Wedding Checklists

Wedding checklists depress me. They are soooo overwhelming. Do we really have to do all of the steps on that list to have a nice wedding? I surely hope not or we are out of luck. Those lists make me want to elope, or go to the justice of the peace which I'm sure I'd regret. Have you seen those lists? Take a look:

1 year to 6 months prior:

Announce the engagement to friends and family

Choose a wedding date

Announce the engagement in your local paper

Decide whether you want an indoor wedding or outdoor wedding

Select the colors, theme, and details of your wedding

Choose and book a location and officiant for your wedding

Choose and book your reception location

Select the caterer and choose a wedding cake

Choose a florist and start planning your wedding flowers

Book the musical entertainment and master of ceremonies

Find a photographer and/or videographer

Write your guest list

Make a bridal registry

Decide on bridesmaids

Choose the remainder of the wedding party

Start shopping for your wedding dress and bridesmaids dresses

Begin thinking about your preferred honeymoon location

Keep going I'll see you at the bottom of this loooooooooooong list

6 months to 3 months prior:

Finalize your guest list

Choose your invitations

Mail invitations

Purchase the wedding gown and veil

Purchase the bridesmaids dresses

Purchase or arrange for rental of groom and groomsmen tuxedos

Book your honeymoon destination

Plan the rehearsal dinner

Arrange transportation to and from the wedding and reception

3 months to 1 month prior:

Obtain the marriage license

Purchase the wedding rings

Have the mothers of the bride and groom choose their dresses

Confirm all catering, floral, and travel details

Create your wedding programs

Schedule the bridesmaids' lunch

Plan and invite everyone to the rehearsal dinner

Still here? Have I lost you yet? Oh, still reading this long list? O.k. see you when you finally get to the bottom

1 month to two weeks prior:

Plan makeup and hairstyling, book professional stylists if desired

The bride should buy a gift for the groom

The groom should buy a gift for the bride

Purchase wedding accessories like favors and place cards

Finalize all music with the DJ or entertainment provider

2 weeks ahead

Finalize all details with the caterer and give an updated guest count

Confirm all plans with your florist

Obtain the tickets for your honeymoon and

Seriously!!! 

1 week ahead

Pack for your honeymoon

Give the wedding party their gifts

Hold the rehearsal dinner

Attend bachelor/bachelorette party

Day before

Relax with family and friends

Get wedding manicure

The bride should stay with loved ones and retire early

Oh look! We finally made it to the wedding day!! I now see why that Bridezilla show exists

Your Wedding Day

Stay calm!

Enjoy a healthy breakfast

Visit makeup artist and hairdresser

Get dressed for your wedding

Savor every wonderful moment of your special day!


I really need David Tutera, Colin Cowie or Mindy Weiss to come to my rescue. Or maybe Oprah will come down my street screaming "you get a wedding" "you get a wedding" and it will all get planned in record time and fashion.

Either way, regardless of the crazy list, unless we get a visit from these guys:

It will be a while. I'll keep you posted :-)


Tatum