Traverse City Weddings

9 To 12 Months Before

Determine who will officiate at the ceremony.
Select a wedding date and time.
Announce your engagement in the newspaper.
Determine how many guests may attend.
Determine the type of wedding you want (size, formality, style, color scheme).
Select and order the bridesmaids' dresses.
Establish a preliminary budget.
Select and secure a photographer.
Select a caterer if not already provided by the reception.
Select and secure your reception location.
Select and secure your ceremony location.
Select and secure your DJ / MC.
Begin choosing your wedding cake baker, videographer, and florist. Sign necessary contracts.
Pick out engagement ring with fiancé.

6 To 9 Months Before

4 To 6 Months Before

2 To 4 Months Before

Confirm the menu and catering details with the caterer.
Prepare all maps and directions for the ceremony and reception.
Select your wedding rings.
Buy a wedding guest book.
Set the dates and times with the officiant for the rehearsal.
Plan the bridesmaids' luncheon and any other parties.
Determine your resources for designing and printing the program for the ceremony.
Finalize the florist details, photographer, videographer, DJ/MC, etc.
Arrange the necessary accommodations for out-of-town guests.
Plan a rehearsal dinner, time and place.
Confirm the wedding cake details with the baker.

6 To 8 Weeks Before

Mail invitations and announcements.
Prepare a portrait for the newspaper. Check your local newspaper for details and timing.
Set appointment with photographer for your formal bridal portrait.
Select gifts for all your attendants.
Set appointments with any hairdressers and/or makeup artists.
Hire the limousine or other forms of transportation for the wedding.

4 To 6 Weeks Before

Decide what your menu is going to be for the reception. Estimate the expected number of guests.
Buy a gift for the groom.
Schedule a final fitting for your gown so it can be ready for your formal bridal portrait.
Purchase a going away outfit.
Pick up your wedding rings.
Purchase (borrow) all wedding accessories such as the ring pillow, goblets, garter belt, candles, etc.
Confirm florist details and delivery times.
Plan the seating for the reception as well as other details for the ceremony and reception. Start writing placement cards.
Make sure all bridesmaids' attire has been fitted.
Buy a gift for the bride.

2 Weeks Before

The Week Before

Review any seating details with the ushers.
Make sure all wedding attire fits.
Finalize the seating arrangements.
Reconfirm your honeymoon reservations. Ensure you have any necessary plane tickets.
Start packing for your honeymoon.
Call any guests who have not responded yet.
Finish all the place cards for the reception.
Review all the final details with your photographer, videographer, etc.
Give a final head count to the caterer.
Delegate responsibilities to reliable individuals on your wedding day.
Wrap and present the wedding party gifts.
Finalize your rehearsal dinner arrangements or other plans.