Bridal and Special Event Consultant

The Official Wedding Countdown:

9-12 months before:

• Announce your engagement.
• Arrange for parents to get together.
• Decide on a date.
• Discuss your wedding budget with all participating parties.
• Interview Living Out Loud Inc. 866.249.8272.
• Pick the ceremony site and meet the officiant.
• Work on the guest list to get a rough head count.
• View reception sites and reserve one.
• Shop for your gown.

6-9 months before:

Pick any combination of services in advance and let...

• Choose your wedding party.
• Select a caterer.
• Enroll in a bridal-gift registry.
• Order a wedding gown.
• Shop for the bridal attandants' dresses.
• Pick a photographer and/or videographer.
• Hire a florist.
• Book the musicians and/or DJ.
• Start researching honeymoon spots.
• Mail out save-the-dates, especially for holiday weekend weddings.

4-6 months before

Half way point...

• Order wedding stationary and book a calligrapher, if necessary.
• Shop for the cake.
• Hire wedding-day transportation.
• Book your favorite beauty pro's for the big day.
• Scout accommodations for out-of-town guests.
• Complete the guest list.
• Start planning your honeymoon, and make plane and hotel reservations.
• Arrange the rehearsal dinner.

2-4 months before:

Getting closer...

• Call the county clerk's office to find out about marriage-license requirements.
• Order the tuxedos for the groom and groomsmen.
• Meet with the caterer or banquet manager to discuss menus, service style, wine selections, etc.
• Order the wedding cake.
• Select ceremony and reception music.
• Buy thank-you gifts for the attendants.
• Choose favors and welcome baskets.
• Shop for and order your wedding bands.
• Meet with party rental companies, if necessary.
• Book a room for your wedding night.

6-8 weeks before:

Tell us your countdown preferences in advance and we'll do the rest...

• Mail invitations 6-8 weeks ahead of the date.
• do hair and make-up run through with headpiece.
• Decide on insurance policy changes you'll need.

2-4 weeks before:

Almost there...

• Plot the seating for the reception.
• Confirm details with the photographer, florist, etc.
• Have your final dress fitting.
• Write your rehersal dinner toast.

1 week before:

Up until your wedding day...

• Place the fees due on the wedding day in envelpoes.
• Give the caterer a final head count.
• Don't forget to transport cake knife, toasting glasses or other heirlooms to and from the reception site.
• Get final beauty treatments (facial, waxing, brow-shaping, etc.)
• Pack for the honeymoon and bring luggage to the reception if you are leaving from there.