You've done the work, but how do you make sense of it all? How do you get everyone to the right places at the right times? How do you make sure your carefully laid plans are executed? It can be over-whelming, but with an itinerary and some vendor follow-up, you are on the road to bliss!

The Itinerary

The itinerary is a timeline of the wedding day events. It outlines the who, what, when, and where of the important places and events for the people involved in the wedding. If you have a wedding planner, he or she will put together the itinerary for you. If not, you need to work with the venue and vendors to put the itinerary together. Make copies of the itinerary and pass them out to the wedding party, families, readers, soloists, and any other people helping at the wedding.

Itinerary Checklist

The following steps highlight the information you should include in your wedding day itinerary.

CREATING AN ITINERARY

Begin with the established start times of the ceremony and reception, and work forward and backward to fill in the schedule.

Confirm arrival and setup times with the ceremony and/or reception venues.

Schedule departure and arrival times, accounting for travel time to and from all locations.

Schedule preceremony events, such as hair and makeup and photo sessions.

Confirm arrival and departure times with the vendors.

Create a schedule for photography (work with the photographer).

Determine which traditions will be incorporated into the ceremony and reception.

Confirm and review the timing for the formalities (grand entrance, toast, first dance, etc.) with the location manager and the entertainment.

Include detailed information on décor and setup plan.

Include contact names and office and cell phone numbers for all vendors.

Include an emergency contact number (it should not be the bride). If you have a wedding planner, list her cell phone and office number. If not, give a friend the important vendor and logistical information, and list him as the contact.

Two Weeks to Go: Countdown Checklist

Although you've probably taken care of all the details by this time, it never hurts to double-check. Many of the following tasks may be (and probably should be) taken care of just before your wedding. Of course, if you try to accomplish them all up to a week before the wedding, you'll have more opportunity to relax and enjoy your last week of single life.

COUNTDOWN CHECKLIST

Make sure the following people know the correct locations and times.

• Baker

• Band/DJ

• Ceremony site coordinator

• Florist

• Hairstylist

• Limousine/Transportation

• Makeup stylist

• Officiant

• Photographer

• Reception site coordinator

• Rentals

• Videographer

Reconfirm your honeymoon travel arrangements and hotel reservations.

Reconfirm your hotel reservation for your wedding night.

Make sure your wedding attendants know where they need to be and when, and remind them of any special duties they need to perform.

Finish any last-minute packing.

Pack your going-away outfit and accessories. If you'll be changing at the reception site, put a trusted friend in charge of making sure they arrive there safely.

Give your wedding rings and marriage license to your honor attendants to hold until the ceremony (at the rehearsal).

Make sure your groom and best man have enough cash for tipping.

Pack an “emergency kit.”

Make sure your honeymoon luggage is stored in the trunk of your “getaway car” or is sent ahead to wherever you're spending your wedding night.

Arrange for a friend to drive your car to the reception site if you intend to drive yourselves to the hotel or inn where you'll be staying.