Search Forums

Wedding Forums > Brides Helping Brides ™ > The Ultimate Bride's To-Do list
The Ultimate Bride's To-Do list
JimmysBride Posted: Dec 15, 2003 09:31 PM+
JimmysBride MEMBER SINCE: 7/03 TOTAL POSTS : 10131 WEDDING DATE: Oct 09, 2004 WEDDING LOCATION: St. Agnes Cathedral
Posted: Dec 15, 2003 09:31 PM bride-minus.png

The Ultimate Bride's To-Do list

Ok ladies, I've seen many posts requesting sample to-do lists, various site's to-do lists (weddingchannel, theknot, etc) and I figured who better to make the ultimate to do list than us brides! I've combined what I've found so please feel free to chime in with anything I've forgotten (they aren't necessarily in the best order and not everything will apply to everyone):

Set Date
Set Budget
Prepare preliminary Guestlist
Engagement Announcements
Ceremony Site/Church
Officiant
Reception Site
Photographer
Videographer
Band/DJ - CH and Reception
Ceremony Musicians
Select & Ask Bridal Party

Purchase Wedding Insurance
Gather requirements for religious ceremony (baptismal certificates, divorce decrees, etc)
Register for Precana classes
Apply for passports and all travel necessities: visas, vaccines, etc
Block off hotel rooms for OOT Guests
Prepare STD guestlist
Send out STDs
Select stores, make list, & register
Book wedding day transportation (limos)

Shop for and order Bride's Gown
Shop for and order Bridesmaids Gowns
Shop for and order Flowergirl(s) Dress(es)
MOB & MOG order gowns
Finalize Guestlist
Book Honeymoon
Book Florist
Select and order Invitations
Book Calligrapher
Shop for and order wedding rings

Plan ceremony: writing vows, music selections, readings, kebutah, etc
Plan back up locations for ceremony, photo sessions in case of rain
Shop for, order/make favors
Purchase Bridal Party gifts, parents gifts
Purchase tiara/headpiece and veil(s)
Purchase Bride's shoes, undergarments, stockings, garters, and jewelry

Purchase cake serving set, toasting flutes, ring pillow, & any other ceremony needs (unity candle, tossing petals, etc)

Purchase Guestbook for reception
Order Tuxes
Plan reception: first dance song selection, parent dances, place cards, place card holders, cake topper, seating arrangements, etc
Select and order wedding cake
Schedule ceremony rehearsal
Book rehearsal dinner site and send out invites
Prepare OOT welcome baskets

Must-Take photo list
Do not play/must play lists for DJ/Band
Schedule Hair & Makeup trials
Sit for Engagement Photos
Purchase or make ceremony programs
Schedule day of hair, makeup, and nail appts for Bride and BMs
Host BM luncheon

Mail out invitations
Finalize menus, song selections, timelines, and all details with all vendors
Attend gown fittings
Break in wedding day shoes
Make sure you have something old, new, blue, etc

Call guests who have not RSVP'd
Obtain Marriage License
Shop & pack for Honeymoon
Attend shower and bachelor(ette) parties
Set aside time to write thank you notes for shower gifts
Prepare Day-of Timeline and give a copy to each vendor along with copies of must-take photo lists, etc
Send out wedding announcements to local paper


Confirm all final payments, schedule, pick up times, head count, etc with all vendors

Confirm HM reservations and travel arrangements

Create a “wedding box” to gather your ceremony accessories (marriage license,
candles, ring pillow, basket, guest book) and assign someone to transport.

Prepare a “reception box” for accessories such as guest books, cameras, toasting
goblets, cake toppers, etc., and assign someone to transport

Prepare day-of emergency kit
Prepare any speeches or toasts
Place tips for each vendor in envelopes





Phew!! Now, I'm sure I forgot stuff anyway and I left out the obvious (pick up your wedding gown) stuff but please add on!!



