Wedding Checklist

12 Months Out

• Celebrate your engagement!
• Set your budget and guest count. Set your budget based on the estimated guest count.
• Pick your date and theme. Choosing an overall theme for your wedding will help you select the venue and attire.
• Secure Ceremony and Reception venue. (Contact New Orleans & Company for complimentary assistance)
• Hire a wedding planner.
• Select your wedding party.
• Send out save-the-dates. Finalize mailing addresses based on your guest list.
• Schedule an engagement photo shoot.

6-9 Months Out

• Select your vendors. Including caterer, officiant, entertainment, florist, etc.
• Shop and order Bridal Gown.
• Create Wedding Registry.
• Shop and order bridesmaid dresses.
• Arrange and book your transportation.
• Reserve your party rentals.
• Plan your honeymoon. Decide where you want to go and make sure passports are up to date.

4-5 Months Out

• Arrange hotel accommodations for out of town guests. 
• Purchase wedding rings.
• Book rehearsal dinner. 
• Order favors.
• Order stationary.
• Schedule final Wedding Gown alterations.
• Decide on groom and groomsmen attire.
• Touch base with vendors. Inform vendors of any new wedding details.
• Schedule dance lessons. (If you have two left feet, this may alleviate your first dance nerves.)
• Order wedding cake and groom’s cake.
• Finalize honeymoon arrangements.

2 - 3 Months Out

• Make accommodations for your wedding night. If you’re not leaving for your honeymoon directly after the reception, decide where you want to stay for the night.
• Send out wedding invitations. (Are children welcome at your destination wedding?)
• Work on your ceremony vows. (This is especially important if you plan to write them yourself.)
• Confirm catering menu.
• Book hair and makeup for wedding day.
• Purchase additional wedding accessories. (Wedding accessories include: a ring-bearer pillow, guestbook, unity candle, cake serving knife and toasting flutes. Bridal accessories include shoes, garter, jewelry, etc.)
• Schedule a tasting for wedding cake and caterer.
• Write thank you notes for gifts as they arrive.
• Request a permit and book a band for your second line.

1 Month Out

• Finalize itinerary with wedding planner. Alert your wedding party once finalized.
• Get marriage license. 
• Schedule a trial run for hair and makeup.

1 Week Out

• Follow up with missing RSVPs.
• Final check with vendors. Confirm final payments, guest count and any additional details for day of wedding.
• Treat yourself to a manicure and pedicure.
• Contact New Orleans & Company for welcome bags. Welcome bags for your out of town guests are complimentary and include a New Orleans official visitor’s guide and French Quarter walking map.
• Pack for your honeymoon.

Wedding Day

• Wake up your wedding party with a delivery of hot beignets and café au lait (and don’t forget to eat breakfast yourself).
• Give yourself plenty of time to get ready.
• Make sure your best man has the rings.
• Don’t forget the officiant’s fee.

The Day After

• Sleep in.
• Live happily ever after!