Wedding Checklist - Getting started planning your special day. - Wedding Article

The following checklist should help you fulfill your wedding needs from the minute you get engaged to the second your honeymoon flight leaves the tarmac. However, these tasks are not all-inclusive. There may be additional chores related to your specific situation. Consult with your wedding coordinator or Hilton wedding planner if you have additional questions or concerns.

Getting Started

Introduce both families and officially announce engagement Start a budget Start a guest list Select a tentative date and alternate date Consider whether you want to hire a wedding coordinator Create a gift registry Research wedding etiquette

Parties

 
Consider having an engagement announcement party (Request Pricing) Sign up for one or more gift registries Give shower hostess(es) guest list Begin thank-you notes for showers and early gifts Consider booking a cocktail party (Request Pricing) Consider booking a bachelor/bachelorette party (Request Pricing) Buy attendant gifts Consider scheduling an attendant's party (Request Pricing) Consider booking a day-after brunch (Request Pricing)

Guests

Determine out-of-town guest list Select hotel(s) for your out-of-town guests Use our Guest List Manager so you can reserve and track guest reservations Set up Personalized Online Group so guests can book online Determine parking and transportation needs Send reservation deadline reminder to guests who haven't booked Consider whether to provide amenity bags

Rehearsal Dinner

 
Select rehearsal dinner time and location (check out our Group Value Dates) Meet with caterer/chef/planner and choose rehearsal dinner menu and beverages Order and send out rehearsal dinner invitations Determine parking and transportation

Ceremony

Choose your attendants Start researching wedding gowns Investigate ceremony sites Visit and book ceremony site for wedding day (and rehearsal) Send out save-the-date email Consider buying wedding insurance Send an engagement photo to the local newspaper Visit bridal salon and try on gowns Find a florist Find a wedding photographer and/or videographer Order gown and veil Select bridesmaids' dresses Select wedding favors Buy gown accessories (shoes, purse, lingerie) Choose an officiant Purchase wedding rings Select groom's tux and groomsmen attire Place order for invitations Purchase wedding favors and accessories Send out invitations Select makeup artist and hair stylist Finalize ceremony details (music, readings, solos, etc.) Have gown fitting(s) Apply for marriage license Look into name change, if applicable Consider something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue

Reception

Investigate reception sites (check out our Group Value Dates) Visit and book reception site Determine parking and transportation Determine a reception agenda (order of program and length of time for each activity) Meet with caterer/chef/planner and come up with menu ideas Get ideas for music, select a band or DJ (make sure A/V equipment needs are met) Consider signing up for a dance class Decide on wedding and groom's cakes (if not prepared by hotel staff, can cake be brought in?) Schedule tasting and finalize menu If applicable, rent equipment (tables, chairs, etc.) If applicable, order beverages Determine seating arrangements and prepare place cards

Honeymoon

Determine a honeymoon budget Start investigating destinations Choose and book wedding night bridal suite, if applicable Choose and book honeymoon destination (hotel, travel, transportation, etc.) Determine if you need a passport, visa, immunizations, etc. Make a travel checklist (and purchase any needed items) Make plans for pets, plants, paper pickup, etc. Reconfirm plans (flights, rental cars, etc.)

After the Wedding

Get your gown cleaned and properly stored Preserve your bouquet, if applicable Complete name change kit Meet with photographer and/or videographer Compliments Hilton Garden Inn

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