Getting married this summer? Here’s a checklist of things that need to be done

Congrats, summer 2022 brides! You’re just a few months away from saying “I do”!

You’ve likely already checked off the big items on your to-do list (at least, we hope so), and now it’s time to buckle down and take care of the small details. It’s the little things that make your wedding unforgettable to you, your fiancé and your guests. So we’ve put together a checklist of thing-to-do between now and when you walk down the aisle.

Things-to-do before May, if you’re getting married this June, July or August:

• Send out formal invitations eight to twelve weeks in advance only if you’re having a destination wedding

• Schedule your hair and makeup trial. Remember to bring your veil and the jewelry you plan to wear on your wedding day.

• Send out your wedding shower invites (or whoever is organizing should send them out) & prepare to be showered with gifts and love

• Start writing your wedding vows

• Begin your wedding beauty regimen, including getting facials, dying or cutting your hair (don’t cut your hair without consulting with your wedding hair stylist), whitening your teeth, microblading and getting lash extensions

• Start putting together your ceremony and reception song playlist

• Schedule a cake tasting as well as a menu tasting with your caterer and finalize your food selections

• Choose the centerpieces you want for each table; design your sweetheart or head table

• Research and book your honeymoon

• Book your hotel room for your wedding day

• Reserve a block of hotel rooms for guests

These are the items you should check off your to-do list about 4-6 weeks before your wedding date:

• Apply for your marriage license (check county laws)

• Schedule last minute meetings with all vendors

• Order wedding bands

• Finalize your guest list and send out formal invitations 6 to 8 weeks before your official wedding date for non-destination weddings — don’t send them too early. Here’s why.

• Confirm all RSVPs

• Create and complete seating arrangement

• Schedule and attend final dress/suit fittings

• Buy “thank you” gifts for your future spouse, parents, wedding party and out-of-town guests

• Purchase and put together wedding favors

• Submit your ceremony and reception playlist to your DJ

• Finalize your wedding vows

• Arrange for a house or pet sitter, if needed

• Purchase wedding insurance (if your venue requires it)

• Have your bachelor/bachelorette party

• Organize your rehearsal dinner/brunch, post-wedding breaking/brunch and after-party

• Create a wedding timeline for your Big Day

Written By Vows & Forever Founder and Veteran Journalist Maria Cid. V&F is a wedding vows & speech writing service that also specializes in speech coaching and wedding timeline coordination.