Angelo's Catering

12 Months Before

Announce your engagement to family and friends and plan an engagement party.
Place an engagement announcement in your local newspaper.
Sign up for a wedding website to keep your guests informed about event details, area information, etc.
Choose a wedding date.
Work on the budget.
Consider purchasing wedding planning software to organize everything, or hire a wedding consultant to help secure contracts, etc.
Choose a location and reserve your ceremony and reception site(s).
Begin a rough guest list and compile current addresses.
Decide on who you'd like to have as your attendants, including your maid of honor and best man
Begin shopping for your wedding gown.
Purchase a wedding planning book/journal, or a simple calendar to keep track of important dates and appointments (fittings, showers, etc.).

Research and choose one or more bridal gift registry.
Order your wedding gown and buy undergarments that you will wear with it (bring these to all fittings).
Order other bridal accessories - shoes, gloves and veil.
Begin shopping for bridesmaids dresses.
Find an officiate who will perform your ceremony.
Choose and book ceremony musicians, a wedding band/ DJ, photographer/videographer, caterer and florist.

Select and order your wedding invitations, envelopes and thank-you cards.
Hire a calligrapher, if desired.
Select and purchase wedding favors.
Start researching wedding cake pictures and local bakeries for ideas.
Book your honeymoon and verify that you have any necessary travel documents including passports and visas.
Book a room for your wedding night, if you will be leaving for your honeymoon the next morning.
Book accommodations for out-of-town guests.
Finalize your guest list and send out save-the-date cards, if using.
Print out directions to the ceremony, reception, rehearsal dinner and hotel(s) for guests.
Compile a list of area information and things to do for out-of-town guests.
Reserve transportation for you and your wedding party to and from the wedding, as well as a bus or trolley for your guests (if necessary).

Find out what your state's requirements are for obtaining a marriage license and get blood tests done, if required.
Order tuxedos for the groom and groomsmen.
Meet with your caterer to discuss the menu and wine list.
Meet with your officiate to discuss ceremony details, wording and wedding vows.
Select wedding readings.
Order your wedding cake.
Buy thank-you gifts for your attendants.
Shop for a gift for your new spouse-to-be.
Select and purchase wedding bands, and have them engraved if desired.
Coordinate and choose a location for the rehearsal dinner.
Contact party-rental companies for tables, chairs, tents, etc. if necessary.
Purchase luggage and other travel necessities and attire for your honeymoon.
Order or renew passports if necessary.
Schedule an appointment with your dentist if you'd like to have your teeth whitened or cleaned before the wedding.

Mail invitations out eight weeks prior to the wedding date and send accommodation info to your out-of-town guests.
Compile and complete name change documents or purchase a bridal name change kit online. which contains all of the necessary forms to file.
Fill out a change of address form at the post office, if necessary.
Pick up your marriage license.
Have ceremony programs printed.
Purchase a guest book and other wedding accessories including toasting glasses, cake knife, ring pillow, etc.
Keep your wedding website updated with directions and event details.
Choose your hair and make-up stylists and schedule a trial for both; also book appointments to have your hair, make-up and nails done on the day of the wedding.
Review insurance information with your fiancé to see if any updates need to be made prior to the wedding (car, home, medical, etc.).
Plan a bridal luncheon or dinner with your bridesmaids.

Create a seating chart for the reception and make place cards (or have your calligrapher work on these, if you have hired one).
Contact your caterer with a final guest count.
Print out a timeline of events for your wedding party and vendors - include contact information and cell phone numbers.
Meet with your photographer and florist to finalize details.
Finalize your ceremony and reception music and song list for your wedding band or DJ.
Confirm lodging reservations for out-of-town guests.
Place a wedding announcement in your local newspaper.
Pick up wedding bands and make sure the fit is good.
Schedule a final dress fitting.
Write rehearsal dinner toasts.

Write out final checks for your minister, organist, DJ or musicians, etc. and organize in envelopes for your wedding coordinator or one of your attendants to distribute at the wedding.
Pick up your wedding gown.
Confirm limo or other transportation reservations.
Pack for your honeymoon and confirm travel arrangements.
Have your local post office hold your mail, if necessary, while you are away on your honeymoon.
Treat yourself to a spa day -- you deserve it! Check out Spa Finder to find services in your area.

Wake up early and do some light exercise, or just go for a peaceful walk outdoors and soak up the beauty of the day ;).
Set aside some time before the festivities to exchange gifts with your bridesmaids or close family members.
Eat a healthy breakfast - you'll need your energy for the big day ahead!
Enjoy it; it's finally here and everything will be wonderful... Congratulations!!