Creative Concepts by Lisa, Wedding Checklist
1 Year to 6 Months Before:
-
Decide your wedding style
-
Decide your date
-
Reserve Ceremony Site
-
Reserve Officiate
-
Reserve Reception Site
-
Decide on your attendants
-
Select Bridal Registry
-
Order Bridal Dress
-
Investigate Honeymoon Ideas
-
Contact potential Photographers/Videographers
-
Contact potential Band’s/DJ
-
Contact potential Limousine Companies
-
Contact potential Florists
-
Contact potential Cake Companies
-
Begin your guest list
4 to 6 Months Before:
-
Book Photographer/Videographer
-
Book Band/DJ
-
Book Limousine Company
-
Book Florist
-
Select cake and book Cake Company
-
Select and order Brides Maid’s Dresses/Accessories
-
Select and Order Groomsmen’s Attire/Accessories
-
Select and Order Mother of the Bride and Groom Dresses/Accessories
-
Bridal Gown Fitting/Select Final Accessories
-
Order Invitations
-
Select and Book Hairdresser and Make-Up Artist
-
Select and Order Favors
-
Select and Order Wedding Rings
-
Select Menu for Reception
-
Pre-Payment Due for Facility
-
Finalize Honeymoon Plans
-
Edit Guest List
-
Start Selection of Music for Ceremony and Reception
2 to 4 Months Before:
-
Select and order any other design elements i.e. cake cutter, candles, guest book, etc
-
Select and order Attendants Gifts
-
Finalize Guest List
-
Mail Invitations
-
Finalize Rehearsal Time and Date with Ceremony Location
-
Select and Book Rehearsal Dinner Location
-
Send out any necessary payments
-
Apply for Marriage License
-
Finalize all music selections for ceremony and reception
1 Month Before:
-
Final meeting with Photographer/Videographer
-
Formal Photo Sitting
-
Final meeting with Band/DJ
-
Final meeting with Limousine Company
-
Final meeting with Florist
-
Final meeting with Cake Company
-
Confirm Rehearsal Plans
-
Final Fittings for all attendants
-
Confirm Rental Attire
-
Record Invitation Responses
-
Final Count for Reception
-
Finalize Seating Chart
-
Create Place Cards
1 to 3 Weeks Before:
-
Send wedding announcement to newspaper
-
Break in Wedding Shoes
-
Have back-up shoes
-
Bridal Dress Final Fitting/Steam out Dress
-
Something Old, New, Borrowed, Blue
-
Final Confirmation on Ceremony Site
-
Set up all necessary items to be delivered to ceremony/reception site, and get them there
-
Create gift baskets for hotel guests
-
Create reception hall bathroom courtesy baskets
-
Pick up all attendants dresses
-
Pick up all Rental Attire
-
Final meeting with coordinator
Day of Event:
-
The Photographer Arrives: the photographer takes photo’s of the groom getting ready and some group photo’s of the groom, the groomsmen and the bestman.
-
The Photographer: makes his way to the brides home.
-
Hair Stylist: the bride and her entourage, the bridal party, get their hair styled at the hair salon. (photo’s are optional)
-
Makeup Artist: more than likely, your make up artist will come to your home, and the photographer can take some photo’s of you and yourbridal party getting your makeup done. (photo’s are optional)
-
Getting Ready: start getting dressed, put on stockings and bridal garter,then bridal jewelry, next your wedding gown and last of all your bridalshoes. (photographer takes photo’s while the maid of honor is assisting the bride)
-
Bridal Bouquets: the bridal bouquets arrive for the bride and her bridal party and men’s flowers at ceremony site.
-
More Photo’s: the photographer takes photo’s of the bride and her bridal party as a group shot holding their bouquets.
-
Wedding Transport: Limousine arrives to pick up the bride and her bridal party. (photographer takes photo’s of the bride entering the Limousine)
-
Photographer: the photographer makes his or her way to the church and arrives before the bridal party.
-
Videographer arrives: the videographer arrives at the church before the bridal party.
-
Limousine Arrives at the church: the photographer takes photo’s of the bride and the bridal party coming out of the Limousine and walking up to the church.
-
Filming Begins: The Videographer begins to film the brides arrival.
