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1. Determine your overall budget:

   • Total wedding budget

   • Emergency fund for unexpected expenses
      

2. Wedding Venue:

   • Ceremony venue rental fee

   • Reception venue rental fee

   • Site visits and inspections

   • Insurance and permits (if applicable)

   • Additional decor or rental fees (chairs, tables, linens, etc.)

   • Ceremony sound system and microphones
     
      

3. Wedding Attire:

   • Bridal gown purchase or rental

   • Bridal gown alterations and fittings

   • Bridal accessories (veil, shoes, jewelry, etc.)

   • Groom's suit or tuxedo purchase or rental

   • Groom's suit or tuxedo alterations

   • Groom's accessories (shoes, tie, cufflinks, etc.)

   • Bridesmaid dresses purchase or rental

   • Groomsmen attire purchase or rental

   • Bridesmaid and groomsmen accessories (shoes, jewelry, etc.)

   • Hair and makeup trials and services
     
      

4. Photography and Videography:

   • Wedding photographer's fee

   • Engagement photo shoot

   • Additional hours or coverage

   • Second photographer (if desired)

   • Wedding videographer's fee

   • Additional videography options (highlight reel, drone footage, etc.)

   • Photo prints, albums, and digital copies
     
      

5. Wedding Stationary:

   • Save-the-dates design and printing

   • Wedding invitations design and printing

   • RSVP cards and envelopes

   • Thank-you cards and envelopes

   • Postage fees

   • Ceremony programs or booklets

   • Escort cards or place cards

   • Menu cards

   • Seating chart or display
     
      

6. Catering and Cake:

   • Reception catering per person cost

   • Bar services (open bar, limited bar, cash bar)

   • Specialty drinks or signature cocktails

   • Cake tasting and design consultation

   • Wedding cake or desserts per slice cost

   • Cake cutting fee (if applicable)

   • Additional food stations or late-night snacks

   • Vendor meals
     
      

7. Flowers and Decorations:

   • Bridal bouquet

   • Bridesmaid bouquets

   • Groom and groomsmen boutonnieres

   • Corsages for mothers and grandmothers

   • Ceremony arch or altar flowers

   • Aisle decorations (petals, candles, etc.)

   • Reception centerpieces

   • Head table or sweetheart table decor

   • Flower girl petals or basket

   • Ceremony and reception signage

   • Rental fees for vases, stands, etc.

   • Additional floral arrangements (cocktail tables, restroom, etc.)
     
      

8. Entertainment:

   • DJ or band fees

   • Ceremony musicians (string quartet, harpist, etc.)

   • Sound system or equipment rental

   • Lighting and special effects (uplighting, monogram projection, etc.)

   • Photo booth rental

   • Dance floor rental

   • Additional entertainment (magician, caricaturist, etc.)
     
      

9. Wedding Planner or Coordinator:

   • Full-service planner fee

   • Partial planning or coordination fee

   • Day-of coordinator fee

   • Travel and accommodation expenses (if applicable)
     
      

10. Transportation:

    • Limousine or car rental for the wedding party

    • Transportation for guests (shuttle, bus, etc.)

    • Valet parking service (if applicable)

    • Additional transportation for pre-wedding events (rehearsal dinner, etc.)
      
       

11. Ceremony Expenses:

    • Officiant's fee

    • Marriage license fee

• Start with your wedding date and work backward to create a timeline.

• Include major milestones such as booking vendors, sending invitations, and dress fittings.

• Break down each milestone into smaller tasks to stay organized.

• Utilize wedding planning apps or online tools to help you track deadlines.

​

12-18 Months Before the Wedding:

• Determine your wedding style, theme, and overall vision.

• Set a budget and establish your priorities.

• Create a guest list and gather contact information.

• Research and select potential wedding venues in Upstate NY. Consider popular destinations such as the Finger Lakes, Adirondacks, or Hudson Valley.

