Guide to planning

Guide to planning

Corcoran Caterers Checklist of Details to Consider

Set the Date!

One Year till the Wedding:

  • Get inspired (inspiration boards, color palettes).
  • Contact caterers to determine who will best meet your needs and suit your tastes.
  • Select a venue.
  • Work out a budget.
  • Choose your attendants.
  • Work on guest list (address, guest name).
  • Choose a photographer.
  • Consider floral styles.
  • Develop an organized system for invitations, gifts and thank you notes.

11 Months

  • Make arrangements with officiator.
  • Choose wedding dress, attendant’s attire and parent’s attire.
  • Throw an engagement party!
  • Have engagement photos taken.
  • Announce to local newspapers.
  • Reserve your date with Corcoran Caterers!

10 Months

  • Register. (Sign up at three different retailers)
  • Finalize guest list.
  • Develop Save the Dates.
  • Reserve tables, chairs, tents or any rental equipment you may need. (Corcoran Caterers has a wide selection).

9 Months

  • Start thinking about entertainment. (If you want a live band, attend gigs to see how they perform in front of an audience).
  • Plan for honeymoon and make reservations.
  • Arrange time off work, if necessary.
  • Design invitations.
  • Compose a schedule for day of wedding. (A timeline for the events; the ceremony, the photos, the first dance).
  • Compile a list of all vendor contacts with day of phone numbers to share.

8 Months

  • Choose wedding dress and attendant’s attire.
  • Schedule time for at least three fittings.
  • Order accessories (veil, shoes etc.).
  • Secure appointments with hair and make up.
  • Think about wedding cake design.

7-6 Months

  • Order invitations and save the dates. (Remember to order extra!)
  • Arrange for transportation for day of the wedding.
  • Discuss what you expect from your maid of honor and best man.
  • Send save the dates.
  • Schedule tasting with Corcoran Caterers!
  • Reserve hotel accommodations for out of town guests.

5 Months

  • Purchase wedding rings.
  • Book a room for wedding night.
  • Arrange baskets for out-of-towners.
  • Choose gifts for wedding party.

4 Months

  • Choose favors.
  • Discuss ceremony with officiator. (What readings and music would you like?)
  • Have the first dress fitting.

3 Months

  • Send invitations.
  • Finalize music. (Decide was songs for important dances and songs for a “Don’t Play” list).
  • Write your vows, if you choose.
  • Schedule rehearsal time and rehearsal dinner.
  • Send event schedule to the vendors.
  • Finalize any last minute details for the menu.

2 Months

  • Meet with photographer to discuss specific shots and point out sites on the location for your photos.
  • Have second dress fitting with shoes and undergarments.
  • Try on veil with hair, makeup and accessories.
  • Third dress fitting. (You might want to make an appointment for week of wedding).
  • Review all details with wedding professionals. (Caterers, officiator, florist etc.)

1 Month

  • Get marriage license, request certified copies.
  • Make a list of family and friends to be in your photos.
  • Buy a guest book.
  • Check in with your vendors to have any last minute questions or concerns finalized.
  • Get blood tests, if your state requires it.
  • Get hair cut and colored, if desired.
  • Check on those who have not responded to invite.
  • Assign seating and place cards (if applicable).

2-3 Weeks

  • Practice walking and dancing in your shoes.
  • Finalize jewelry, something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue.
  • Give final guest count to Corcoran Caterers.
  • Print programs.
  • Check arrival times with vendors.
  • Check with your bridesmaids and groomsmen to make sure they've gotten their attire, confirm arrival times, and answer any last minute questions.

Week of Wedding

  • Get a manicure and pedicure.
  • Give gifts to parents and attendants.
  • Have final dress fitting.
  • Savor your moment in time with family and friends.