-
At The Church: the rest of the bridal party; the flower girl, ring bearer, bridesmaids, maid of honor, groomsmen and wedding ceremony ushers wait at the entry of the church until the bride is ready.
The Ceremony:
-
Groom, Best Man, and Wedding Ushers arrive, around 30-45 minutes before the ceremony. They stand outside the church, greeting and directing guests, handing out programs or service notes and boutonnières for guests.
-
The best man pays the organists and any church fees on behalf of the groom before taking his seat at the front of the church on the right-hand pew with the groom, in front of the groom’s family, waiting for the bride to arrive.
-
The organist plays the prelude music, setting the mood for arriving family and guests.
-
The bride’s family and friends arrive and are seated to the left of the church and the groom’s family and friends, to the right.
-
Parents and close family of the bride and groom should arrive 20 minutes early and take their place. The parents sit at the 1st pew and close family sit from the 2nd.
-
The brides escort waits at the entrance of the church.
-
The Matron of Honor & Bridesmaid arrive with the bride just before the start of the ceremony and stand at the entrance of the church with one of the wedding ushers.
-
The Bride is given one more once over by the bridesmaids, the veil and train are checked for her entrance.
-
When the bride is ready. The processional music begins and the congregation stands.
-
Entrance into ceremony, Groom & Best Man, Bridesmaids with
-
Groomsman, flower girl & ring barer, Maid of Honor, Bride and Escort
-
Escort takes bride’s hand and places it in the groom’s right hand, and is then seated.
-
Bride hands her bridal bouquet to the matron of honor, who can also help her lift back her bridal veil.
-
The Service Begins
-
Wedding Vows
-
Ring Exchange
-
Husband & Wife
-
Exit Ceremony Site
-
The Receiving Line, Bride’s Family, Groom’s Family, Bride, Groom, remainder of wedding party if so desired.
-
After the Ceremony: more photo’s are taken and the videographer films the newly weds make their way out of the church.
- Wedding Reception: the bridal party arrives and the wedding reception begins.
The Reception:
-
Your guests arrive at the wedding reception
-
Guests pick up seating cards and sign guest book
-
Cocktail Hour
-
The MC or DJ announces that dinner will be served soon and asks your guests to make their way to their seats.
-
The bridal party is announced: Firstly the bride’s parents, groom’s parents, the bridesmaids and groomsmen, the maid of honor and best man,
-
then the ring bearer and flower girl and last of all the newly weds
-
First Dance with Bride and Groom, DJ can invite wedding party or guests to join in if desired
-
The bride’s father makes a short speech and welcomes everyone to the wedding reception and thanks them all for coming
-
First course of dinner is served
-
The Bestman gives toast, other toasts may be given at this time
-
Meal Continues
-
Dancing Continues, dances with Father of Bride and Mother of Groom dance inserted in the evening
-
Cutting of the wedding cake, this can be announced or not
-
Your groom removes and throws the wedding garter. (Optional) The brides throws a bouquet, a substitute bouquet can be used. (Optional)
-
Wedding cake and coffee or tea is severed.
-
The newly weds change into their going away outfits and have another dance. (Optional)
- The newly weds or the DJ thank their wedding guests and say their goodbyes.
Select and order any other design elements i.e. cake cutter, candles, guest book, etc
Select and order Attendants Gifts
Finalize Guest List
Mail Invitations
Finalize Rehearsal Time and Date with Ceremony Location
Select and Book Rehearsal Dinner Location
Send out any necessary payments
Apply for Marriage License
Finalize all music selections for ceremony and reception
-
Final meeting with Photographer/Videographer
-
Formal Photo Sitting
-
Final meeting with Band/DJ
-
Final meeting with Limousine Company
-
Final meeting with Florist
-
Final meeting with Cake Company
-
Confirm Rehearsal Plans
-
Final Fittings for all attendants
-
Confirm Rental Attire
-
Record Invitation Responses
-
Final Count for Reception
-
Finalize Seating Chart
-
Create Place Cards
1 to 3 Weeks Before:
-
Send wedding announcement to newspaper
-
Break in Wedding Shoes
-
Have back-up shoes
-
Bridal Dress Final Fitting/Steam out Dress
-
Something Old, New, Borrowed, Blue
-
Final Confirmation on Ceremony Site
-
Set up all necessary items to be delivered to ceremony/reception site, and get them there
-
Create gift baskets for hotel guests
-
Create reception hall bathroom courtesy baskets
-
Pick up all attendants dresses
-
Pick up all Rental Attire
-
Final meeting with coordinator
Day of Event:
-
The Photographer Arrives: the photographer takes photo’s of the groom getting ready and some group photo’s of the groom, the groomsmen and the bestman.