• Book the wedding venue and secure your wedding date. (internal link: [Upstate NY Wedding Venues])

• Research and book wedding vendors such as photographer, videographer, caterer, florist, and entertainment. (internal link: [Wedding Vendors in Upstate NY])

• Begin looking for your wedding dress or attire. (internal link: [Bridal Boutiques in Upstate NY])

• Start planning any pre-wedding events like engagement parties or bridal showers.

• Research and reserve hotel accommodations for out-of-town guests visiting Upstate NY.

10-12 Months Before the Wedding:

• Hire a wedding planner, if desired. (internal link: [Wedding Planners in Upstate NY])

• Choose and order your wedding dress or attire. (internal link: [Wedding Dresses in Upstate NY])

• Finalize the guest list.

• Begin researching and booking ceremony musicians and officiant. (internal link: [Wedding Musicians in Upstate NY])

• Start planning the wedding ceremony and reception details.

• Create a wedding website or start a wedding binder to organize information.

• Begin designing and ordering save-the-date cards.

• Begin researching and booking accommodation for the wedding night. (internal link: [Wedding Night Accommodations in Upstate NY])

• Start brainstorming and gathering ideas for wedding decorations and themes.

8-10 Months Before the Wedding:

• Book the ceremony musicians and officiant.

• Select and order bridesmaid dresses and groomsmen attire.

• Research and book transportation for the wedding day. (internal link: [Wedding Transportation in Upstate NY])

• Begin planning the honeymoon and make necessary reservations. (internal link: [Honeymoon Destinations in Upstate NY])

• Create a preliminary wedding day timeline.

• Start thinking about wedding stationery such as invitations, programs, and menus.

• Meet with caterers and select a menu. (internal link: [Wedding Caterers in Upstate NY])

• Start planning the wedding cake or desserts.

• Start a beauty and fitness routine.

6-8 Months Before the Wedding:

• Order wedding invitations, programs, and other stationery.

• Arrange transportation for the wedding party and guests, if needed.

• Book accommodations for the wedding night.

• Schedule hair and makeup trials. (internal link: [Wedding Hair and Makeup Artists in Upstate NY])

• Plan the rehearsal dinner.

• Begin planning the seating arrangements for the reception.

• Start shopping for wedding rings.

• Research marriage license requirements in Upstate NY and begin the application process.

• Begin addressing and sending out invitations.

• Schedule engagement photo session. (internal link: [Engagement Photographers in Upstate NY])

4-6 Months Before the Wedding:

• Arrange rental items such as chairs, tables, or linens.

• Finalize the wedding day timeline and share it with vendors and the wedding party.

• Order wedding favors and other personalized items.

• Choose and order wedding rings.

• Schedule dress fittings and alterations.

• Meet with the officiant to discuss the ceremony details.

• Finalize and order wedding cake or desserts.

• Plan the rehearsal dinner and send out invitations.

• Start planning any additional activities or entertainment for the wedding day.

• Begin creating a playlist or selecting songs for the ceremony and reception.

2-4 Months Before the Wedding:

• Mail out wedding invitations.

• Finalize menu and beverage selections with the caterer.

• Schedule final dress fittings.

• Arrange for any necessary rentals or additional services.

• Confirm transportation arrangements.

• Finalize the order of the ceremony and reception events.

• Purchase gifts for the wedding party and parents.

• Plan and book the wedding day beauty appointments.

• Purchase any necessary accessories such as shoes, jewelry, or undergarments.

• Arrange for wedding day emergency kits.

1-2 Months Before the Wedding:

• Track RSVPs and follow up with any non-responders.

• Finalize the seating chart and create place cards.

• Confirm final details with all vendors.

• Obtain the marriage license in Upstate NY.

• Create a detailed wedding day schedule for the wedding party and vendors.

• Have your final dress fitting and arrange for pickup or delivery.

• Plan the rehearsal dinner and confirm reservations.

• Start writing your vows, if you plan to personalize them.

1 Week Before the Wedding:

• Confirm delivery times and setup details with all vendors.

• Pack for the honeymoon and prepare any necessary travel documents.

• Confirm all details with the wedding venue and vendors in Upstate NY.

• Make final payments to vendors.

• Have a final meeting with the wedding planner or coordinator.