Reply   |   Quote    |   Subscribe   |   Report
Jen_n_Dale Posted: Dec 15, 2003 09:40 PM+
Jen_n_Dale MEMBER SINCE: 8/02 TOTAL POSTS : 4800 WEDDING DATE: Jul 02, 2004
Posted: Dec 15, 2003 09:40 PM bride-minus.png

Re: The Ultimate Bride's To-Do list

Great Job!
Reply   |   Quote    |   Subscribe   |   Report
AtticaQT Posted: Dec 16, 2003 01:11 PM+
AtticaQT MEMBER SINCE: 5/03 TOTAL POSTS : 6197 WEDDING DATE: Jan 09, 2005
Posted: Dec 16, 2003 01:11 PM bride-minus.png

Re: The Ultimate Bride's To-Do list

That is so great!
Reply   |   Quote    |   Subscribe   |   Report
RedHead Posted: Dec 16, 2003 07:26 PM+
RedHead MEMBER SINCE: 10/03 TOTAL POSTS : 18740 WEDDING DATE: Oct 02, 2004
Posted: Dec 16, 2003 07:26 PM bride-minus.png

Re: The Ultimate Bride's To-Do list

WOW.. Thanks Jimmysbride
I am printing this out tomorrow
Reply   |   Quote    |   Subscribe   |   Report
mich Posted: Dec 16, 2003 08:15 PM+
mich MEMBER SINCE: 1/03 TOTAL POSTS : 1112 WEDDING DATE: May 30, 2004
Posted: Dec 16, 2003 08:15 PM bride-minus.png

Re: The Ultimate Bride's To-Do list

thanks- that seems like a very thorough list!
Reply   |   Quote    |   Subscribe   |   Report
soon2bmrs2004 Posted: Dec 16, 2003 08:15 PM+
soon2bmrs2004 MEMBER SINCE: 4/03 TOTAL POSTS : 3388 WEDDING DATE: Nov 05, 2004
Posted: Dec 16, 2003 08:15 PM bride-minus.png

Re: The Ultimate Bride's To-Do list

WOW!!! This is great! You are the best!
Reply   |   Quote    |   Subscribe   |   Report
Sweetpea Posted: Dec 18, 2003 12:55 AM+
Sweetpea MEMBER SINCE: 11/02 TOTAL POSTS : 437 WEDDING DATE: Jun 12, 2004
Posted: Dec 18, 2003 12:55 AM bride-minus.png

Re: The Ultimate Bride's To-Do list

That was a big help! Thanks
Reply   |   Quote    |   Subscribe   |   Report
wenndypoo Posted: Dec 19, 2003 01:25 AM+
wenndypoo MEMBER SINCE: 1/03 TOTAL POSTS : 2390 WEDDING DATE: Apr 16, 2004
Posted: Dec 19, 2003 01:25 AM bride-minus.png

Re: The Ultimate Bride's To-Do list

Great list - thanks!!
Reply   |   Quote    |   Subscribe   |   Report
JimmysBride Posted: Dec 19, 2003 07:06 PM+
JimmysBride MEMBER SINCE: 7/03 TOTAL POSTS : 10131 WEDDING DATE: Oct 09, 2004 WEDDING LOCATION: St. Agnes Cathedral
Posted: Dec 19, 2003 07:06 PM bride-minus.png

Re: The Ultimate Bride's To-Do list

Thanks girls! Anything missing?
Reply   |   Quote    |   Subscribe   |   Report
JimmysBride Posted: Dec 30, 2003 08:31 PM+
JimmysBride MEMBER SINCE: 7/03 TOTAL POSTS : 10131 WEDDING DATE: Oct 09, 2004 WEDDING LOCATION: St. Agnes Cathedral
Posted: Dec 30, 2003 08:31 PM bride-minus.png

Re: The Ultimate Bride's To-Do list

Bumping for JuneBabyBride
Reply   |   Quote    |   Subscribe   |   Report
Moehick Posted: Jan 10, 2004 10:38 PM+
Moehick MEMBER SINCE: 9/03 TOTAL POSTS : 7332 WEDDING DATE: Mar 14, 2004
Posted: Jan 10, 2004 10:38 PM bride-minus.png

Re: The Ultimate Bride's To-Do list

Wow you didn't miss a thing!
Reply   |   Quote    |   Subscribe   |   Report
SteffieSunshine1 Posted: Jan 11, 2004 10:28 AM+
SteffieSunshine1 MEMBER SINCE: 1/04 TOTAL POSTS : 1294 WEDDING DATE: May 30, 2004
Posted: Jan 11, 2004 10:28 AM bride-minus.png

Re: The Ultimate Bride's To-Do list



If I wasn't nervous before, I am now!