-
The Photographer: makes his way to the brides home.
-
Hair Stylist: the bride and her entourage, the bridal party, get their hair styled at the hair salon. (photo’s are optional)
-
Makeup Artist: more than likely, your make up artist will come to your home, and the photographer can take some photo’s of you and yourbridal party getting your makeup done. (photo’s are optional)
-
Getting Ready: start getting dressed, put on stockings and bridal garter,then bridal jewelry, next your wedding gown and last of all your bridalshoes. (photographer takes photo’s while the maid of honor is assisting the bride)
-
Bridal Bouquets: the bridal bouquets arrive for the bride and her bridal party and men’s flowers at ceremony site.
-
More Photo’s: the photographer takes photo’s of the bride and her bridal party as a group shot holding their bouquets.
-
Wedding Transport: Limousine arrives to pick up the bride and her bridal party. (photographer takes photo’s of the bride entering the Limousine)
-
Photographer: the photographer makes his or her way to the church and arrives before the bridal party.
-
Videographer arrives: the videographer arrives at the church before the bridal party.
-
Limousine Arrives at the church: the photographer takes photo’s of the bride and the bridal party coming out of the Limousine and walking up to the church.
-
Filming Begins: The Videographer begins to film the brides arrival.
-
At The Church: the rest of the bridal party; the flower girl, ring bearer, bridesmaids, maid of honor, groomsmen and wedding ceremony ushers wait at the entry of the church until the bride is ready.
The Ceremony:
-
Groom, Best Man, and Wedding Ushers arrive, around 30-45 minutes before the ceremony. They stand outside the church, greeting and directing guests, handing out programs or service notes and boutonnières for guests.
-
The best man pays the organists and any church fees on behalf of the groom before taking his seat at the front of the church on the right-hand pew with the groom, in front of the groom’s family, waiting for the bride to arrive.
-
The organist plays the prelude music, setting the mood for arriving family and guests.
-
The bride’s family and friends arrive and are seated to the left of the church and the groom’s family and friends, to the right.
-
Parents and close family of the bride and groom should arrive 20 minutes early and take their place. The parents sit at the 1st pew and close family sit from the 2nd.
-
The brides escort waits at the entrance of the church.
-
The Matron of Honor & Bridesmaid arrive with the bride just before the start of the ceremony and stand at the entrance of the church with one of the wedding ushers.
-
The Bride is given one more once over by the bridesmaids, the veil and train are checked for her entrance.
-
When the bride is ready. The processional music begins and the congregation stands.
-
Entrance into ceremony, Groom & Best Man, Bridesmaids with
-
Groomsman, flower girl & ring barer, Maid of Honor, Bride and Escort
-
Escort takes bride’s hand and places it in the groom’s right hand, and is then seated.
-
Bride hands her bridal bouquet to the matron of honor, who can also help her lift back her bridal veil.
-
The Service Begins
-
Wedding Vows
-
Ring Exchange
-
Husband & Wife
-
Exit Ceremony Site
-
The Receiving Line, Bride’s Family, Groom’s Family, Bride, Groom, remainder of wedding party if so desired.
-
After the Ceremony: more photo’s are taken and the videographer films the newly weds make their way out of the church.
- Wedding Reception: the bridal party arrives and the wedding reception begins.
The Reception:
-
Your guests arrive at the wedding reception
-
Guests pick up seating cards and sign guest book
-
Cocktail Hour
-
The MC or DJ announces that dinner will be served soon and asks your guests to make their way to their seats.
-
The bridal party is announced: Firstly the bride’s parents, groom’s parents, the bridesmaids and groomsmen, the maid of honor and best man,
-
then the ring bearer and flower girl and last of all the newly weds
-
First Dance with Bride and Groom, DJ can invite wedding party or guests to join in if desired
-
The bride’s father makes a short speech and welcomes everyone to the wedding reception and thanks them all for coming
-
First course of dinner is served
-
The Bestman gives toast, other toasts may be given at this time
-
Meal Continues
-
Dancing Continues, dances with Father of Bride and Mother of Groom dance inserted in the evening
-
Cutting of the wedding cake, this can be announced or not
-
Your groom removes and throws the wedding garter. (Optional) The brides throws a bouquet, a substitute bouquet can be used. (Optional)
-
Wedding cake and coffee or tea is severed.
