With only six months to go, your planning activity will take on a different character. If you thought you were busy and couldn’t find the time to make more time, the home stretch will prove to be a rewarding mix of anticipation, angst, elation, and joy. With that being said, let’s get married!
Tasks to Complete 4 – 6 Months Before Your Wedding Day:
During this phase, you will need to focus on solidifying plans. Finalize your guest list and order the wedding invitations and ceremony programs for printing. Complete the shopping for all trousseaus (wedding attire), and purchase the misc. wedding accessories (guest book, ring pillow, and garter belt, reception favors, et cetera), and wedding rings. You will also need to confirm the honeymoon details including the destination, travel arrangements (airfare if applicable), and hotel reservations.
Finally, yet importantly, if you do not already reside with your spouse-to-be, you will want to decide where you will live after the wedding. If applicable, find out and address any consequences that may result from a broken leasing agreement, and the procedures for a residential and/or billing address change.
Tasks to Complete 2 – 4 Months Before Your Wedding Day:
This phase is the time that you will start focusing on the more intricate details of your special day. You will need to confirm the final headcount, mail out the invitations, and set the time and dates for the rehearsal ceremony and rehearsal dinner. Meet with the caterer to finalize the menu, print the menu cards, and confirm the wedding cake details with the baker. Review and finalize the photography details (including pre-wedding bridal portraits), confirm the floral and musical selections, review the reception details and create a seating chart, and make arrangements for any out-of-town guests. Many hotels offer bridal discounts when there will be a certain number of rooms reserved.
Lastly, this phase will be rounded out with preliminary final fittings for your dress, and practice runs with your makeup artist and hair stylist.
Tasks to Complete 4 – 8 Weeks Before Your Wedding Day:
You are now on the home stretch, and wedding day is almost within your grasp. This next phase will be spent with yet another round of finalizing details. You will need to complete the final fittings for your gown and bridesmaid dresses, reconfirm wedding-day appointments with styling and makeup artists, pick up the wedding rings, hire transportation for the special day, and consult with all service vendors and provide them with a final headcount and your wedding day schedule. If yours is a destination wedding, you will also need to arrange and confirm shipment schedules for anything that you cannot bring with you while traveling.
Final  Weeks – Days Before Your Wedding Day:
Your plans have finally paid off! The final weeks and days before your wedding will be spent checking your list and checking it twice. Make sure that all clothing fits properly and that accessories are organized and ready for the big day. Pick up your marriage license, handle any legal details pertaining to name or address changes, reconfirm your honeymoon arrangements, and pack your suitcase.
To finish, you will need to finalize the reception seating chart and table place cards, and delegate any wedding-day tasks to a bridal party member or other reliable person. Confer with any service providers to review expectations and details, and complete one last rehearsal with all participants.
Finally, the day before your wedding will be filled with nervous excitement. As a means of relaxation, consider a manicure, massage, or a day at the spa, and be sure to get plenty of rest. As morning dawns on the big day, we will be wishing you all the best.
So what are you waiting for? Go get married!
