(ADOBE STOCK @ VICTORIA)
3 MONTHS
Your main priority now is confirming and finalizing important details. Get with your caterer and florist to make sure the menu and flowers are just as you want them—some food and flowers are affected by season. You should also finalize the times that you want things to happen during the ceremony and reception. Send that event schedule to your vendors; this will allow ample time for changes and fine-tuning.
Next, purchase the rings. Three months is just enough time for any resizing and engraving. Any later, and they may not be ready in time for your ceremony.
2 MONTHS
Meet with your photographer to discuss specific shots, and walk through your wedding and reception sites to find potential photography locations that appeal to you and your hubby. Double-check with the venue about any expected changes in foliage or setting—being prepared is essential when it comes to getting the pictures you want.
Also, a solid rule of thumb is to mail your invitations 8 to 10 weeks before the ceremony. “I recommend that couples send their invitations out 10 weeks in advance so they can use a ‘respond by’ date of 4 weeks out,” says Denise Wilson of Dogwood Blossom Stationery. “This timeline ensures that guests receive their invitation with enough time to book travel, and it allows the couple to receive responses early enough to finalize the head count.” Remember to record the RSVPs in your wedding planner or on a spreadsheet.
1 MONTH
Check in with all your vendors, specifically in regard to arrival times. Taking care of final vendor payments will help relieve some stress and give you a better idea of how much you can spend on special gifts for your attendants and favors for guests.
Now is also the time to get your marriage license and schedule the final fitting for your wedding dress. Have your bridesmaids, groomsmen and fiancé measured and fitted, as well. Consider giving a timeline to everyone in your wedding party that includes all of their contact information, the desired meet-up times, and locations for the rehearsal, rehearsal dinner and the ceremony.
At this point, you should have all of your RSVPs. Send the final guest list to the caterer and the venues taking part in your wedding as soon as you can—most companies will expect this at least 72 hours in advance.
WEEK OF
It’s going to go by in a blur, so pack for your honeymoon at the start of the week and confirm transportation to the airport. Don’t forget last-minute necessities, such as a guestbook and pens, any kind of special cake knife and/or toasting flutes, and your passport and ID for the honeymoon. Last, but certainly not least, relax. Treat yourself and your bridesmaids to a mani/pedi, then get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and enjoy your beautiful wedding day.