Wedding Planning Calendar Checklist

6-12 Months

• Choose the kind of wedding you will have, date and time.
• Go to http://www.forblackweddings.com  for Vendor Listings.

• Discuss the budget, and who will pay for what.

• Consider hiring a wedding coordinator.

• Make arrangements with the officiator.

• Reserve the wedding and reception locations.

• Select your wedding dress, veil and accessories.

• Choose the bridesmaids, groomsmen, ushers, and honored roles.

• Have a formal black/white photo sitting for announcements.

• Send announcements of your engagement to your fiancé's and your local and hometown newspapers.

• Meet with the florist, photographer, caterer, videographer, and D.J. or entertainment to discuss budgets and options.

• Discuss the guest list with fiancé and families.

• Plan reception music.

• Contact a rental coordinator for equipment reservations.

• Discuss honeymoon and reservations. (Traditionally the groom makes all the honeymoon arrangements.)

• Arrange for time off work, if necessary.

• Buy a wedding planner and envelopes to store brochures and notes.

• Develop record-keeping system for invitations, gifts, and thank-you notes.

4-6 Months

• Plan new living arrangements and home furnishings.

• Select and register wedding gifts and patterns. Check on http://www.forblackweddings.com
• Select color scheme.

• Order dress and accessories.

• Order bridesmaids' dresses, shoes and accessories.

• Contact men's formal wear specialist for men's attire.

• Have parents select attire.

• Order invitations, announcements, programs, napkins, matchbooks, and personal stationery.

• Arrange for physical examinations, dental appointments, etc.

2 Months

• Choose and order wedding bands and engraving.

• Order wedding and groom's cakes.

• Check state/county marriage license requirements.

• Plan ceremony, reception, menus, master of ceremonies, music, and timetables.

• Plan rehearsal dinner, and bridesmaids' luncheon.

• Complete guest list and address invitations.

• Make arrangements for lodging for out-of-town guests.

• Purchase gifts for attendants and groom.

• Plan reception seating, if necessary.

One Month

• Confirm all arrangements and contracts.

• Mail invitations so they will arrive three weeks before the wedding.

• Pick up wedding rings.

• Arrange for transportation to ceremony and from ceremony to reception.

• Attend final fittings.

• Have your hair and makeup done as you would like to have it on your wedding day. Schedule any manicures, etc.

• Purchase guest book and keepsake album.

• Contact your insurance agent about naming your fiancé as beneficiary on your life insurance, will, and auto policies, and buying homeowners' and floater insurances to protect wedding gifts.

• Open joint checking and savings accounts. Decide on a budget and savings program. Discuss them with your financial representatives.

• Write thank you notes as gifts are received.

2 Weeks

• Get marriage license.

• Give caterer final guest count. Don't forget the wedding party, photographer and DJ!

• Arrange to have your gown pressed and delivered.

• Arrange to change your name on driver's license, social security card, credit cards, bank accounts, insurances, etc.

• Make arrangements for moving into your new home.

1 Week

• Pack for honeymoon.

• Give bridesmaids' luncheon/party and give attendant gifts.

• Confirm directions, housing, and timetables with attendants.

• Brief head usher of any special seating arrangements.

• Arrange for rental returns.

• Prepare wedding day fees.

1 Day Before

• Pack the "Going-to-church" bag, and an "emergency" bag.

• Attend rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.

• Find a quiet moment to give your fiancé his wedding gift.

The Wedding Day

• Have a nice relaxed breakfast. You'll need it!

• Have hair and make-up done.

• Relax and let the planning take care of itself. Most of all, enjoy!

• Have a Great Wedding and Good Luck from ForBlackWeddings.com