• Organize all necessary items for the wedding day, including marriage license, rings, and personal items.

• Have a spa day or relax to reduce stress.

On the Wedding Day:

• Allow ample time for hair and makeup.

• Get dressed and enjoy the day!

• Stay hydrated and have snacks throughout the day.

• Follow the wedding day schedule and relax.

• Exchange vows, celebrate with loved ones, and cherish the moment.

Remember to be flexible and adaptable throughout the planning process. Take breaks when needed and seek help from friends, family, or professionals. Enjoy the journey and make beautiful memories along the way!



 

GROOM CHECKLIST

Here is a detailed wedding checklist specifically tailored for grooms:

12-6 Months Before the Wedding:

• Discuss the wedding budget and financial responsibilities with your partner.

• Determine your wedding style and theme together.

• Compile a guest list and gather contact information for your side of the family and friends.

• Help in selecting and booking the wedding venue. (internal link: [Wedding Venues])

• Assist in choosing and booking vendors such as photographer, videographer, caterer, and entertainment. (internal link: [Wedding Vendors])

• Coordinate with your partner on attire choices and shop for your wedding suit or tuxedo. (internal link: [Groom's Attire])

• Begin planning the honeymoon with your partner. (internal link: [Honeymoon Planning])

• Assist in organizing and planning pre-wedding events like the bachelor party or groomsmen activities.

• Research marriage license requirements and prepare the necessary documents.

6-4 Months Before the Wedding:

• Finalize your wedding attire and schedule fittings. Consider accessories such as shoes, tie, cufflinks, and pocket square.

• Coordinate with your partner on wedding day transportation arrangements. (internal link: [Wedding Transportation])

• Select and purchase gifts for your groomsmen and parents.

• Plan and organize your bachelor party or weekend getaway.

• Help in finalizing the ceremony and reception details, including music and readings.

• Collaborate with your partner on creating a wedding registry. (internal link: [Wedding Registry])

3 Months Before the Wedding:

• Confirm your wedding day attire and arrange for any necessary alterations.

• Coordinate with the best man and groomsmen to ensure they have their attire sorted.

• Schedule grooming appointments for the wedding day, including haircut, beard trimming, and skincare routine.

• Prepare your wedding vows, if you plan to personalize them.

• Assist in finalizing the seating chart and sharing it with your partner and wedding planner.

• Coordinate with your partner on any last-minute wedding details and decisions.

2 Months Before the Wedding:

• Check in with all vendors to confirm their services and address any final questions or concerns.

• Finalize the wedding day timeline and share it with the wedding party and key family members.

• Prepare and write your speech for the reception, if applicable.

• Plan and organize any surprises or special moments you want to incorporate into the wedding day.

• Confirm any necessary transportation arrangements for out-of-town guests.

1 Month Before the Wedding:

• Review the final guest list and provide any last-minute updates to the caterer and venue.

• Coordinate with the best man on planning the bachelor party or groomsmen activities.

• Schedule a final fitting for your wedding attire and pick it up once all alterations are complete.

• Confirm the delivery and pickup details for any rented items, such as tuxedos or accessories.

• Finalize the honeymoon details and ensure all necessary travel arrangements and documents are in order.

1 Week Before the Wedding:

• Pack for the wedding day and honeymoon, including necessary attire, accessories, and travel essentials.

• Confirm the timeline with the wedding party and ensure everyone knows their roles and responsibilities.

• Attend the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner, being present and supportive to your partner and loved ones.

• Relax and take care of yourself in the days leading up to the wedding, including getting enough sleep and staying hydrated.

On the Wedding Day:

• Follow the wedding day schedule and be punctual for all pre-ceremony and ceremony events.

• Help set up any items or decorations that you are responsible for.

• Take time to connect with your partner before the ceremony and share a special moment.

• Enjoy the day, celebrate with your loved ones, and fully immerse yourself in the joyous atmosphere.

Remember, this checklist is meant to serve as a guide, and you can adjust it based on your specific preferences and needs. Communication and collaboration with your partner throughout the wedding planning process will ensure a memorable and stress-free experience.

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