In olden times, there were certain procedures that were strictly adhered to during courtship, proposal, engagement and the wedding; if the couple or their respective families deviated from the “rules” they would find themselves laughed at or shunned by society. Though weddings have become more relaxed, that doesn’t mean that proper etiquette has been thrown out the window! In fact, there are lots of things to consider starting from the first stages of wedding planning:

12-18 months prior to the wedding:
Announce the good news to family and friends. Now is the time to pick and choose your attendants (bridesmaids and groomsmen, best man/maid of honor) since they need advanced notice for their own preparations and duties.

Look into the legal requirements for obtaining a marriage license.

Now is the time to scout out locations. Many popular chapels and reception halls have waiting lists of a year or longer. If you insist on holding your wedding at a popular location, the availability may determine the date of the wedding, so act now.

Interview wedding vendors (DJ, photographer, florists, caterer, etc). Since budget is a big part of wedding planning, you should be clear on what exactly is covered before signing the contract. You don’t want to find out too late that the photographer was only contracted for half a day and won’t be available to take pictures at the reception.

Start shopping for wedding dresses! It could take months for you to find the right dress for you, and then you may have alterations done, so start shopping early.

6-9 months prior to the wedding:
Finalize your wedding gown choice and decide if it needs alterations. Go shopping for bridesmaids gowns. Most times, it is the duty of the Maid of Honor or each bridesmaid to pay for the dresses, so be considerate and consider other reasonable options to haute couture. Finalize and purchase the bridal party accessories at this time.

Choose the attire for the groomsmen and ushers.

Start opening gift registries at stores.

Finalize the guest list. For the consideration of out-of-town guests, send out a “save the date” card so they have time to make travel plans. You might send out a list of the local hotels and attractions; or go a step further and arrange for their accommodation by pre-booking a block of rooms or suites at a nearby hotel.

Send out invitations to those who are attending the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. Since they are indispensable you need to let them know right away if they can’t attend so you can make changes accordingly.

If you are considering foreign travel plans, please be advised travel to certain countries may require your passport should be valid at least 6 months beyond the date you leave the country. Therefore, renew your passport at this time if necessary.

3-6 months prior to the wedding:
Finalize honeymoon or travel plans.

Go shopping for the wedding rings.

Choose and purchase the attendants gifts.

Finalize the guest list and start addressing invitations. This is usually the duty of the Maid of Honor.

Start booking pre-wedding salon or spa appointments. Meet with professional stylists if needed to plan wedding hair and makeup.

1-3 months prior to the wedding:
Send out wedding invitations at the very latest 6-8 weeks prior to the wedding.

Have the final fitting for your wedding gown. Also make sure all attendants have finalized their outfits and accessories.

Traditionally, the Maid of Honor, with help from the bridesmaids, throws the bridal shower at this time. It is appropriate to invite only those who were invited to the wedding.

Meet with the priest or official conducting the wedding to finalize the ceremony. Also visit the reception hall once more. Finalize the seating arrangements.

Contact those who have not RSVP’d 1 month before the wedding.

Last couple of weeks prior to the wedding:
If you want to get a spa treatment, do so no sooner than one week before your wedding to allow any inflammation of the face to settle down. Get your hair colored 2 weeks prior.

Have the rehearsal the day before the wedding. Also delegate responsibilities, such as who will handle transporting the gifts or who will pay the vendors.

The big day!
Hopefully everyone will have rehearsed and know their roles. The Maid of Honor and Best Man will be responsible for carrying the rings and signing as witnesses. The Maid of Honor will also help rearrange your train and/or hold your veil for you during the ceremony. All you need to do is relax, remember your vows, and smile for the pictures! Enjoy the big day!

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