This is a generic to-do list based on a typical, traditional wedding.  Browse the list below online or download the MS Excel version of the list.

The Excel file gives you the ability to input your wedding date and calculates estimated start dates for the various tasks.  You can view and print the Excel file by clicking on the icon below.  If you would like to download it to your hard drive, right click on the icon and choose "save target as".  Once you have downloaded the list, you can edit the tasks and formulas to fit your specific needs. 

Please contact us if you have any questions.

12-18 months

Select exact wedding date and time

Determine style of wedding - formal/traditional

Plan wedding budget / payment arrangements

Announce your wedding on BuffaloBride.com

Plan the engagement party

Choose Officiate

Reserve ceremony site

Choose reception site/caterer - contract/deposit

Choose attendants

Place engagement announcement in newspaper

Draft guest list

10-12 months

Decide on color scheme

Reserve church musicians

Write contract and mail to church musicians

Reserve Band / Sound System

Write contract and mail to band or DJ

Obtain photographer & videographer - contract/deposit

Choose florist

Select bridal dress and veil

Schedule any pre-wedding interviews as required by your church or officiate

Schedule pre-marital counseling as required by your church or officiate

Select bridesmaid dresses

6-9 months

Make honeymoon plans

Pick tux style & Reserve groom & attendant's attire

schedule 1st fitting for tuxes

4-6 Months

Select and purchase wedding rings

Choose invitations, stationary and note paper, gift TQ's

Order personalized napkins, matchbooks etc.

Reserve & make deposit for any items needed for the reception

Make accommodations for out of town people

Mother's coordinate & select dresses

Schedule 1st fitting for bridesmaids dresses

Arrange wedding day transportation (limo, cars) make deposits

Schedule bridal portrait

2-4 months

Schedule wedding rehearsal

Select music for ceremony

Select music for reception

Meet with Banquet manger / caterer to decide on menu choices

Purchase favors

Schedule rehearsal dinner

3 months

Choose bakery - order cake

Purchase bows for pews or have florist do it

Meet with florist and select all flowers

Choose readings & readers

Start address invitations

Complete guest list

Plan Bridal shower

2 months

1st fitting for tuxes

Confirm details with photographer

Confirm details with band / Sound system

Confirm limo arrangements

Confirm details with reception facility and/or caterer (menu, prices, etc)

Confirm details & rehearsal plans with priest/minister/officiate

Confirm dress delivery with bridal shop

Meet with hair stylist to discuss wedding day plans - bring veil or headpiece

Schedule hair appointment (bride)

Plan makeup (bride)

Child attendant 1st fittings

Check into local marriage license requirements

Have bridal portrait taken

Schedule hair appointments for bridesmaids

Prepare wedding announcement for newspaper

6 weeks

Finalize rehearsal plans

Finalize rehearsal dinner plans

Finalize and confirm honeymoon plans - purchase travelers checks if required

Go over details with ceremony musicians

Mail invitations

Obtain marriage license, baptismal certificate and any other required documents

Meet with band or DJ to discuss song list for reception

Purchase bridal accessories, garter, slip, stockings…

1 month

Obtain toasting glasses

Obtain unity candle & base

Purchase guest book

Purchase ring pillow

Purchase gifts for attendants & Fiancé

Pick up wedding rings

Get "Just Married" sign for car

Schedule bridesmaid luncheon

Record RSVP's and gifts received

Write thank-you's for gifts sent with RSVP's

Schedule final fittings for all groomsmen attire

Schedule final fittings for all bridesmaids attire

Send photo to newspaper

2 weeks

Make seating arrangements for reception

Confirm details for out of town guest arrangements

Reconfirm details with officiate

Reconfirm arrangement with band

Reconfirm photo poses, sites with photographer

Reconfirm details with bakery for cake

Reconfirm limo and wedding day transportation arrangements

Change name on legal documents, bank accounts, etc

Arrange for gift transportation (after wedding reception)

Arrange for bridal gown cleaning & preservation

Arrange for groom's tux return

Make and distribute a detailed wedding day schedule of events and instructions for all players

Begin moving into new home

Start to pack bags for honeymoon

1 week

Prepare final guest count for reception facility / caterer

Confirm any last minute details with wedding professionals and attendants

Have bridesmaid luncheon

Put together wedding emergency kit

2-4 days

Pick up Bridal Gown

Pick up tuxes and get final fitting

day before

Pack car for honeymoon

Manicure day before wedding (bride)

wedding day

Give rings to Best man / Maid of Honor

Get married!

Shortly after honeymoon

Mail gift thank-you's, hand written (no pre-printed inside message)