2018 Wedding Planning Checklist

2018 Wedding Planning Checklist

Newly engaged? Envisioning a summer 2018 wedding? Now’s the time to start planning! The beginning stages of wedding planning can be overwhelming so we’ve outlined a 12-month checklist to help guide you in planning your special day. But before diving into the planning timeline, there are a couple of important tips that we’d like to highlight.

First, before starting any planning, lay out what you want in your wedding and develop a detailed, realistic budget. This is very important, as it will ensure that you're only looking at wedding options that you can afford. Second, decide on a date, as you can’t do much planning without one. Once both of these factors have been decided on, it’s time to jump in and start planning your wedding!

12 months prior

• Make a list of must-haves in your wedding and develop a realistic budget
• Decide on a date
• Have an engagement party
• Decide on wedding party
• Look for a wedding planner (if you’re using one)
• Develop a rough estimate of the guest list number so you the know venue size requirement
• Look for and book ceremony and reception sites

8 – 10 months prior

• Create and finalize the guest list
• The bride should start gown shopping
• Think about reception food, entertainment, lighting, and floral decor
• Research and decide on a photographer
• Make accommodation arrangements for out-of-town guests
• Contact Pedersen’s Event Rentals for all ceremony and reception needs

6 – 8 months prior

• Create and send save-the-date cards
• Shop for bridesmaid dresses
• Book ceremony and reception entertainment
• Start planning the honeymoon

4 – 6 months prior

• Decide on wedding invitations
• Wedding ring shopping
• Time for groom to shop for formal wear
• Research what kind of cake you want and find a cake designer

3 months prior

• Cake tasking and ordering
• Have a wedding shower (usually planned by Maid of Honor)
• Arrange day-of transportation

2 months prior

• Send wedding invitations
• Start writing vows
• Purchase gifts for parents and bridal party
• Book a hairstylist and makeup artist, and try out different looks

1 month prior

• Apply for your marriage license
• Final gown fitting - bring your Maid of Honor so she knows how to style the dress
• Ensure bridesmaids all have properly fitted dresses
• Start making the master song list and choose important songs
• Create the wedding program and print
• Confirm vendors

2 weeks prior

• Review final RSVP list and follow up with those that haven't responded
• Create list of must-have shots for photographer and include who will be in formal family photos
• Deliver final song list to DJ
• Bride should get final haircut and colour
• Groom should have his final fitting of formalwear
• Create seating chart

1 week prior

• Provide reception site and caterer with final guest numbers
• Provide site manager a list of vendor contact info and requirements such as setup times and space needed for equipment
• Create and print place cards
• Call Pedersen’s and all other vendors to confirm arrangements
• Have fun at the Bachelor and Bachelorette parties

3 days prior

• Press brides gown if needed
• Groom to ensure all groomsmen have everything they need
• Determine wedding party processional and ceremony positions
• Provide venue with place cards, seating chart, and everything else they might need for setup
• Reconfirm details with vendors
• Ensure out-of-town guests have rides from airport

The day before

• Provide all wedding professionals (planner, site manager, vendors, etc.) with emergency contact info
• Write cheques and speak to wedding hosts about what needs to be paid

The night before

• Rehearsal ceremony with the wedding party, immediate family, and officiant
• Give marriage license to the officiant
• Relax and enjoy the food at the rehearsal dinner
• Present wedding party with gifts

Wedding day (Congratulations!)

• Present parents with gifts
• Give wedding bands to Best Man and Maid of Honor
• Introduce site manager to Maid of Honor so she can answer questions throughout the day
• Get married!

Post Wedding

• Prearrange for the return of your wedding rentals. Remember, Pedersen’s doesn’t require rentals to be clean!
• Have Maid of Honor take brides gown for cleaning
• Write and send thank you cards

So there you have it, a 12-month checklist to help keep you on track with planning your wedding. Remember to develop and stick to a realistic budget, to plan everything with ample time, and to contact Pedersen’s to help you with all of your rental needs for your special day!