-
The newly weds change into their going away outfits and have another dance. (Optional)
- The newly weds or the DJ thank their wedding guests and say their goodbyes.
Send wedding announcement to newspaper
Break in Wedding Shoes
Have back-up shoes
Bridal Dress Final Fitting/Steam out Dress
Something Old, New, Borrowed, Blue
Final Confirmation on Ceremony Site
Set up all necessary items to be delivered to ceremony/reception site, and get them there
Create gift baskets for hotel guests
Create reception hall bathroom courtesy baskets
Pick up all attendants dresses
Pick up all Rental Attire
Final meeting with coordinator
-
The Photographer Arrives: the photographer takes photo’s of the groom getting ready and some group photo’s of the groom, the groomsmen and the bestman.
-
The Photographer: makes his way to the brides home.
-
Hair Stylist: the bride and her entourage, the bridal party, get their hair styled at the hair salon. (photo’s are optional)
-
Makeup Artist: more than likely, your make up artist will come to your home, and the photographer can take some photo’s of you and yourbridal party getting your makeup done. (photo’s are optional)
-
Getting Ready: start getting dressed, put on stockings and bridal garter,then bridal jewelry, next your wedding gown and last of all your bridalshoes. (photographer takes photo’s while the maid of honor is assisting the bride)
-
Bridal Bouquets: the bridal bouquets arrive for the bride and her bridal party and men’s flowers at ceremony site.
-
More Photo’s: the photographer takes photo’s of the bride and her bridal party as a group shot holding their bouquets.
-
Wedding Transport: Limousine arrives to pick up the bride and her bridal party. (photographer takes photo’s of the bride entering the Limousine)
-
Photographer: the photographer makes his or her way to the church and arrives before the bridal party.
-
Videographer arrives: the videographer arrives at the church before the bridal party.
-
Limousine Arrives at the church: the photographer takes photo’s of the bride and the bridal party coming out of the Limousine and walking up to the church.
-
Filming Begins: The Videographer begins to film the brides arrival.
-
At The Church: the rest of the bridal party; the flower girl, ring bearer, bridesmaids, maid of honor, groomsmen and wedding ceremony ushers wait at the entry of the church until the bride is ready.
The Ceremony:
-
Groom, Best Man, and Wedding Ushers arrive, around 30-45 minutes before the ceremony. They stand outside the church, greeting and directing guests, handing out programs or service notes and boutonnières for guests.
-
The best man pays the organists and any church fees on behalf of the groom before taking his seat at the front of the church on the right-hand pew with the groom, in front of the groom’s family, waiting for the bride to arrive.
-
The organist plays the prelude music, setting the mood for arriving family and guests.
-
The bride’s family and friends arrive and are seated to the left of the church and the groom’s family and friends, to the right.
-
Parents and close family of the bride and groom should arrive 20 minutes early and take their place. The parents sit at the 1st pew and close family sit from the 2nd.
-
The brides escort waits at the entrance of the church.
-
The Matron of Honor & Bridesmaid arrive with the bride just before the start of the ceremony and stand at the entrance of the church with one of the wedding ushers.
-
The Bride is given one more once over by the bridesmaids, the veil and train are checked for her entrance.
-
When the bride is ready. The processional music begins and the congregation stands.
-
Entrance into ceremony, Groom & Best Man, Bridesmaids with
-
Groomsman, flower girl & ring barer, Maid of Honor, Bride and Escort
-
Escort takes bride’s hand and places it in the groom’s right hand, and is then seated.
-
Bride hands her bridal bouquet to the matron of honor, who can also help her lift back her bridal veil.
-
The Service Begins
-
Wedding Vows
-
Ring Exchange
-
Husband & Wife
-
Exit Ceremony Site
-
The Receiving Line, Bride’s Family, Groom’s Family, Bride, Groom, remainder of wedding party if so desired.
