Wedding Timeline | Back to Top

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Nine to Twelve Months Before:
• Pick out engagement ring with fiancé.
• Determine who will officiate at the ceremony.
• Select a wedding date and time.
• Send engagement announcements by Carlson Craft.
• Determine how many guests may attend.
• Determine the type of wedding you want (size, formality, style, color scheme).

Six to Nine Months Before:
• Start compiling the guest list (inform your families to do the same).
• Select the attendants for your wedding party.
• Shop for wedding dress, headpiece, veil, etc.
• Start planning for honeymoon.
• Register with a gift bridal registry in your favorite store(s).
• Send Carlson Craft Save The Dates.

Four to Six Months Before:
• Make appointment for a physical exam with your doctor/dentist.
• Check requirements for blood test and marriage license in your state.
• Shop for wedding rings.
• Select and order Carlson Craft invitations and stationery.
• Decide where to live after the wedding.
• Complete the guest lists.
• Begin shopping for trousseau.
• Send your engagement announcement to the newspaper.
• Inform mothers to select their dresses.
• Select and order the men’s attire.
• Finalize honeymoon details and make the necessary reservations.

Two to Four Months Before:
• Confirm the menu and catering details with the caterer.
• Prepare all maps and directions for the ceremony and reception.
• Select your wedding rings.
• Buy a wedding guest book, available through Carlson Craft.
• Set the dates and times with the officiate for the rehearsal.
• Plan the bridesmaids’ luncheon and any other parties.
• See your Carlson Craft Retailer for designing and printing the program for the ceremony.
• Finalize the florist details, photographer, videographer, musicians, etc.
• Arrange the necessary accommodations for out-of-town guests.
• Plan a rehearsal dinner, time and place.
• Confirm the wedding cake details with the baker.

Six to Eight Weeks Before:
• Mail invitations and announcements.
• Prepare a portrait for the newspaper. Check your local newspaper for details and timing.
• Set appointment with photographer for your formal bridal portrait.
• Select gifts for all your attendants. Shop Quite Personally! by Carlson Craft.
• Set appointments with any hair dressers and/or make-up artists.
• Hire the limousine or other forms of transportation for the wedding.

Four to Six Weeks Before:
• Decide what your menu is going to be for the reception. Estimate the expected number of guests.
• Buy a gift for the groom.
• Schedule a final fitting for your gown so it can be ready for your formal bridal portrait.
• Purchase a going away outfit.
• Pick up your wedding rings.
• Purchase wedding accessories from Carlson Craft such as the ring pillow, goblets, garter belt, candles, etc.
• Confirm florist details and delivery times.
• Plan the seating for the reception as well as other details for the ceremony and reception.
• Start writing placement cards.
• Make sure all bridesmaids’ attire has been fitted.
• Buy a gift for the bride.

Two Weeks Before:
• Make arrangements to have your wedding gifts moved to your new home.
• Handle business and legal details such as name changes, address changes, etc.
• Prepare the wedding announcement for the newspaper.
• Reconfirm your guests’ accommodations.
• Make sure all clothing and accessories for you and the bridal party are ready.
• Get your marriage license and any blood tests which are needed.

One Week Before:
• Review any seating details with the ushers.
• Make sure all wedding attire fits.
• Finalize the seating arrangements.
• Reconfirm your honeymoon reservations. Ensure you have any necessary plane tickets.
• Start packing for your honeymoon.
• Call any guests who have not responded yet.
• Finish all the place cards for the reception.
• Review all the final details with your photographer, videographer, etc.
• Give a final head count to the caterer.
• Confirm the availability of the musicians and vocalists.
• Delegate responsibilities to reliable individuals on your wedding day.
• Wrap and present the wedding party gifts.
• Finalize your rehearsal dinner arrangements and other plans.

One Day Before:
• Get a manicure or massage to relax yourself.
• Stay with your family the night before and go to sleep early.
• Review and rehearse all the details of your participants.

The Big Day:
• Make sure the best man and maid of honor sign the wedding certificate.
• Allow yourself plenty of time to get dressed.
• Enjoy your wonderful wedding and cherish each and every moment.
• Be sure to eat properly.
• Rest and relax with a good bath.
• Prepare for your hairdresser and make-up appointments.

After the Wedding:
• Send thank you notes from Carlson Craft, as soon as possible, after the wedding.
• Have bridal gown cleaned and preserved.
• Change your name on ID and important documents.
• Complete change of address cards.

