From Our Sponsor: The Rittenhouse Hotel
Selecting The Rittenhouse as your Philadelphia wedding reception location is but one of the many important aspects of planning your ceremony. A myriad of duties and considerations factor into your special day, and the pressure can be dizzying. Allow the staff at our Philadelphia wedding reception site to help you map out your celebration – and ease your stress — with an effective wedding checklist. Everything is addressed, including budgets, food and beverage, transportation, and accommodations.
Six Months to One Year Ahead:
- Set your budget
- Choose Ceremony and Reception Locations
- Compile guest list and organize addresses
- Choose a Band
- Choose a Florist
- Choose a Photographer and Videographer
- Choose your Attendants
- Book your officiant
- Plan your honeymoon
- Send “Save the Date” cards, if using. Send hotel reservation notices with save the date.
- Register for gifts
- Shop for your wedding dress
- Set up room blocks at hotels for out-of-town guests
- Book rehearsal dinner venue
Four to Six Months Ahead:
- Arrange for wedding day transportation
- Order stationary, including thank you notes
- Purchase wedding rings
- Purchase or reserve groom’s attire
- Choose your attendants attire
- Choose gifts for the wedding party
- Book your hair stylist and make-up artist
Two to Four Months Ahead:
- Discuss food and beverage details with your catering manager and plan your tasting.
- Discuss ceremony/service
- Send invitation envelopes to calligraphers. Schedule time to mail invitations approximately 6-8 weeks prior to wedding.
- First dress fitting
One to Two Months Ahead:
- Have programs printed
- Obtain your marriage license
- If you intend to change your name, prepare the necessary documents
- Try out hairstyle and make-up
Two Weeks Ahead:
- Final dress fitting
- Begin creating your seating plan
- Inform caterer of guest count
One Week Ahead:
- Finalize seating plan
- Pick up dress
- Confirm details with cater and sign-off on catering documents
- Confirm honeymoon itinerary. Make photocopies of passports and give your relatives your itinerary in the case of an emergency.
- Pack for your honeymoon
One Day Ahead:
- Manicure and Pedicure
- Confirm transportation arrangements
- Rehearse ceremony
- Hold rehearsal dinner, distribute gifts to wedding party.
- Prepare gratuity and payment envelopes and arrange for someone to distribute.
Your Wedding Day:
ENJOY EVERY MOMENT!
Getting married? Start and end your wedding planning journey with Philadelphia Weddings' guide to the best wedding vendors in the city.
