Ottawa Wedding Bride

Bridal Checklist - Planning The Perfect Wedding

Please feel free to print this page to help you plan your special day. This Bridal Checklist is brought to you courtesy of CineReal Pro-Video. You can simply click on any of the links below to jump to your desired section to read online.

1. After your engagement 2. Four to six months before your wedding

3. Three months before your wedding 4. Two months before your wedding
5. Six weeks before your wedding 6. One month before your wedding

7. Three weeks before your wedding 8. One week before your wedding

9. The Big Day!

1. After your engagement

Contact your local paper to announce your engagement. This will likely get some response from friends and relatives. A picture of the couple is a nice touch.

Choose the date of the big day (and a backup date). If you are determined to have a June wedding, you'll have to make a lot of decisions early, as weddings in June are common.

Contact your church, synagogue or officiant to select a service and reserve the date.

Explore pre-marital counseling.

Start health and fitness plan if you're not already in one!

Find out what bridal shows are in the area and plan on attending. Bridal Extravaganza January 3-4/04 You will find bridal designers, caterers, photographers, Videographers, florists, and many more wedding-related companies at a bridal show. It is a great place to get information for your wedding!

Decide on size and style of wedding - an intimate gathering at your family home, or a full-scale extravaganza. Draw up a guest list. It is okay if you don't invite everyone you know - people will understand.

Establish how the wedding will be paid for - either yourselves, your parents, or whomever. Decide on a budget.

Contact your caterer. Don't be shy about asking for tastings. Ask if they can handle special diets.

Place your WEB Wedding announcement privately on the Internet to inform friends and family of the details of the upcoming nuptials. Following the ceremony, you can use the same site to share still scenes of your wedding with personal comments from friends and relatives, all over the world. We are now in the 21st century. Use the power and convenience of the World Wide Web.

Firm up Videography up to a year in advance. Since fewer good Videographers than Photographers, you may have to get one from out-of-town

Firm up photography, floral, and music arrangements.

Contact a Videographer, separate from the photographer. Combining the two services can split their limited resources.

Contact your florist, musicians, DJ service and a photographer. Hire people to do it your way, not theirs.

Consider hiring a wedding planner. Let someone worry about everything for you. You may even save money.

Plan an engagement party with family and friends. It is a good time to ask friends and family to serve as wedding attendants.

Shop for your gown and attendants dresses. Make sure to order your dress at least eight months in advance. Also, tell the shop your wedding date is earlier than it is, so any last-minute problems can be fixed before the last minute. And don't forget to think about a veil, accessories, and to schedule fitting appointments.

Plan your honeymoon. Contact a travel agency to help you plan your special trip.

Choose your engagement ring and wedding bands.

Reserve your reception location early. Reception sites often get booked up to a year in advance. If you are not sure about a location ask around, consider alternatives to the obvious: a local art museum, for example, can be a lovely place for a reception.

2. Four to six months before your wedding

Register for wedding gifts.

Select the groom's attire.

Decide what the bridesmaids and ushers are to wear. While the final decision is yours, it's quite important that the bridesmaids like what they will be wearing, or they won't have fun. Listen to them. Reserve wedding-night accommodations. After the busy day you will both be exhausted.

Make your final decisions about your honeymoon, and contact the travel agency to make your reservations.

Order invitations, announcements, and thank-you notes that you will be writing when you come back from your honeymoon.

Call City Hall for information on wedding license requirements.

3. Three months before your wedding

Select and discuss your color schemes with the florist/decorator of choice for wedding and reception.

Research and select readings and music selections for ceremony.

Reserve your wedding day rental equipment.

Make arrangements for rehearsal dinner.

Choose men's formalwear.

Help both mothers coordinate and find their wedding day clothing.

Select your baker, then choose and order the bride's cake, and the groom's cake.

Review your contracts with all of your vendors and service providers (*DETAILS*)

Prioritize, then finalize and alphabetize the guest list (it will be much easier to keep track of responses).

Hire a calligrapher to address your envelopes. Your stationer can recommend a good one.

