itinerary with a family member.
Make sure luggage is in car or hotel room of wedding night stay.
Pack suitcases for honeymoon.
Reconfirm honeymoon reservations/tickets.

Paperwork
File change-of-address form with post office.
Put marriage license in safe place until wedding day.

Personal
Bride - Pack a small emergency bag for your dressing area: iron, needle and thread, hairspray, aspirin, nail polish, safety pins, extra panty hose, etc.
Gift wrap gift for bride / groom.
Get manicure and pedicure done.
Make all necessary arrangements for care of pet(s), house or apartment, plants and mail while you're away.


Shopping
Registry - Update your registry. It can be frustrating for guests when odd items are left, unreasonably expensive ones or even worse cheap gifts embarrassing to purchase on there own. Keep in mind the registry may now even be empty!

Wedding Details
Arrange for a close friend or relative to transport gifts that are delivered to the reception to a designated place.
Determine drivers, if needed, for transportation between ceremony location and reception location.

Vendors
Select tables to display and collect your wedding gifts


Jump to Quick Access Box  Night Before

Be sure to get a good nights sleep before the wedding. You'll be glad you did!
Some brides choose to sleep at the hotel (if using one) the night before for peace of mind. You could even have your maid of honor there.


Jump to Quick Access Box  Day of the Wedding

See Also: What the bride can expect today a specialized time table for the wedding day

Brides - Have a light snack before leaving for the ceremony. Many brides never taste the food at their reception. Not eating well has caused some brides to faint.
Check weather report in case changes need to be made.