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Pearls of Wisdom Wedding Countdown

by Laura BlackFeather, Exclusively for Fire Mountain Gems and Beads®

Wedding planning made easy. Print the wedding countdown checklist and carry it with you as a planning guide for your Big Day.

9-12 months before

  • Announce your engagement.
  • Arrange for parents to get together.
  • Decide on a date.
  • Visit the Timeless Styles wedding trends on the Fire Mountain Gems and Beads website to get the latest wedding jewelry style information.
  • Discuss your budget with everyone who'll be contributing to the event.
  • Interview wedding planners, if using one.
  • Choose the ceremony site and meet with the officiant.
  • Work on the guest list to get a rough head count.
  • Visit reception sites and reserve one.
  • Shop for your gown.

6-9 months before

  • Choose your wedding party.
  • Select a caterer.
  • Start designing your bridal jewelry. Visit the wedding design gallery on the Fire Mountain Gems and Beads website for inspiration.
  • Order your wedding gown.
  • Shop for bridal party dresses.
  • Pick a photographer and/or videographer.
  • Hire a florist.
  • Decide on a wedding theme and tablescape.
  • Book the musicians and/or DJ.
  • Start researching honeymoon spots.
  • Mail save-the-dates.
  • Enroll in a bridal-gift registry and in Fire Mountain Gems and Beads' online Favorites Center.

4-6 months before

  • Order wedding stationery and book a calligrapher, if using one.
  • Shop for the wedding cake.
  • Place your wedding jewelry order with Fire Mountain Gems and Beads. Go to the Beads and Brides section where your wedding supplies are at your fingertips, making ordering a breeze.
  • Hire wedding-day transportation.
  • Book your favorite beauty professionals for the big day.
  • Scout accommodations for out-of-town guests.
  • Complete the guest list.
  • Start planning your honeymoon and make travel and accommodation reservations.
  • Arrange the rehearsal dinner.
  • Shop for tablescape and placeholder items.

2-4 months before

  • Shop for and order your wedding bands from Fire Mountain Gems and Beads.
  • Call the county clerk's office to find out about marriage-license requirements.
  • Order tuxedos for the groom and groomsmen.
  • Meet with the caterer or banquet manager to discuss menus, service style, wine selections, etc.
  • Order the wedding cake.
  • Select ceremony and reception music.
  • Buy thank-you gift certificates to Fire Mountain Gems and Beads for your attendants.
  • Select favors and welcome baskets.
  • Meet with party-rental companies, if necessary.
  • Book a room for your wedding night.

4-8 weeks before

  • Mail invitations 6 to 8 weeks ahead of the wedding date.
  • Do a hair and makeup run-through with your headpiece. (Did you know you can buy tiaras from Fire Mountain Gems and Beads?).
  • Decide on any insurance-policy changes you'll need.

2-4 weeks before

  • Plot the seating for the reception.
  • Confirm details with the photographer, florist, etc.
  • Have your final dress fitting.
  • Write your rehearsal-dinner toast.

1 week before

  • Organize the fees due on the wedding day in separate, labeled envelopes.
  • Give the caterer a final head count.
  • Appoint a reliable friend to transport the cake knife, toasting glasses or other heirlooms to and from the reception site.
  • Get final beauty treatments (facial, waxing, tanning, etc.) of your choice.
  • Pack for the honeymoon. (Ask someone to bring your luggage to the reception if you're leaving from there.)

If you have a question or feedback on this Pearls of Wisdom article, or would like to share your own wedding project idea, please contact us here.