Choose small gifts of appreciation for the wedding party. A personalized Highlights Wedding-Video tape is very unique. Choose your favours.

Make arrangements for the wedding party's transportation to and from the wedding and reception.

Do a hair and makeup run-through, and don't panic if you do not like what you see - there is still plenty of time.

Finalize plans for the rehearsal dinner, the attendants' luncheon, and any other events surrounding the wedding.

Announce your wedding in the local newspaper.

Reserve a block of rooms at a nearby hotel for out-of-town guests. Consider arranging for welcome gifts to be in their rooms when they arrive fresh flowers are always appreciated.

4. Two months before your wedding

Mail out invitations and announcements. Update your WEB Wedding site.

Make an appointment with your doctor for a complete physical and blood test.

Have groom choose gifts for his best man and ushers.

Record gifts and begin writing thank-you notes.

Start fittings on your gown, as well as your attendants. Earlier fittings will not take into account physical changes.

Make appointment with photographer to set timetable & schedule formal wedding portrait.

Arrange attendants' parties.

Finalize all honeymoon plans.

5. Six weeks before your wedding

Mail the invitations.

Record RSVPs as they arrive, and write thank-you notes as gifts are received, but don't mail them until after the wedding.

Submit a song list to the band. It's just as important to tell them what you don't want to hear.

Decide on ceremony music.

Rehearse the first dance. Make it a fox trot; a rhumba, a waltz, even a tango. Take some quick lessons if you do not know how.

Make a list for your photographer and of the photographs you want taken. Make a list of the people you want in the table interviews for your videographer.

Purchase a wardrobe for your honeymoon.

6. One month before your wedding

Obtain your marriage license.

Have your attendants' parties.

Create a calendar of events for the wedding day.

7. Three weeks before your wedding

Change name on all necessary documents.

Make final check with florist for delivery times and fees.

Time for your final dress fitting. Remember to try it on with the undergarments, jewelry, and shoes you'll be wearing to the wedding.

Prepare announcements now, so they'll be ready to be mailed right after the event.

Make sure all attendants have a copy of the wedding-day schedule.

Go over final arrangements with caterer, photographer, clergyman, and DJ service. Confirm everything: officiant, hotel, florist, videographer, photographer, band, clergyman, DJ Service, caterer, and anyone else you're depending on.

Have the Videographer and Photographer tour the locations you want covered to be certain they cover your personal needs. Do not accept the excuse that 'All weddings are the same', and they do not need to check them out.

Make certain that they are going to be dressed appropriately. Do not accept the 'We are Artists' excuse. Offer them a tie if they do not have one. Casual clothes at a wedding is disrespectful. Especially since you are paying them for it.

Give your caterer the guest count, and if you're having a seating chart, give the calligrapher a list of names for place cards.

Pick up your wedding rings and make sure that the engravings are correct and they fit.

Contact the guests who have not responded to your invitations.

8. One week before your wedding

If you can, take the week, or part of the week off from work!

Pick up gowns and accessories.

Wrap attendants gifts.

Give the bridesmaid luncheon.

Pick up tuxedos - check sizes and accessories

Start packing for your honeymoon as you will not have time later. Purchase travelers checks, and confirm honeymoon reservations.

Break in your wedding shoes. You'll be on your feet for hours.

Finalize guest count and make any necessary changes to the seating chart.

Don't forget: guest book, cake knife, attendant's gifts, place cards, and programs.

If professionals are doing your hair and/or makeup, determine the time they will need.

Confirm transportation for the wedding party.

Have your wedding ceremony rehearsal. Insist that the Videographer and Photographer attend for last minute changes.

Instruct your wedding party on what they will be doing on the day of the wedding.

Have your rehearsal dinner.

Give the best man the amounts your vendors are to be paid on the day of the wedding.

9. The Big Day! Your Wedding Day

Allow at least two hours for dressing.

Allow plenty of time to apply your makeup and style your hair.

If photographs are to be taken before the ceremony, allow plenty of time for that!

Remember to bring the rings and marriage license.

Seat guests as they arrive.

