Task Calendar

Here is a rough list of what needs to be done and when. Of course, every couple in Syracuse is going to have a different amount of time between the engagement and the marriage, so you'll have to work out a schedule of your own based on these guidelines.

12 months +

• Announce your engagement

• Decide on a budget

• Pick a wedding date

• Find a wedding consultant (if desired)

9-11 months

• Get a folder or binder for organizing info and receipts

• Start looking at reception sites (book one as soon as possible)

• Interview caterers and pick one

• Start looking for an officiant

• Decide on how many guests you want

• Choose your attendants/groomsmen early so that you can delegate tasks

• Find a ceremony site

• Choose a theme for your wedding/reception (colors, style, etc.)

• Start looking for a wedding gown

• Finalize the guest list with full names, addresses, etc.

• Start looking for a band/DJ and book them as soon as possible

• Look into any rentals you need for your reception site

• Decide on an officiant and meet with them

• Interview photographers (and videographer)

• Make a final decision on your gown

6-8 months

• Reserve your photographer (and videographer)

• Choose a florist and tell them what you have in mind for your flowers

• Give your bridesmaids/groomsmen lists of tasks

• Decide on where you are going to register and pick what you want

• Find dresses for your bridesmaids

• Send out "Save the Date" cards or contact out-of-town guests

• Select a baker and choose your wedding cake style

• Get your bridesmaids' measurements, or have them order their dresses themselves

• Find ceremony musicians (if desired)

• Order your wedding gown

• Start planning the rehearsal dinner

• Figure out what style and wording you want for your invitations

• Finalize menu and service details with your caterer

• Order your invitations (make sure you get extra, just in case!)

4-5 months

• Groom should decide on what he and his groomsmen will wear

• Rent what you need for your reception (tables, chairs, etc.) unless they provide it

• Start planning the honeymoon and book as soon as possible

• Book a calligrapher or printer for your invitations

• Reserve a site for your rehearsal dinner

• Book hotel room for your wedding night

• Finalize your decision on a floral scheme and tell the florist

2-3 months

• Choose your accessories and have the bridesmaids coordinate

• Want to try out different beauty ideas (hair dye, tanning, etc)? Do it now

• Find and purchase your wedding rings

• Schedule bridal portraits or engagement pictures (if desired)

• Groom should have his attire ordered or rented

• Make sure bridesmaids and groomsmen have bought their attire

• Make or buy your favors

• Talk to your attendants about a bridal shower and bachelor party

• Buy wedding day lingerie and shoes in time for your first dress fitting

• Get passports, vaccinations, etc. if you are having an international honeymoon

• Pick up your invitations or make sure they have been shipped to you already

• Start taking better care of yourself- exercise, eat right, etc.

• Talk to people who you'd like to do something at your wedding

• Start addressing your invitations

• Confirm delivery date of your gown and schedule your fitting appointments

• Talk to your insurance provider and have your spouse included after the wedding

• Get wedding bands engraved (if not done when purchased)

• Groom should buy all necessary accessories

• Make a guest list for your bridal shower and give it to the host

• Begin your dress fitting appointments

• Decide on wedding day transportation and reserve, if necessary

• Send out your invitations

5-6 weeks

• Order any drinks not included in the catering contract

• Purchase your veil before your final fitting

• Begin working on your vows if you are writing your own

• Update your registry as you receive gifts

• Research local marriage license requirements

• Go to your final gown fitting

• Start using whitening toothpaste and other products

• Finalize your vows

• Write "Thank-you" notes for bridal shower gifts

• Buy a guestbook and matching pen

• Visit with your hairstylist to decide on the best hairdo to go with your veil

3-4 weeks

• Send rehearsal dinner invitations

• Schedule appointments to get your hair and make-up done on your wedding day

• Get marriage license

• Work on a song list for your band/DJ

• Pick out the jewelry and other accessories you don't have yet

• Meet with or call your officiant to finalize details

• Confirm wedding night and honeymoon reservations

• Do the necessary paperwork if your are changing your name

• Pick up your gown and make sure it fits right

• Pick up your veil and/or headpiece

• Get your bridal portrait or other pictures (if desired)

• Work out wedding day timing issues and make sure attendants know the info

• Call guests who haven't RSVP'd yet to get a final headcount

• Confirm headcount with caterer and other vital information

• Determine your receiving line order (if necessary)

• Figure out wedding day assignments for attendants and family members

• Practice walking in your wedding dress

• Call reception site to make sure all vendors will be able to get inside

1-2 weeks

• Put together a seating plan (if you're having one)

• Give the plan to the caterer, or whoever will be in charge of the tables

• Contact your officiant and give them final details about the rehearsal/ wedding

• Confirm delivery time, location, and final arrangement count with florist

• Groom should pick up tux and make sure it fits right

• Shop and pack for the honeymoon

• Confirm all final payment amounts with vendors

• Confirm location, date and time with photographer (and videographer)

• Groom should get a final hair cut (don't wait till last minute!)

• Prepare your toasts and ask close friends and family to work on theirs

• Contact transportation providers with a list of times and locations

• Distribute wedding day directions, schedule, and tasks to wedding party

• Designate someone to meet with and handle the vendors on the wedding day

• Pack an overnight bag for your wedding night

• Put final payments and tips for vendors in envelops to hand out after the wedding

• Confirm location, date and time with band/DJ

• Designate someone to collect the wedding gifts

Day Before

• Get a manicure and pedicure (plus any waxing or final tanning)

• Put wedding gown and all accessories in one place so you don't lose anything

• Confirm all honeymoon travel plans

• Drop off favors, guestbook and pen to reception site

• Rehearse the ceremony with officiant and wedding party

• Have fun and relax at the rehearsal dinner

• Set your alarm clock and get some sleep!

Day Of

• Confirm with people who you asked to give toasts

• Set aside time for a private moment with your new spouse

• Smile, relax, and enjoy the day!