Marriage To-Do Lists

What To Priorize On Your Wedding Day

Aug 14, 2007 Ashlea Collis

Wedding to-do lists help keep the bride and groom on track, and the wedding party in the loop.

Having a wedding-day to-do list is vital for every bride and groom. The happy couple must keep their team informed of the events of the day, and where each person needs to be and when. Here are some tips on the important items to include on the wedding day task list.

• What time the bridesmaids are to meet, and where. If you are all gathering for a hair or makeup appointment, or breakfast, set a time and date. Specify on your list who should be there.
• What time the groomsmen are to meet, and where. Once again, it is vital for the men in your party to know if they are meeting the groom for breakfast, lunch, or just to get ready.
• What time you want your wedding party at the ceremony site. If you have a ringbearer or a flower girl, they should be allowed to meet up with you later than your wedding party, as this will allow more time for sleep, and less time for grumpiness and misbehaviour.
• Which side of the ceremony seating is reserved for the bride's side, and which side for the groom's. The ushers will need to know where everyone is sitting so they can properly seat your guests.
• The addidtional jobs you need each member of your wedding party to perform. This includes things like handing out rice or bubbles, handing out programs, ensuring that all members of the wedding party have their bouquets and/or boutaineers, seating the guests, fixing the bride's dress, keeping the rings safe, and any special announcements that need to be made by the wedding party.
• Order of the procession. Your party needs to know who goes first, who goes last, and everything in between. Tell them to ensure they are marching slowly, so the photographer can get good pictures. Make sure you include instructions on where your flower girl and ringbearer go- do they stand with you or sit with their parents? Also, don't forget to include the order you want the wedding party to stand in up at the front.
• Order of the recession. The wedding party once again needs to know when to leave and who to follow.
• Post-ceremony directions. These include directing your guests to the mingling area, or otherwise, assigning the person who will be gathering your family and friends for group portraits, and a plan for the evening. Include information on when dinner is and any speeches, slideshows, announcements or otherwise.

The purpose of having a to-do list is to keep everyone informed of their tasks. This list is an example, it is by no means exclusive. Whatever you need done on your wedding day should be included on your list to ensure that what you want is what you get.

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