Wedding Timeline Bulleted Format
    Every bride wants a special wedding. The preparations and details leading up to that magical day, however, can seem overwhelming. Besides setting a date and choosing a dress, a bride needs to consider the venue, decorations, floral services, and equipment rental, among many other decisions. By following a timeline, such as the one suggested by Occasions Wedding & Events, a bride can be prepared every step of the way.
One Year to Wedding Day
    If the engagement will last at least a year, the timeline can be broken down into several sections, starting with 12 months prior to the wedding. The first task is to set the date. Many couples send the announcement card to “save the date.â€Â Next, set a budget. Choose attendants, flower girl, and rink bearer and invite them to be a part of the wedding. Start making reservations including:
    • Ceremony site
    • Reception venue
    • Block of hotel rooms
    • Photographer
    • Wedding designer or planner
    • Entertainment
    • Transportations
    • Wedding night accommodations
    It is not too early to start meeting with caterers, bakers, officiates, and florists. Determine the overall style which will influence decisions from the gown to the finest details. Start Shopping!
Seven to nine months
    By now a bride should have her gown and those of her attendants selected. Delivery of the gowns takes a minimum of four months. Shop for mothers’ dresses and wedding rings. Have engagement photo taken. Other services to reserve:
    • Caterer
    • Hair solon
    • Rehearsal & dinner
    • Ceremony musicians
    • Videographer
Six Months
    Register for wedding gifts, update passports, choose invitations, and make the guest list. Additional items to shop for:
    • Tuxes for men
    • Attendant gifts
    • Shoes and accessories
Four Months
    The time to finalize many things arrives now:
    • Guests list
    • Selection with caterer
    • Floral selections
    • Décor
    • Cake & cake topper
    • Invitations and programs
    Other items to arrange are insurances and child care.
Three Months
    Send the engagement photo and announcement to the newspaper, and mail the invitations. Confirm all services and discuss timelines with providers. Have the gown fitted, confirm honey-moon plans, and provide a list of desired photos to photographer. Have some fun with attendants such as a shower and an evening to address invitations.
One to Two Months
    The bride can start paperwork to update her address, driver’s license, social security, banking documents, and professional licenses. Change services such as cable and phone. Call guests who have not responded to confirm their attendance. Find someone to be the contact person on the wedding day and provide all services with his or her phone number. Set up a trial hair appointment with your veil. Break in wedding shoes.
One Week
    Seven days before the wedding, the bride should pick up the steamed gown and headpiece. Prepare a small bag for emergencies the day of the wedding with hair pins, safety pins, hair spray, panty hose, sewing kit, tape, and camera. Arrangements should be made for snack trays and beverages to be available for the wedding party before the ceremony.
Rehearsal Day
    Give a wedding day timeline to attendants and those assisting with the wedding and discuss transportation. Decorate the wedding and reception venues.
Wedding Day
    The bride should have a light breakfast. When she goes to the salon, she should wear a button-up blouse. Once at the wedding venue, she can give her attendants their gifts and take impromptu pictures with her best friends. Now she may relax, smile, and enjoy her special day.
Timeline supplied by: Diane Miskulin - Occasions
Writen by: The Woman Today