This article was contributed by Carlson Craft | Back to Top

Printer Friendly Wedding Checklist PDF

Use this checklist to ensure you have all the items you need for your dream day!
Rehearsal Dinner, Ceremony & Stationery Essentials, Attendants' & Appreciation Gifts, Reception Essentials, and Favors

This article was contributed by Carlson Craft | Back to Top

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2-3 Months
• Set a date
• Create a guest list
• Establish a party budget
• Select a party theme
• Find and reserve a location

1 Month
• Order Carlson Craft party invitations and respond cards
• Purchase Quite Personally! decorations and party favors from Carlson Craft
• Plan activities
• Plan menu

2-3 Weeks
• Send party invitations and respond cards
• Purchase non-perishable food and drinks for party if no caterer
• Purchase paper plates and disposable cups
• Buy any gifts needed

1 Week
• Confirm reservations and give final head count
• Begin to clean and prepare your house
• Place order for food

Day Before
• Decorate your house or venue
• Prepare foods if no caterer
• Get camera and camcorder together and working
• Pick up cake if ordered
• Buy perishable drinks and food if no caterer

The Day
• Finish all food preparations if no caterer
• Mark the outside of the house or party location with balloons and signs

This article was contributed by Carlson Craft | Back to Top

Saint Cloud Wedding Expo
Sunday, September 12, 2010
St. Cloud Civic Center, Saint Cloud, MN
10:00am to 3:00pm; Fashion Shows start at 11:30am & 1:30pm
Visit the Saint Cloud Wedding Expo Website
Admission: $7

Saint Cloud Wedding Expo
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Saint Cloud, MN
10:00am to 3:00pm; Fashion Shows at 11:30am & 1:30pm
Admission: Purchase tickets at the door

Bridal Extravaganza
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Holiday Inn, Alexandria, MN
Exhibits open at Noon, Fashion Show starts at 3:00pm
Admission: $3.00

2010 Perfect MN Wedding Expo
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Falls Ballroom, 15879 Highway 27, Little Falls, MN
11:00am - 3:00pm; Style Show starts at 2:00pm
Admission: Free

This article was contributed by Lakes Area Celebrations | Back to Top

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12 Months
• Choose wedding date
• Choose/Reserve locations for Wedding & Reception
• Discuss budget
• Send Save the Dates by Carlson Craft
• Reserve photographer/videographer

7-9 Months
• Select and ask attendants: Best Man, Groomsmen, Ushers
• Choose/reserve rehearsal dinner location and decide menu
• Choose/reserve DJ or Band
• Schedule engagement photo
• Compile wedding guest list
• Discuss Honeymoon location and budget
• Reserve accommodations for guests (block hotel rooms)

4-6 Months
• Select Carlson Craft wedding invitations
• Select wedding bands
• Choose/order men's formal wear
• Finalize guest lists
• Register for gifts
• Arrange wedding transportation
• Finalize honeymoon plans

2-3 Months
• Purchase meaningful gift for Bride
• Purchase Groomsmen, Ushers and Parents gifts from Quite Personally! by Carlson Craft
• Decide on rehearsal outfit
• Check tuxedo shop measurements
• Order Carlson Craft rehearsal dinner invitations
• Choose song for mother/groom dance
• Create information packs for out-of-town guests including directions and transportation details, hotel accommodations and list of things to do

6-8 Weeks
• Send wedding invitations
• Send information packs a week after invitations
• Send announcement to newspaper
• Confirm measurements with Tuxedo Shop

1 Month
• Send rehearsal dinner invitations
• Pick up wedding bands
• Take care of business and legal affairs: Inform car/home/renter's insurance of marriage, Change beneficiary to fiancé for will and life insurance policy

2-3 Weeks
• Get marriage license with fiancé
• Confirm Honeymoon reservations & Transportation for all events
• Hair appointment
• Arrange to move belongings to new home
• Create wedding day schedule

1 Week
• Give final guest count to reception venue
• Confirm rehearsal dinner plans
• Pack for honeymoon
• Prepare for Groom's speech at reception
• Arrange for flowers to be delivered to bride, mother and mother-in-law

1-2 Days Before
• Pick up tuxedo rentals
• Give Best Man the officiant's fee

Wedding Day
• Give wedding rings to Best Man
• Give license to officiant
• Give gift to Bride
• Relax and let it all sink in!

This article was contributed by Carlson Craft | Back to Top