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.

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

External Links

• AmericanBridal.com: Wedding related shopping and advice.
• Best-Wedding-Plan.com: Advice on everything from the engagement, to the flowers and cake toppers.
• USMMA.edu: The wedding countdown checklist courtesy of the Mariner's Memorial Chapel.