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Jewish Wedding Checklist

person checking off items on to do list

Task

When

Who

Choose a date for your wedding in consultation with clergy and family

1 year in advance

 

Decide on budget and style

1 year in advance

 

Scout out and choose a reception site

9–11 months in advance

 

Begin working on guest list and request lists from parents

9–11 months in advance

 

Choose a caterer

9–11 months in advance

 

Begin shopping for a gown

6–8 months in advance

 

Finalize guest list

6–8 months in advance

 

Meet with rabbi to discuss ceremony; set up prenuptial meetings

6 months in advance

 

Book a band

6 months in advance

 

Choose a gown

4–6 months in advance

 

Book a calligrapher to make your ketubah

6 months in advance

 

Book a photographer

4–6 months in advance

 

Register for wedding gifts

4–6 months in advance

 

Set aside a block of hotel rooms for out of town guests

4–6 months in advance

 

Decide on wording for invitation

4–6 months in advance

 

Decide on text for ketubah

4–6 months in advance

 

Order invitations

4-6 months in advance

 

Book a baker for the wedding cake

2–4 months in advance

 

Order kippot and bentschers

2–4 months in advance

 

Reserve rental equipment if necessary

2–4 months in advance

 

Plan your honeymoon

2-4 months in advance

 

Book hotel room for wedding night

2–4 months in advance

 

Buy wedding rings

2–3 months in advance

 

Compile packages for out of town guests to be mailed with invitations

2–3 months in advance

 

Decide on chuppah – florist, tallis, how you will construct it

2–3 months in advance

 

Purchase other clothing – veil, stockings, shoes, etc.

2–3 months in advance

 

Send out wedding invitations

6 weeks in advance

 

As you receive gifts, update registry, and send out thank you notes

6 weeks in advance

 

Order liquor, wine, etc.

6 weeks in advance

 

Map out whole ceremony

6 weeks in advance

 

If you want friends to perform or read something, invite them to do so

6 weeks in advance

 

Decide on and plan pre-wedding ceremonies – tisch, bedecken, kabalat panim

4 weeks in advance

 

If you will be celebrating sheva berachot after the wedding work out schedule of locations and guests

4 weeks in advance

 

Choose witnesses who will sign ketubah

3–4 weeks in advance

 

Get marriage license

2–3 weeks in advance

 

Have a final meeting with rabbi

2–3 weeks in advance

 

Work out wedding day timing and details, who picks up when where, etc.

1–2 weeks in advance

 

Write and print out wedding booklets

1–2 weeks in advance

 

Determine wedding day assignments

1–2 weeks in advance

 

Confirm all service providers – caterer, band, etc.

1–2 weeks in advance

 

Go the mikveh

1–3 days before wedding

 

Bring props – kiddush cups, ketubah, etc., – to wedding site

Day before

 

 

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