Thanks for all your work...great list
Reply   |   Quote    |   Subscribe   |   Report
nferrandi Posted: Jan 12, 2004 11:27 PM+
nferrandi MEMBER SINCE: 12/03 TOTAL POSTS : 5367 WEDDING DATE: Oct 09, 2004
Posted: Jan 12, 2004 11:27 PM bride-minus.png

Re: The Ultimate Bride's To-Do list

That list just scared the sh*t out of me!?! I'm intimidated just to read it.lol!
Reply   |   Quote    |   Subscribe   |   Report
Marcela1654 Posted: Jan 12, 2004 11:55 PM+
Marcela1654 MEMBER SINCE: 2/02 TOTAL POSTS : 10382 WEDDING DATE: May 16, 2004
Posted: Jan 12, 2004 11:55 PM bride-minus.png

Re: The Ultimate Bride's To-Do list

CRAP!!!

Thanks for the list
Reply   |   Quote    |   Subscribe   |   Report
Sassy Posted: Jan 21, 2004 04:49 PM+
Sassy MEMBER SINCE: 7/02 TOTAL POSTS : 11475 WEDDING DATE: May 31, 2003
Posted: Jan 21, 2004 04:49 PM bride-minus.png

Re: The Ultimate Bride's To-Do list

Great list
Reply   |   Quote    |   Subscribe   |   Report
chris605 Posted: Jan 24, 2004 09:24 PM+
chris605 MEMBER SINCE: 6/03 TOTAL POSTS : 2239 WEDDING DATE: Oct 02, 2004
Posted: Jan 24, 2004 09:24 PM bride-minus.png

Re: The Ultimate Bride's To-Do list

Thats a great list - Thanks
Reply   |   Quote    |   Subscribe   |   Report
Leoane Posted: Jan 25, 2004 03:26 AM+
Leoane MEMBER SINCE: 1/04 TOTAL POSTS : 293 WEDDING DATE: Mar 25, 2007
Posted: Jan 25, 2004 03:26 AM bride-minus.png

Re: The Ultimate Bride's To-Do list

that cool you got evertthing thank
Reply   |   Quote    |   Subscribe   |   Report
jennbaby Posted: Jan 25, 2004 08:12 AM+
jennbaby MEMBER SINCE: 9/01 TOTAL POSTS : 29573 WEDDING DATE: May 17, 2003
Posted: Jan 25, 2004 08:12 AM bride-minus.png

Re: The Ultimate Bride's To-Do list

here was what I used:

church:

select readers/select readings/people to bring up the gifts/ceremony music list/rehearsal date and dinner location/aisle runner/bubbles/rose petals/bells/butterflies/boquet for blessed mother/roses for moms/pew bows/unity candle and holders/alter flowers/rose petal cones/basket for roses/bubbles/etc./programs & person to hand them out/church offering/memory candle/
bag pipes or tumpets

hall:
--cocktail hour music/select menu/final count/select cake/ table linens/ seating arrangement/place cards/guest book/ flowers for the dais-cake-tables-bathroom-place card table- cocktail room-passing trays-/toasting glasses/cake top/cake server/ money card holder/ table cameras color & b& w with poems or scavenger hunt/ favors/

videographer (baby pics/honeymoon pics/must have shots/in between ceremony-hall location for pics/select music for video/)

photographer (engagement shoot/must have pics list/in between ceremony-hall pic. location/)

dj/band (select songs/giveaways/must play list/don't play list/special announcements that have to be made/your wedding song/special requests/

florist -
(select centerpiece/boquet/throw away boquet/bouts./bm boquets/corsages/fg baskets/loose petals/dais/passing trays/bathroom/cocktail hour room/blessed mother boquet/mom's roses)

limos-pick ups-drop offs---see how many hours they are needed (watch overtime)/clean/reputable/Working condition (not going to breakdown!)-air condiditon or heat!/bar/aisle runner/written directions to ceremony and hall and any in between locations/ champagne/

invitations-
number needed/calligraphy/stamps/wording/ response date/proper stuffing order!/ stickers for the back of the envelope/ directions to hall/ceremony locations/

favors (wrapped/ribbon/almonds/ number needed)

attire:
dress/shoes/garter/veil/headpiece/jewelry/
pocketbook/stockings/ undergarments/makeup/hair

BM dresses (shoes/how to wear hair/jewelry/gifts/stockings/undergarments/ pocketbook/cards)

groom's tux/shoes/hair/black socks/undergarments!;)/bout

GM tux's/shoes/black socks/bout/gifts


parent gifts
special family member gifts
makeup/makeup trials
hair/hair trials
nails
blocking hotel rooms
guest transportation (if needed)
place cards & holders
wedding bands
ring bearer pillow
precana
marriage license



something old, new, borrowed, & blue
throwaway and keep garter
hosiary
black socks
menus
emergency kit (tylenol/bobby pins/hairspray/etc.)
aisle runner
music ceremony--singers/instruments

tips (deciding on how much to tip and who will handle it for you that day/marking the envelopes)
save the dates
guest list/addresses (final list (final head count)

