Ceremony Checklist

Your wedding  is one of the most important days of your life, so you shouldn't be surprised that it takes a little planning to make sure things go just right.  To help you make sure you get everything ready for the big day--from organ music  to the perfect floral arrangements --check out the following ceremony checklist.  It will keep you on track during a time that could otherwise prove quite chaotic.

One Year

• Choose the wedding date/time/place.
• Choose the reception time/place.
• Decide the religious service that will be performed, if any.
• Set your wedding budget .

Then it's time to hire vendors and venues:

• See if the ceremony and reception locations  are available and book them.
• Interview/Choose an officiant .
• Interview/Choose a photographer  and then book him/her.
• Interview/Choose a videographer  and then book him/her.
• Interview/Choose a florist  and then book him/her.
• Interview/Choose a baker and then book him/her.
• Decide the type of music  you want for both the ceremony and reception.
• Interview/Choose the Band/DJ for reception and/or ceremony and book him/her/them.
• Interview/Choose a caterer and then book him/her/them.

Six Months

• First meeting with the minister/officiant.
• Begin writing your vows.
• Choose attendants and ask if they'll accept the position.
• Begin looking for bridesmaid dresses .
• Pick out dinner jackets  for the groom and groomsmen/ushers/fathers.
• Choose/book the location for rehearsal dinner.
• Choose invitations .
• Make your guest list first draft.
• Plan the honeymoon.
• Discuss if a bridal registry is desired and what items would be on it.

Two Months

• Determine seating for the reception .
• Determine how the attendants will process and stand at ceremony.
• Choose the reception music (1st dance, father/daughter dance, mother/son dance etc.).
• Finalize vows.
• Schedule the bride's hair appointment. 
• Schedule the groom's hair appointment if necessary.
• Schedule a nail appointment  for the bride.
• Finalize the guest list.
• Order the invitations.
• Order the programs .
• Reserve rental items like candelabras, linens, canopy ,tables/chairs , etc.
• Book rooms for out-of-town attendants at a nearby hotel.

One Month

• Order flower arrangements.
• Determine who will be in the limo.
• Determine when the items needed at reception (toasting glasses, etc.) will be taken there.
• Show the final program to minister and organist to check for accuracy.
• Ensure the band/DJ has equipment/music needed to play your chosen reception music.
• Pick up the wedding bands.
• Confirm the honeymoon reservations.

One Week

• Make a bride's emergency kit .
• Pack for the honeymoon .
• Take marriage certificate to minister/officiant.
• Give final guest count to reception facility and/or caterer.

Day Before

• Pick up wedding gown and veil. 
• Pick up the groom's dinner jacket.
• Take favours , centrepieces, cake knife  and server, toasting glasses , and CDs  to the reception hall.
• Rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.

Quick Picks!

Wedding Planner: Everything you need to know to plan your own wedding	Wedding Planning and Management: Consultancy for Diverse Clients	Perfect Wedding Planning	Wedding Planning for Dummies	Wedding Planning Made Easy DVD

Related Links

Related Guides
Ceremony Readings	Ceremony Order	Wedding Ceremony Music	Wedding Countdown Checklist	Choosing a Wedding Date