The groom's parents should be seated about 5 minutes before the start of the wedding.

Mother of the bride is normally seated last.

Congratulations! We wish you much happiness in your future life together.

1. After your engagement	2. Four to six months before your wedding
3. Three months before your wedding	4. Two months before your wedding
5. Six weeks before your wedding	6. One month before your wedding
7. Three weeks before your wedding	8. One week before your wedding
9. The Big Day!

	Contact your local paper to announce your engagement. This will likely get some response from friends and relatives. A picture of the couple is a nice touch.
	Choose the date of the big day (and a backup date). If you are determined to have a June wedding, you'll have to make a lot of decisions early, as weddings in June are common.
	Contact your church, synagogue or officiant to select a service and reserve the date.
	Explore pre-marital counseling.
	Start health and fitness plan if you're not already in one!
	Find out what bridal shows are in the area and plan on attending. Bridal Extravaganza January 3-4/04 You will find bridal designers, caterers, photographers, Videographers, florists, and many more wedding-related companies at a bridal show. It is a great place to get information for your wedding!
	Decide on size and style of wedding - an intimate gathering at your family home, or a full-scale extravaganza. Draw up a guest list. It is okay if you don't invite everyone you know - people will understand.
	Establish how the wedding will be paid for - either yourselves, your parents, or whomever. Decide on a budget.
	Contact your caterer. Don't be shy about asking for tastings. Ask if they can handle special diets.
	Place your WEB Wedding announcement privately on the Internet to inform friends and family of the details of the upcoming nuptials. Following the ceremony, you can use the same site to share still scenes of your wedding with personal comments from friends and relatives, all over the world. We are now in the 21st century. Use the power and convenience of the World Wide Web.
	Firm up Videography up to a year in advance. Since fewer good Videographers than Photographers, you may have to get one from out-of-town
	Firm up photography, floral, and music arrangements.
	Contact a Videographer, separate from the photographer. Combining the two services can split their limited resources.
	Contact your florist, musicians, DJ service and a photographer. Hire people to do it your way, not theirs.
	Consider hiring a wedding planner. Let someone worry about everything for you. You may even save money.
	Plan an engagement party with family and friends. It is a good time to ask friends and family to serve as wedding attendants.
	Shop for your gown and attendants dresses. Make sure to order your dress at least eight months in advance. Also, tell the shop your wedding date is earlier than it is, so any last-minute problems can be fixed before the last minute. And don't forget to think about a veil, accessories, and to schedule fitting appointments.
	Plan your honeymoon. Contact a travel agency to help you plan your special trip.
	Choose your engagement ring and wedding bands.
	Reserve your reception location early. Reception sites often get booked up to a year in advance. If you are not sure about a location ask around, consider alternatives to the obvious: a local art museum, for example, can be a lovely place for a reception.

	Register for wedding gifts.
	Select the groom's attire.
	Decide what the bridesmaids and ushers are to wear. While the final decision is yours, it's quite important that the bridesmaids like what they will be wearing, or they won't have fun. Listen to them. Reserve wedding-night accommodations. After the busy day you will both be exhausted.
	Make your final decisions about your honeymoon, and contact the travel agency to make your reservations.
	Order invitations, announcements, and thank-you notes that you will be writing when you come back from your honeymoon.
	Call City Hall for information on wedding license requirements.

	Select and discuss your color schemes with the florist/decorator of choice for wedding and reception.
	Research and select readings and music selections for ceremony.
	Reserve your wedding day rental equipment.
	Make arrangements for rehearsal dinner.
	Choose men's formalwear.
	Help both mothers coordinate and find their wedding day clothing.
	Select your baker, then choose and order the bride's cake, and the groom's cake.
	Review your contracts with all of your vendors and service providers (DETAILS)
	Prioritize, then finalize and alphabetize the guest list (it will be much easier to keep track of responses).
	Hire a calligrapher to address your envelopes. Your stationer can recommend a good one.
	Choose small gifts of appreciation for the wedding party. A personalized Highlights Wedding-Video tape is very unique. Choose your favours.
	Make arrangements for the wedding party's transportation to and from the wedding and reception.
	Do a hair and makeup run-through, and don't panic if you do not like what you see - there is still plenty of time.
	Finalize plans for the rehearsal dinner, the attendants' luncheon, and any other events surrounding the wedding.
	Announce your wedding in the local newspaper.
	Reserve a block of rooms at a nearby hotel for out-of-town guests. Consider arranging for welcome gifts to be in their rooms when they arrive fresh flowers are always appreciated.

