The stress of a Texas country wedding can be overwhelming.  Having a checklist that is divided by month can help a bride and groom break down this daunting task in smaller, easier to manage, increments.  Remember delegation will help lessen the burden.  Family and friends want to help in this exciting time in your life.  Don’t try to shoulder it all on your own.  Also remember that you are hiring professionals, they do weddings everyday.   Ask for their opinions and, listen to them.  They have seen it all.

(Click here for a printable version of this list)

12-10 months

• Start a wedding folder or binder
• Start a budget
• Make an agreement for which items individuals are paying
• Create a guest list (doing it now will save you a lot of headache)
• Select a date (doing so early will ensure you get your desired locations)
• Order save- the-date cards
• Choose your wedding party
• Create your wedding website
• Interview and hire a wedding coordinator if applicable
• Arrange premarital counseling
• Book locations (ceremony and reception)
• Start looking for pictures of dresses you like so you have an idea when you shop
• Discuss where you both would want to honeymoon
• Start an exercise routine (you want to be in shape for dress shopping)
• Put announcement in local paper

9-6 months

• Send save-the-date cards
• Book rehearsal dinner location
• Register (minimum of 3 retailers, be mindful of franchises that would be available for out of town guests)
• Begin looking at dresses, veils. (remember your stockings, bra, etc)
• Begin looking at cake ideas
• Begin your day of timeline
• Firm up honeymoon location and shop for pricing
• Look at floral options and price florists
• Book your florist.  Finalize contract
• Book your caterer. Finalize contract
• Book your photographer and videographer. Finalize contract
• Order gown and veil
• Have a girls lunch with your maid of honor and shop for the bridesmaids dress
• Book the honeymoon!!!
• Book your DJ/band. Finalize contract.
• Purchase your accessories (shoes, lingerie, purse, gloves)
• Choose your officiant and meet for ceremony ideas
• Reserve a block of rooms at 3 local hotels (in varying prices, close to reception venue) for out of town guests
• Book baker for bride and groom cakes

4-5 months before

• Browse wedding invitation styles and research proper wording
• Discuss menu with caterer
• Shop for wedding rings
• Decide what groom and groomsmen will wear
• Confirm bridesmaids have ordered their gowns and select accessories
• Have mother of the bride and mother of the groom get together and coordinate dresses
• Order invitations and book a calligrapher
• Purchase wedding rings and send for engraving if applicable
• Look for wedding favor ideas
• Confirm bridal showers and bachelorette party dates
• Begin registries before shower invitations are sent
• Reserve rental equipment, chairs, tables, linens, tents
• Begin to look for hair and make-up ideas
• Notify the people whom you would like to read, sing, serve as guest book attendants
• Give shower hostesses your guest list.
• Begin to get hostess gifts
• Update wedding website
• Consider wedding insurance

2-3 months before

• Finalize guest list and submit to calligrapher
• Book makeup artist and hairstylist
• Order wedding favors
• Purchase candles, baskets, ring pillow
• Finalize menu with caterer
• Purchase gifts for attendants, parents, and each other
• Confirm tuxedo orders for groom/ groomsmen/ dads/ grandfathers
• Prepare for honeymoon.  (shopping might be in order!)
• Finalize wedding transportation
• Business time: look into joint bank accounts, insurance
• Check on the marriage license requirements for your state (Texas Marriage license requirements)
• Select your music for the (ceremony, cocktail hour, reception)
• Make sure there are still options on your registry
• Update wedding website
• Finalize rehearsal dinner order invitations, escort cards
• Mail your invitations eight weeks before your wedding

1-2 months before

• Have gown fitting (remember your stockings, bra, jewelry, etc)
• Finalize ceremony readings and songs with those in the ceremony
• Finalize ceremony with officiant
• Order any beverages not covered by caterer
• Begin your vows if writing them yourselves
• Create a photo and video shot list for your videographer. (Make note of specific individuals to be included in each planned shot)
• Schedule bridesmaids luncheon
• Finalize cake design with baker if you haven’t already (if you have, touch base and confirm everything)

3-4 weeks before

• One month out!  Take a deep breath and enjoy this time!
• Finalize your something old, new, borrowed, and blue.
• Create a ‘must play’ and ‘don’t play’ music for your band/DJ
• Design and order or make your program
• Confirm honeymoon and travel arrangements.  Make sure to give family your itinerary in case of emergency
• Call guests who haven’t RSVP’d
• Make sure to get your wedding rings
• Get marriage license if you haven’t already
• Find out how to change your name if applicable
• Mail rehearsal dinner invitations
• Have a practice appointment with your make-up artist and hairstylist

1-2 weeks before

• Have final wedding gown fitting
• Finalize wedding day schedule and share with your family, attendants, and vendors
• Confirm beauty appointments
• Confirm times, schedule, and addresses with transportation
• Pick up wedding dress and collect all your accessories together
• Pick up grooms tuxedo and gather all accessories
• Get hair colored and trimmed
• Confirm final headcount and give to caterer
• Pack for your wedding night and honeymoon
• Get a wedding box  (license, candle, pillow, guest book, basket)
• Get a reception box (guest books, cameras, toasting glasses, cake topper)
• Prepare wedding favors
• Finalize seating and submit to caterer
• Prepare escort/ place cards
• Confirm dates/ times/ locations with all vendors

Day before

• Prepare payments for vendors assign someone to be responsible for distributing
• Distribute assignment lists to ensure everyone knows their tasks
• Gather dress and accessories
• Get manicure, pedicure, and massage
• Rehearse ceremony with entire wedding party and officiant

Wedding day

• Take a deep breath and take your time to appreciate every minute
• Eat breakfast and drink plenty of water
• Wear a button down shirt to your appointments so your hair will stay fabulous
• Remember why you are doing all this (he’s at the end of that aisle)