Overview

To finish all your important duties on time, the bride and groom should plan a calendar of events in advance. Then there is no last minute hassle or hazard to mar that all important day.

12 Months Before the Wedding

• Announce engagement
• Set wedding date, keep alternate dates in mind
• Request permission for the use of Melville Hall
• Request permission for use of the Chapel, (if required)
• Consult with the Chapel to schedule and make necessary arrangements
• Contract use of Melville Hall and Chapel, surcharge required

6-12 Months Before the Wedding

• Complete invitation list
• Choose bridal party
• Select florist
• Audition bands or DJ and hire
• Hire photographer
• Plan what bridesmaids will wear and select apparel for groom, best man and ushers
• Order bridal gown
• Pick honeymoon destination and begin making reservations
• If leaving country, check on passports, visas, inoculation certificates and other documents

4-6 Months Before the Wedding

• Order wedding invitations and thank-you notes
• Select bridal registry
• Shop for trousseau
• Confirm delivery date of bridal gown and attendants dresses

3-4 Months Before the Wedding

• Finalize catering menu and details at Melville Hall, Food Deposit required
• Choose wedding rings and order engraving
• Buy gifts for bridal party
• Finalize honeymoon plans
• Arrange limousine transportation

2-3 Months Before the Wedding

• Contact local newspaper for information on how to place wedding announcement in paper
• Purchase reception favors
• Plan on arrangements for accommodations for out-of-town guests

1-2 Month(s) Before the Wedding

• Write and mail invitations
• Plan rehearsal dinner
• Arrange for accommodations for guests at Melville Hall, IF there is vacancy
• Contact photographer for any arrangements for photos
• Make appointment with beauty/hair salon for wedding
• Confirm honeymoon reservations
• Arrange for final gown fitting
• Take up matter of Chapel and Melville Hall decorations with florist
• Record wedding gifts received and write thank-you cards
• Get marriage license and be sure you have all the necessary papers; blood tests, birth certificates, etc.
• Arrange to have belongings moved to new home

1 Week Before the Wedding

• Final consultation with manager of Melville Hall
• Present place cards in alphabetical order (do not fold)
• Have seating chart ready (numbered consecutively - do not number head table)
• Inform manager of number of guests attending
• Let manager know if you plan to feed the band, photographer, videographer, etc.
• Have the total number of dinner choices (if requested in advance)
• Give manager the favors, top for wedding cake, or anything else you require for your wedding day
• Purchase travelers checks for honeymoon
• Pack for honeymoon
• Final consultation with florist, band and photographer
• Inform attendants of time and place of rehearsal
• Confirm reservations for rehearsal dinner
• Confirm room reservations for guests at local hotels, motels, or Melville Hall
• Arrange for name and address changes on bank accounts, credit cards, drivers license and social security

1 Day Before the Wedding

• Check your luggage and go to bed early
• Tell someone your honeymoon itinerary and have them check your home while you are gone