	Mail out invitations and announcements. Update your WEB Wedding site.
	Make an appointment with your doctor for a complete physical and blood test.
	Have groom choose gifts for his best man and ushers.
	Record gifts and begin writing thank-you notes.
	Start fittings on your gown, as well as your attendants. Earlier fittings will not take into account physical changes.
	Make appointment with photographer to set timetable & schedule formal wedding portrait.
	Arrange attendants' parties.
	Finalize all honeymoon plans.

	Mail the invitations.
	Record RSVPs as they arrive, and write thank-you notes as gifts are received, but don't mail them until after the wedding.
	Submit a song list to the band. It's just as important to tell them what you don't want to hear.
	Decide on ceremony music.
	Rehearse the first dance. Make it a fox trot; a rhumba, a waltz, even a tango. Take some quick lessons if you do not know how.
	Make a list for your photographer and of the photographs you want taken. Make a list of the people you want in the table interviews for your videographer.
	Purchase a wardrobe for your honeymoon.

	Obtain your marriage license.
	Have your attendants' parties.
	Create a calendar of events for the wedding day.

	Change name on all necessary documents.
	Make final check with florist for delivery times and fees.
	Time for your final dress fitting. Remember to try it on with the undergarments, jewelry, and shoes you'll be wearing to the wedding.
	Prepare announcements now, so they'll be ready to be mailed right after the event.
	Make sure all attendants have a copy of the wedding-day schedule.
	Go over final arrangements with caterer, photographer, clergyman, and DJ service. Confirm everything: officiant, hotel, florist, videographer, photographer, band, clergyman, DJ Service, caterer, and anyone else you're depending on. Have the Videographer and Photographer tour the locations you want covered to be certain they cover your personal needs. Do not accept the excuse that 'All weddings are the same', and they do not need to check them out. Make certain that they are going to be dressed appropriately. Do not accept the 'We are Artists' excuse. Offer them a tie if they do not have one. Casual clothes at a wedding is disrespectful. Especially since you are paying them for it.
	Give your caterer the guest count, and if you're having a seating chart, give the calligrapher a list of names for place cards.
	Pick up your wedding rings and make sure that the engravings are correct and they fit.
	Contact the guests who have not responded to your invitations.

	If you can, take the week, or part of the week off from work!
	Pick up gowns and accessories.
	Wrap attendants gifts.
	Give the bridesmaid luncheon.
	Pick up tuxedos - check sizes and accessories
	Start packing for your honeymoon as you will not have time later. Purchase travelers checks, and confirm honeymoon reservations.
	Break in your wedding shoes. You'll be on your feet for hours.
	Finalize guest count and make any necessary changes to the seating chart.
	Don't forget: guest book, cake knife, attendant's gifts, place cards, and programs.
	If professionals are doing your hair and/or makeup, determine the time they will need.
	Confirm transportation for the wedding party.
	Have your wedding ceremony rehearsal. Insist that the Videographer and Photographer attend for last minute changes.
	Instruct your wedding party on what they will be doing on the day of the wedding.
	Have your rehearsal dinner.
	Give the best man the amounts your vendors are to be paid on the day of the wedding.

	Allow at least two hours for dressing.
	Allow plenty of time to apply your makeup and style your hair.
	If photographs are to be taken before the ceremony, allow plenty of time for that!
	Remember to bring the rings and marriage license.
	Seat guests as they arrive.
	The groom's parents should be seated about 5 minutes before the start of the wedding.
	Mother of the bride is normally seated last.
	Congratulations! We wish you much happiness in your future life together.