-
After the Ceremony: more photo’s are taken and the videographer films the newly weds make their way out of the church.
- Wedding Reception: the bridal party arrives and the wedding reception begins.
The Reception:
-
Your guests arrive at the wedding reception
-
Guests pick up seating cards and sign guest book
-
Cocktail Hour
-
The MC or DJ announces that dinner will be served soon and asks your guests to make their way to their seats.
-
The bridal party is announced: Firstly the bride’s parents, groom’s parents, the bridesmaids and groomsmen, the maid of honor and best man,
-
then the ring bearer and flower girl and last of all the newly weds
-
First Dance with Bride and Groom, DJ can invite wedding party or guests to join in if desired
-
The bride’s father makes a short speech and welcomes everyone to the wedding reception and thanks them all for coming
-
First course of dinner is served
-
The Bestman gives toast, other toasts may be given at this time
-
Meal Continues
-
Dancing Continues, dances with Father of Bride and Mother of Groom dance inserted in the evening
-
Cutting of the wedding cake, this can be announced or not
-
Your groom removes and throws the wedding garter. (Optional) The brides throws a bouquet, a substitute bouquet can be used. (Optional)
-
Wedding cake and coffee or tea is severed.
-
The newly weds change into their going away outfits and have another dance. (Optional)
- The newly weds or the DJ thank their wedding guests and say their goodbyes.
Groom, Best Man, and Wedding Ushers arrive, around 30-45 minutes before the ceremony. They stand outside the church, greeting and directing guests, handing out programs or service notes and boutonnières for guests.
The best man pays the organists and any church fees on behalf of the groom before taking his seat at the front of the church on the right-hand pew with the groom, in front of the groom’s family, waiting for the bride to arrive.
The organist plays the prelude music, setting the mood for arriving family and guests.
The bride’s family and friends arrive and are seated to the left of the church and the groom’s family and friends, to the right.
Parents and close family of the bride and groom should arrive 20 minutes early and take their place. The parents sit at the 1st pew and close family sit from the 2nd.
The brides escort waits at the entrance of the church.
The Matron of Honor & Bridesmaid arrive with the bride just before the start of the ceremony and stand at the entrance of the church with one of the wedding ushers.
The Bride is given one more once over by the bridesmaids, the veil and train are checked for her entrance.
When the bride is ready. The processional music begins and the congregation stands.
Entrance into ceremony, Groom & Best Man, Bridesmaids with
Groomsman, flower girl & ring barer, Maid of Honor, Bride and Escort
Escort takes bride’s hand and places it in the groom’s right hand, and is then seated.
Bride hands her bridal bouquet to the matron of honor, who can also help her lift back her bridal veil.
The Service Begins
Wedding Vows
Ring Exchange
Husband & Wife
Exit Ceremony Site
The Receiving Line, Bride’s Family, Groom’s Family, Bride, Groom, remainder of wedding party if so desired.
After the Ceremony: more photo’s are taken and the videographer films the newly weds make their way out of the church.
Your guests arrive at the wedding reception
Guests pick up seating cards and sign guest book
Cocktail Hour
The MC or DJ announces that dinner will be served soon and asks your guests to make their way to their seats.
The bridal party is announced: Firstly the bride’s parents, groom’s parents, the bridesmaids and groomsmen, the maid of honor and best man,
then the ring bearer and flower girl and last of all the newly weds
First Dance with Bride and Groom, DJ can invite wedding party or guests to join in if desired
The bride’s father makes a short speech and welcomes everyone to the wedding reception and thanks them all for coming
First course of dinner is served
The Bestman gives toast, other toasts may be given at this time
Meal Continues
Dancing Continues, dances with Father of Bride and Mother of Groom dance inserted in the evening
Cutting of the wedding cake, this can be announced or not
Your groom removes and throws the wedding garter. (Optional) The brides throws a bouquet, a substitute bouquet can be used. (Optional)
Wedding cake and coffee or tea is severed.
The newly weds change into their going away outfits and have another dance. (Optional)
After Wedding Day:
-
Return Rental Attire
-
Preserve Flowers
-
Clean & Preserve Wedding Gown
-
Select Photos For Wedding Albums, Framing, Gifts, etc
-
Send thank you notes to all guests, professionals, family, etc- you have 1 year to make this happen, 3 to 6 months is preferred.
