The Ultimate Wedding Checklist for Summer Brides

Your wedding day is almost here. The last year of wedding planning has gone by in a flash, but you are getting closer to your dream summer wedding. Before saying “I do,” there’s still work to do on your wedding to-do list. We put together for you a handy checklist that goes month-by-month, so that you know what should get done before your big day.

For brides getting married in June

  • Check RSVPs and call people that haven’t RSVP yet.
  • Confirm your hair and makeup appointments and the times they will arrive on the wedding day.
  • Mail rehearsal dinner invitations.
  • Get your marriage license. The process takes a few days, but should check with the local bureau where you’re getting married. Order several copies if you’re changing your name. You’ll need them later.
  • Work on your seating assignments.
  • Purchase gifts for your bridesmaids, groomsmen and both your parents. You’ll hand them out at the rehearsal dinner.
  • Have your final gown fitting.
  • Pack for your honeymoon.

For brides getting married in July

  • Send out your invitations. Set the RSVP cutoff at three weeks after the postmark date.
  • Touch base with all your vendors. Confirm times and make last-minute adjustments.
  • Call your bridesmaids and make sure that they all have their gowns ready for the wedding.
  • Submit info for a newspaper wedding announcement. Call to check the publication’s guidelines for including a photograph with your announcement.
  • Discuss shot list with photographer and inspiration for your big day.
  • Go on your bachelorette party.
  • Review the playlist with the band or DJ. Give him a songs wish list.
  • Start writing your wedding vows.

For brides getting married in August

  • Finalize the menu and flowers. While you’re finishing up the details figure out the order of the ceremony and the reception. Determine what is going to be read at the ceremony and by whom. Decide what family members or friends should give out toasts at your reception.
  • Order your programs and menus.
  • Send day-of schedule to all the vendors. Give them a first draft for now that they can tweak and give you feedback.
  • Purchase your wedding rings. This gives you enough time for adding an engraving or resizing.
  • Order your wedding favors. Now, is also a good time to put together baskets for out-of-town guests or set up something special for them.
  • Decide what kind of undergarments you want to wear with your wedding dress.
  • Enjoy your wedding shower.

For brides getting married in September

  • Do hair and makeup tests. It takes time to find the right person for your big day.
  • Check on your wedding invitations. Ask for samples of the final version and revise them according to your needs.
  • Book the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner venues.
  • Attend prewedding counseling, if required by your ceremony venue.
  • Order the wedding cake. Attend a few tasting before committing to cake designer.
  • Select your music. Chat with your fiance about the music you would like for your first-dance, during dinner and make a list of what you want to—and do not want—played.
  • Purchase your shoes, accessories and start your dress fittings. The groom should shop for his attire as well.