Wedding Planning Suggested Timeline

Eighteen to Ten Months Prior

• Announce your engagement on TampaBayBrides.com
• Decide on wedding date (consider indoor vs. outdoor, honeymoon location, other family events such as graduations)
• Determine general idea of guest list total
• Determine wedding budget
• Reserve ceremony site
• Reserve reception site
• Select wedding planning management software
• Select a wedding consultant

Ten to Seven Months Prior

• Select a wedding gown
• Choose a color theme
• Choose attendants
• Reserve Photographer
• Reserve Videographer
• Reserve horse-drawn carriage service
• Reserve Officiant
• Reserve Caterer
• Reserve Entertainment
• Develop guest list details

Seven to Five Months Prior

• Select a florist
• Order invitations, party favors
• Select tuxedos
• Select limousine service
• Reserve tent if outdoor reception
• Plan honeymoon
• Plan bridal registry
• Plan wedding decorations

Five to Three Months Prior

• Finalize ceremony and reception plans
• Complete all required deposits and contracts
• Choose wedding cake
• Select gifts for attendants, parents
• Assist with lodging arrangements for out-of-town guests
• Purchase cake knives, toasting glasses, guest book, signature frame, garter

Three Months Prior

• Purchase wedding rings
• Reserve restaurant for rehearsal dinner (large groups should reserve sooner)
• Reserve hair salon/spa for wedding day
• Reserve make-up artist
• Finalize lodging for out-of-town guests
• Send guest list and invitations to calligrapher, or address them personally

Two Months Prior

• Mail invitations

One Month Prior

• Obtain marriage license
• Assign Bridal Emergency Kit to trusted person (see suggested kit on this website)
• Have final fittings of dresses
• Pick up wedding rings
• Confirm honeymoon plans
• Consider gift for fiance’
• Complete your trousseau
• Prepare wedding announcement and send to newspaper

Two weeks prior

• Contact guests who have not responded
• Pick up gown, attendant’s dresses
• Pack for honeymoon
• Give final guest count to banquet facility and caterer

One Week Prior

• Pick up tuxedos and try on
• Finalize limousine details
• Finalize rehearsal plans and dinner
• Collect wedding rings, formal wear, shoes, accessories, and license
• Assign wedding day payment instructions to trusted person
• Have nails done
• Get a massage

Wedding Day

• Have hair and make-up done
• Double check on Bridal Emergency Kit
• Take marriage license and rings to ceremony site
• Begin dressing two hours before ceremony
• Take a deep breath – Have a fantastic day!