Using Community’s Checklist Can Help Pre-Wedding Relieve Stress

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

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