Hawaii's Wedding Checklist

Bridal Check list: Preparation for a Wedding


12 – 18 months_____ Purchase Engagement Rings

_____ Send Engagement Announcement to Newspaper
_____ Send Engagement Announcement by email to friends 
_____ Set Wedding Budget 
_____ Set Wedding Date 
_____ Decide type of Wedding ( Informal or Formal) 
_____ Interview Wedding Consultants 
_____ Determine number of guest to be invited 
_____ Select Ceremony Site 
_____ Select Reception Site 
_____ Choose Caterer 
_____ Choose Photographer 
_____ Choose Videographer 
_____ Select Musicians ( Live Band, DJ, Harpist) 


6 – 12 months_____ Final Selection on Wedding Rings 
_____Take Engagement Photos
_____ Open joint bank accounts 
_____ Take dancing lessons for first dance if you wish (start practicing) 
_____ Choose and order Wedding Gown 
_____ Reserve Limousine/ Wedding Transportation
_____ Choose color theme for wedding 
_____ Choose bridal party 
_____ Select Bridesmaid Dresses
_____ Plan details of decorations ( Balloons, Flowers)
_____ Select Florist 
_____ Select Officiant (Pastor, Judge) for wedding ceremony
_____ Select Hair & Make-up Artist
_____ Shop for Trousseau & Going away attire
_____ Select Baker (Wedding Cake) 


4 – 6 months_____ Consult with Attorneys ( Prenuptial Agreement and other legal matters) 
_____ Select Bridal Registry items 
_____ Select Music for Wedding Ceremony and Reception 
_____ Reserve rental equipment if needed 
_____ Prepare accommodations for Out of Town Guest 
_____ Plan Bridal Shower Party 
_____ Plan Bridesmaid luncheon 
_____ Purchase Veil and Bridal Accessories – See Bridal Accessories Checklist 
_____ Purchase gifts for Bridal Party – See Gift Ideas 
_____ Make appointment for practice session for Hair & Make-up 
_____ Order Wedding Favors 
_____ Review plans for Wedding Ceremony & Reception 
_____ Have Mothers choose their own dresses 
_____ Make Honeymoon Plans 


2 – 3 months_____ Pick-up wedding rings – make sure they fit and are engraved correctly 
_____ If changing your name – Order name change kit 
_____ Send out Invitations to Out of Town Guest 
_____ Make out a photographer ‘s Checklist 
_____ Purchase Gifts for each other
_____ Apply for Marriage License 
_____ Address & Send out Invitations 
_____ Select & Coordinate Wedding Ceremony Program 
_____ Appoint Guestbook Attendants for Wedding Ceremony & Reception 
_____ Confirm Out of Town Guest accommodations 
_____ Confirm & Finalize details with Florist 
_____ Confirm Rehearsal Program Officiant 
_____ Confirm Guest count with Caterer/Restaurant 
_____ Final Fitting for Bridesmaids Dresses & Wedding Gown
_____ Select Tux Styles for Groomsmen & Fathers
_____ Finalize Wedding Day Schedule (Itinerary) 
_____ Confirm Transportation Schedule 
_____ Reserve restaurant for rehearsal dinner 
_____ Have Bridal Shower 
_____ Have Bachelorette/Bachelor Party  
_____ Have Formal Wedding Portrait taken 
_____ Review Checklist for Wedding Day Ceremony & Reception
_____ Make reservations for Bridesmaids luncheon



1 Month_____ Call guests that have not yet RSVP'd 
_____ Get your teeth cleaned/whiten 
_____ Confirm honeymoon plans & pick-up airline tickets 
_____ Assign Wedding day helpers 
_____ Keep track of gifts received and start on thank you notes 
_____ Arrange for a professional to preserve and heirloom your Gown & Bouquet 
_____ Pick-up Bridesmaids Dresses & Wedding Gown (Already Pressed) 
_____ Start seating arrangement & prepare seating name cards 
_____ Confirm final details with Florist
_____ Confirm final details with Photographer 
_____ Confirm final details with Officiant 
_____ Confirm final details with Videographer 
_____ Confirm final details with Baker 
_____ Confirm final details with Restaurant/Caterer 
_____ Confirm final details with Coordinator 
_____ Confirm final details for Wedding Transportation 
_____ Confirm final details with Bridal party 
_____ Confirm final details with Wedding Helpers 
_____ Confirm final details with Rental Equipment Company 
_____ Confirm final details with Musicians 
_____ Double Check Attire and Accessories for Bridal Party & Yourself 
_____ Confirm schedule for Hair & Make-up Artist 
_____ Get your Hair Trimmed 
_____ Plan and create Wedding Day Itinerary (15 minute interval) 
_____ Get a Facial 


1 Week_____ Final Guest count with Caterer/Restaurant 
_____ Relax – take a long leisurely bath 
_____ Re-confirm with Travel Agent or Airlines 
_____ Review all seating arrangement with ushers and helpers 
_____ Pack for Honeymoon Trip 
_____ Arrange for Bridal Party, Parents & Family and Photographer and Videographer to all meet at a designated location (when taking pictures prior to the Wedding ceremony) 


1 – 2 Days_____ Get a Manicure & Pedicure 
_____ Get a Massage 
_____ Attend Wedding Rehearsal Dinner 
_____ Pick-up Rental Tux for Groomsmen (Groom or Bestman)
_____ Prepare Final payment in individual envelopes for each Professional 


Wedding Day_____  Relax 
_____ Go to Hair & Make-up appointment 
_____ Get Dressed 
_____ Have Fun – It’s your Wedding Day!