Editor’s note: Stephanie Raphel wrote this timeline several years ago. Most of the material in her original column still holds true. It has been updated to reflect today’s realities.
One Year Ahead
- Pick a date
- Reserve a place for ceremony and the reception
- Set a budget (Include 3 percent for tzedakah to help feed the hungry)
- Reserve the entertainment
- Notify the rabbi
Six to Eight Months Ahead
- Choose a caterer, florist, photographer and/or videographer
- Choose a color scheme and decorations
- Pick out attendants’ gowns
- Shop for a veil
- Decide about how many guests to invite
- Select a wedding gown
- Select a chuppah, particularly if you are having one made especially for you
- Three Months Ahead
- Consult with the rabbi about the service
- Choose and order a ketuba
- Start planning your honeymoon
- Schedule fittings for bridesmaids’ dresses
- Register for china and household items
- Finalize the guest list
- Arrange for tuxedos for the groom and his attendants
- Order invitations
Two Months Ahead
- Choose the menu
- Address and mail invitations
- Reserve hotel accommodations for out-of-town guests
- Shop for wedding rings
- Arrange limousine transportation for the bridal party from the site of the ceremony to the reception
One Month Ahead
- Obtain a marriage license
- Make a seating chart and place cards
- Notify the newspapers of your forthcoming marriage (Your notice should arrive at Community at least five weeks before the event.)
- Plan rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
- Schedule final fittings
- Order the cake
- Confirm final arrangements with band, caterer and the florist
- Order thank you notes
- Record gifts as they arrive
Three Weeks Ahead
- Make arrangements with the mikvah attendant.
Two Weeks Ahead
- Confirm reservations at the hotel
- Give a preliminary guest count to the caterer
- Confirm delivery of the flowers
One Week Ahead
- Give a final guest count to the caterer
- Buy gifts for your attendants
- Choose a hairstyle that works with your headpiece