3 to 5 Months Before Your Wedding
5 Months
Finalize the Rental List:
Make sure all the rental supplies you need are reserved and the logistics figured out. You want to make sure your guests have a spot to sit on your big day!
Book Your Honeymoon
Don't worry about planning every single detail of your honeymoon at this point, but try to have the most critical elements set by this time. Aim to have your hotel rooms and flights booked.
Check on Invitations:
Check the status of your invitations and make sure everything's going as planned. Make any revisions if needed.
Reserve a Wedding Day Room for You and Your Spouse:
If you'd like to have a hotel room to get ready in before the wedding and to crash in after, book it now. Prioritize choosing a room that's comfortable, private, and close to your venue.
Arrange Your Rehearsal Dinner and Finalize the Menu:
If you've decided to book a venue for your rehearsal dinner, now's the time to make it official. Don't be afraid to have something more casual, such as dinner at your favorite restaurant or even at home.
Schedule Transportation:
If needed, book transportation for guests to get to the venue from the hotel block. This is also the time to figure out transportation for you and your soon-to-be, whether you want to ride in a limousine or a unique set of wheels like a decorated golf cart or a horse and carriage.
Choose the Tuxedo:
If your partner is choosing to wear a tuxedo, now's the time to rent or buy one. Even though they may not need or desire alterations, choosing a tux five months before the wedding gives them enough time just in case. Decide how formal you want the tux to be and make sure it's a good fit. If you need some advice about choosing the right tuxedo, reach out to us at Alexandra's Boutique.
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4 Months
Have a Final Tasting With Your Caterer:
Arrange a final tasting with your caterer and, if applicable, bring your wedding planner along. Pay attention to details and the attentiveness of the staff--don't be afraid to ask for minor changes to menu items.
Select Your Cake:
With your partner choose a cake you both love. Don't worry about pleasing all of your guests.
Have Hair and Makeup Trials:
You should now have trial appointments to ensure you get the look you want. Compare stylists before making a final decision.
Choose Your Music Playlist:
With your partner, create a list of all the songs you want to play at your wedding. If you're hiring a DJ, you'll want to give them a list of must-play songs. It's also helpful to create a list of tunes you and your partner don't want to be played.
3 Months
Finalize and Order the Centerpieces:
Since flowers change with the season you'll have to wait until three months before your wedding to make final decisions. Let your florist know how many guests you expect to have as soon as possible so that you can order the correct number of centerpieces. If you do not want flowers as the focal point, consider other options, and order what you need.
Purchase Favors:
Have you decided to give guests a unique souvenir? Now's the time to order them.
Buy Decorations:
Unless you've hired a wedding planner or a day-of coordinator, you'll be in charge of decorating your venue. Consider your venue and what you're allowed to bring, and then get decorations to go with your theme. If you want someone to take care of this for you, reach out to a day-of coordinator to help you through the final weeks.
Book Hair and Makeup Appointments for Your Wedding Day:
Make sure to schedule enough time for you and your bridesmaids to get ready. As a general rule, plan at least 45 minutes for each bridesmaid to get their hair done and at least an hour for the bride. Apply the same rule for makeup time.
Get Your Wedding Rings:
Purchasing your rings three months in advance gives you enough time for resizing and engravings.
Send out Wedding and Rehearsal Dinner Invitations:
It's time to send out the invites! You want to give your guests enough time to figure out their schedules, arrange travel plans, and RSVP.
Attend Your First Alterations Appointment:
During your first alterations appointment, the seamstress may plan to adjust the neckline, train length, or make other minor changes. Depending on the seamstress and the number of adjustments needed, you still may need two to three additional alteration appointments. If you have any questions about the dressmaking process, contact us to learn more.
Contact UsPurchase Under-the-Dress Essentials:
Your first fitting will help you choose undergarments that work best with your gown. Your bridal consultant can advise on the most flattering lingerie or shapewear for your figure and dress style.
Choose Ceremony Readings:
During the ceremony, you might have someone read meaningful passages, poems, or essays. Choose readings that reflect your and your partner's feelings, or consider letting your readers choose their own.
Start Writing Vows:
If you both decided to write your own vows, make sure to leave yourselves plenty of time to do so, and expect to write a few drafts before they feel complete.Â
A few vow-writing tips: Jot down all your thoughts first, and highlight your favorite points, as you won't be able to include everything. Make it personal, and let your partner know you'll be there through the ups and downs. Most importantly, don't forget to say, "I love you."
Select Your Cake:
With your partner choose a cake you both love. Don't worry about pleasing all of your guests.
Have Hair and Makeup Trials:
You should now have trial appointments to ensure you get the look you want. Compare stylists before making a final decision.
Finalize Reception Song List:
Did you finalize your song list and give it to your band or DJ, as well as ceremony musicians? If not, it's time to check this item off your wedding timeline..