Planning Your Franklin, TN Wedding: Bride’s Checklist

Getting married is one of the biggest events of your life and along with it come a long list of ‘To Do’s’ and ‘Must Haves’. Here’s a great list compliments of Beverly Clark at WeddingChannel.com to get you started!

Six to Twelve Months Before:

Select a wedding date and time.
Make a preliminary budget.
Determine your wedding theme or style.
Reserve your ceremony and reception location.
Determine who will officiate at the ceremony.
Hire a wedding consultant, if you plan to use one.
Decide on your color scheme.
Determine the size of the guest list.
Start compiling names and addresses of guests.
Select bridal attendants.
Have fiancé select his attendants.
Plan reception.
Check catering facilities, if at a club or hotel.
Select a caterer, if one is necessary.
Select a professional photographer (and don’t forget to call Allison Hendrickson!…OK, OK, that’s my personal spin to the bride’s checklist!
Select a professional videographer.
Select a professional florist.
Select your dress and headpiece.
Announce your engagement in the newspaper.
Select bridesmaids’ dresses.
Select engagement ring with fiancé, if he has not already done so.

Four Months Before:

Make final arrangement for ceremony (deposits should be paid, contracts signed).
Make sure all bridal attire is ordered.
Have both mothers coordinate and select their dresses.
Register at a bridal registry.
Order invitations and personal stationery.
Complete the guest lists and compile them in order.
Select the men’s wedding attire and reserve the right sizes.
Check requirements for blood test and marriage license in your state.
Make appointment for physical exam.
Shop for wedding rings.
Start planning the honeymoon.
Decide where you will live after the wedding.
Begin shopping for trousseau.

Two Months Before:

Address invitations and announcements. They should be mailed four to six weeks before wedding.
Finalize all details with caterer, photographer, florist, reception hall manager, musicians, etc.
Order wedding cake, if not supplied by caterer.
Finalize ceremony details with officiant.
Make rehearsal arrangements.
Plan rehearsal dinner.
Plan bridesmaids’ luncheon.
Make appointments with hairdresser.
Arrange accommodations for out-of-town attendants or guests.
Finalize honeymoon plans.

One Month Before:

Have a final fitting for your and bridal attendants’ gowns.
Have a formal bridal portrait done.
Complete all physical or dental appointments.
Get blood test and marriage license.
Make transportation arrangements for wedding day.
Purchase gifts for attendants. Click here for great gift ideas.
Purchase gift for fiancé, if gifts are being exchanged.
Have the bridesmaids’ luncheon.
Purchase going away outfit.
Keep a careful record of all gifts received (write thank-you notes immediately instead of letting them pile up).
Make sure you have all accessories, toasting goblets, ring pillow, garter, candles, etc.
Select responsible person to handle guest book and determine its location.

Two Weeks Before:

Attend to business and legal details. Get necessary forms to change names on Social Security card, driver’s license, insurance and medical plans, bank accounts; make a will.
Prepare wedding announcements to be sent to newspaper.
Reconfirm the accommodations for out-of-town guests.
Arrange to have possessions and gifts moved to your new home. Give a change-of-address card to the post office.
Finish addressing announcements to be mailed on the wedding day.

One Week Before:

Contact guests who have not responded.
Give the final count to caterer and review details.
Go over final details with all professional services you have engaged. Inform them of any changes.
Give photographer the list of pictures you want.
Give the videographer a list of shots you would like included in the video.
Give all musicians the lists of music for the ceremony and reception.
Plan the seating arrangements.
Arrange for someone to assist with last-minute errands and to help you dress.
Practice having your hair done to make sure it comes out properly, and determine the time it will take.
Practice using your make-up in the same type of lighting you will have on the wedding date.
Keep up with the writing of your thank-you notes.
Pack your suitcase for the honeymoon.
Make sure you have marriage license.
Make sure you have the wedding rings, and they fit.
Make sure all wedding attire is picked up and fits.
Have a rehearsal with all participants, reviewing their duties.
Attend rehearsal dinner party. Stay calm and enjoy yourself.
Stay with the family the night before the wedding. Get to bed early. You will want to look and feel great the next day.

On the Wedding Day:

Be sure to eat something. You have a big day ahead, and many brides have been known to faint.
Take a nice relaxing bath.
Fix hair or have an appointment to have it done at least 3 to 4 hours before the ceremony.
Make sure nails are done. Allow plenty of time to apply make-up. Have all accessories together.
Start dressing one to one-and-a-half hours before the ceremony. If pictures are being taken before the ceremony, then have yourself and attendants ready about two hours before the ceremony (photographer and bridal attendants should arrive forty-five minutes to an hour before the ceremony for pictures).
Have the music start thirty minutes before ceremony.
Have guests seated. Five minutes before the ceremony, have groom’s parents seated. Immediately before processional the bride’s mother is seated and the aisle runner is rolled out…

After the Wedding: