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I do!
9-12 Months
6-9 Months
3-6 Months
1-3 Months

2-4 Weeks
1 Week
1 Day
THE Day
"I Do" Planning Timeline

Congratulations on your engagement!
We know how exciting, confusing and stressful planning a wedding can be and we want to help! Staying organized is one way to make sure you enjoy every bit of this special time in your life. Use this monthly timeline to help keep you on track right up 'til the day you say "I do!"
9-12 Months
  • Pick your wedding date.
  • Announce engagement; if desired, send engagement photo to local newspaper.
  • Stock up on, and browse through wedding magazines, websites and books.
  • Discuss with your fiancé ideas for wedding and honeymoon; include budget and draft gift list.
  • Choose ceremony location, meet and plan with officiant (remember to discuss/find out if pre-marital counseling is wanted or required).
  • Begin looking for and meeting with possible reception locations; book ASAP. (Remember, reception locations vary on how far out they are booked, anywhere from 1 year to 6 months out is typical, so don't wait.)
  • Narrow down where you want to register and what the two of you will need to begin a new life together.
  • Finalize budget you would like to work with.
  • Decide on wedding party (bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girl, etc.).

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6-9 Months
  • Create your Kohl's Bridal Registry.
  • Choose caterer, if applicable.
  • Begin hunting for photographer, videographer and DJ/band. Once you've made a choice for each, book ASAP. (It's good practice to have booked all professionals no later than 4-6 months out, but also keep in mind that more or less time may be needed depending on season and popularity.)
  • Shop for your dress. Helpful hints: Bring strapless bra and hair clip, most dress shops prefer to work by appointment and prefer to place orders 4-6 months in advance.
  • Shop for bridesmaids' dresses.
  • Plan honeymoon. If you're leaving the country, be sure to check documentation policy to ensure your have all necessary papers.
  • Choose and order invitations.
  • Visit floral shops to meet with consultants and look at portfolios. (Place order ASAP; each shop may need a different amount of notice, so be sure to ask.)

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3-6 Months
  • Book block of rooms at hotel near reception and ceremony location.
  • Finalize guest list. Begin to compile a list of all full names and addresses.
  • Send "save-the-date" notices to out-of-town guests.
  • Schedule dress fitting(s).
  • Shop for veil, shoes and jewelry for you and your bridesmaids.
  • Shop for guest favors.
  • Shop for wedding party gifts. (Don't forget your parents!)
  • Select bakery and order wedding cake. (Be sure to have done tastings with several bakeries.)
  • Schedule rehearsal with ceremony location. Reserve rehearsal dinner location.

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1-3 Months
  • Address and mail invitations 6-8 weeks before wedding date. (There are also professional services that will do this for you.)
  • Schedule hair, make-up, nails, etc. trial run and actual appointments.
  • Shop for wedding rings.
  • Arrange transportation for the wedding day.
  • Shop for wedding keepsakes (cake cutter, tasting glasses, guest book, etc.).
  • Check on marriage license requirements for your state, county and city.

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2-4 Weeks
  • Apply for marriage license.
  • Get a haircut, both bride and groom. (Don't wait 'til the last minute!)
  • Attend final dress fitting, pick up dress after last-minute alterations.
  • Begin preparing for name change. (Order new checks, call and alert all credit cards etc.)
  • Confirm with ceremony location, officiant, reception location, caterer, photographer, videographer, florist, DJ/band and anyone else you have hired.
  • Give final count and menu choices to reception location and/or caterer.
  • Wedding shower, bachelor party, bachelorette party, etc.
  • Write a list of music for your DJ/band you want to make sure is played at the reception.
  • Complete place cards and seating arrangements.

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1 Week
  • Write final checks to all parties.
  • Package marriage license and ceremony necessities together in one bag, label it and assign someone to be in charge of getting bag to ceremony location by designated time.
  • Drop reception necessities at reception location (if possible).

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1 Day
  • Rehearsal ceremony and dinner.
  • Groom, groomsmen, father of the bride and ring bearer pick up tuxes.
  • Get some sleep!

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THE Day
  • Eat breakfast.
  • Have hair & make-up done. (Remember to wear a button-down shirt so you don't mess up your hair or make-up!)
  • Have FUN!

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