Things to do before saying ‘I do’
Use this month-by-month checklist to make sure you don’t forget a thing.
12 months before
- Decide on the type of wedding you’d like (civil or religious, big or small)
- Choose a date
- Determine the number of guests
- Establish a budget
- Pick venues for the ceremony and reception (it’s best to reserve early)
11 months before
- Make your guest list
- Choose a caterer (meet with a few first)
- Select your wedding party
- Hire a wedding planner
10 months before
- Start shopping for a wedding dress
- Decide on a theme for your wedding
- Choose an officiant if you haven’t already done so
LOCAL AD
9 months before
- Book a photographer
- Reserve a block of hotel rooms for your out-of-town guests
- Purchase a wedding gown
- Shop for the groom’s attire and purchase it
8 months before
- Meet with your officiant to plan your ceremony
- Book your entertainment (DJ, band, MC, etc.)
- Shop for and purchase your bridesmaids’ dresses
- Design and order the wedding invitations and save-the-date cards
7 months before
- Create a gift registry
- Hire a florist
- Plan your honeymoon
6 months before
- Send out the save-the-date cards
- Book your hair and makeup appointments for the day of (and trial runs for both)
- Book a hotel room for the wedding night if necessary
5 months before
- Create a schedule for the big day
- Decide on dates for bachelor and bachelorette parties
- Shop for and purchase shoes, jewelry and accessories
4 months before
- Reserve wedding day transportation for the wedding party
- Select alcohol and other drinks for the reception
- Taste and choose your wedding cake
- Buy wedding bands
- Shop for and order the groomsmen’s attire
3 months before
- Purchase wedding favours for your guests
- If you’d like a loved one to say or read something during the ceremony, let them know
- Write down your vows
- Decide on activities for the reception (photo booth, dancing, games, etc.)
2 months before
- Send out your wedding invitations
- Do trial runs for both hair and makeup
- Give your music selections to the DJ or MC
1 month before
- Finalize the schedule for the big day
- Choose a seating plan for the reception
- Break in your shoes
1 week before
- Visit the desired beauty professionals (hair colourist, esthetician, etc.)
- Practise reading your vows
- Write out cheques to pay your vendors
1 day before
- Get your nails done
- Give the cheques to someone you trust to pay the vendors