For the church- music (instrument(s), singer(s)... programs...unity candle...pew bows...aisle runner...flower petals, bells, birdseed, confetti, bubbles...(baskets for the previously mentioned items)...ringbearer pillow...For the reception: disposable cameras...scrolls...menus...placecard holders...centerpieces...mailbox/card holder/birdcage...comfy shoes...throwaway bouquet...favors...basket for the girls bathroom filled with hairspray, tissues, spray deoderant, gum, advil, etc... basket for the guys bathroom filled with cigars, matches, tylenol, rolaids and breath mints..

** Vendor phone numbers (in case there's a last minute issue)

** Extra Stockings (In case yours run)

**Shout Wipes & Chalk (in case you get a stain on your gown)

**Throwaway bouqet if doing the toss (I left my sister's in the limo when I was her MOH -- Boy was she pissed!)

** Matches, napkins, other small favors for the table (My best friend forgot the personalized napkins & matchbooks at home for her wedding.. what a waste!)

** Send readers their readings before wedding -- Plus, print out readings in large font and bring to church (it's a lot easier on the reader)

** Waxing / Tanning / teeth bleaching (get that personal grooming out of the way)

** Comfortable shoes (a lot of brides change into slippers -- but that means the hem of your dress will drag.

** Figure out who'll take the stuff home from the reception hall / who'll drive you to the airport...

** For Pet Owners --> arrange boarding for your pet

**hankie

**Breakfast the day of (something light, that won't get you messy, that you don't have to spend time cooking.

** Any additional decorations (I got a bunch of bride & groom stuff as gifts: teddy bears, a snowglobe, and statue --> I'm gonna use them to decorate the placecard & sign-in table)

** Shop & pack for honeymoon (My FI had virtually no swim trunks -- it was a nightmare finding som at this time of year)

** If you are spending the night in a hotel, then leaving immediately for HM -- figure out what you're doing w/ your dress

** For HM -- travel stuff (neck pillows, book, walkman, sleep mask -- Overseas: passport, visa, converter plugs, guidebooks...)

** Caketopper

Extra set of maps and directions cards for anyone who forgot theirs.

Arrange a place/ suggest places for quests to spend the time inbetween the church and the reception (if applicable)

Have list for photographer/or designate someone to hold a list of photos you would like taken to make sure none or no one is forgotten

Make 'day of' and 'day before' agendas so you don't forget anything you want to get done

Have gown and tux bags for after the reception

Have a personal camera with extra film

Have a camera for rehersal and dinner

MARRIAGE LICENSE !!!
All vendor contact information, as well as copies of any contracts to avoid any problems

If you are having any extra decorations, etc. I want to make sure I have plenty of extra votive candles

If leaving for honeymoon that night or next day, make sure everything you need is all put together, esp. passports, drivers license, tickets, agendas, etc.

Reply   |   Quote    |   Subscribe   |   Report
JimmysBride Posted: Jan 28, 2004 05:49 PM+
JimmysBride MEMBER SINCE: 7/03 TOTAL POSTS : 10131 WEDDING DATE: Oct 09, 2004 WEDDING LOCATION: St. Agnes Cathedral
Posted: Jan 28, 2004 05:49 PM bride-minus.png

Re: The Ultimate Bride's To-Do list

Great list Jennbaby!!! Thanks for adding on!
Reply   |   Quote    |   Subscribe   |   Report
spazybride04 Posted: Feb 04, 2004 12:46 PM+
spazybride04 MEMBER SINCE: 1/03 TOTAL POSTS : 503 WEDDING DATE: May 01, 2004
Posted: Feb 04, 2004 12:46 PM bride-minus.png

Re: The Ultimate Bride's To-Do list

bump

cause I needed this REAL bad!

and it beats doing a search of all boards


Happy Planning!

Reply   |   Quote    |   Subscribe   |   Report
No Posts Found With Your Match.
  • Chat With Local Long Island Brides
  • Lessings Waterfront Mansions
  • Larkfield
  • The Crescent Beach Club-The Crescent Beach Club
  • Dalsimer Spitz and Peck-Dalsimer Spitz and Peck
  • Hotels-
 
Welcome New Vendors
X
X
X
X
Email to Friend
X
Submit a Report