This checklist will help the you in planning the most important day of your life. Feel free to print it out and give copies to those helping to plan your wedding.
One Month
Confirm all arrangements and contracts.
Mail invitations so they will arrive three weeks before the wedding.
Pick up wedding rings.
Arrange for transportation to ceremony and from ceremony to reception.
Attend final fittings.
Have your hair and makeup done as you would like to have it on your wedding day. Schedule any tanning, manicures, etc.
Purchase guest book and keepsake album.
Contact your insurance agent about naming your fiancé as beneficiary on your life insurance, will, and auto policies, and buying homeowners' and floater insurances to protect wedding gifts.
Open joint checking and savings accounts. Decide on a budget and savings program. Discuss them with your financial representatives.
Write thank you notes as gifts are received.
Five Months Before Departure
Finalize your choice of travel agent and honeymoon destination.
Be sure to ask about special packages and discounts created just for honeymooners.
If you're making your own reservations, begin to research hotels, airlines, and car-rental companies.
Make sure passport applications have been submitted... if you don't already have them.
Three Months Before Departure
Make your reservations and send in all necessary deposits.
Keep all record of all your reservation and confirmation numbers, as well as the telephone numbers of your travel agent, hotel, and car-rental company.
When purchasing airline tickets, have your travel agent confirm your seat assignments and issue your boarding passes if you're traveling within 30 days.
Ask what official travel documents you will need.
Arrange to get passports and visas if necessary.
Two Months Before Departure
Add items such as luggage, a travel iron, beach towels, and blow dryer to your registry.
Check on the inoculation requirements for the country you will be visiting.
Start putting together a list of things you will want to pack.
One Months Before Departure
Buy luggage, camera, and sunglasses.
If you already own a camera, make sure it's in working order and pack more film than you think you'll need. .
Buy extra batteries
Buy trip insurance
Make sure all of your credit cards are up-to-date.
Make a copy of your travel itinerary, along with phone numbers where you can be reached, to leave with someone at home in case of emergency.
Make a list of everything you will need for your trip including clothes, toiletries, and accessories.
One Week Before Departure
Get traveler's checks.
Pack all medication in your carryon bag.
Pack a change of clothes and any other essentials - such as a toothbrush or contact lens supplies - in your carryon bag in case your suitcases get lost or stolen.
Reconfirm all reservations.
Pack all of your not-crushable items - T-shirts, socks, underwear, bathing suits - ahead of time.
Make a list of all the valuables you are carrying, including the numbers of your credit cards and traveler's checks, and put copies in your luggage.
If you will need foreign currency for your honeymoon, exchange at least enough money ahead of time to get you from the airport to your hotel.
Day of Departure
Make sure that you have your money and any travel documents (passports, hotel confirmations) in your carryon baggage -- not packed in your checked luggage.
Reconfirm the flight once again right before you leave home.
Arrive at the airport early to avoid any last-minute problems -- one hour for domestic flights, two hours for international flights.
Final Phase Calendar
