This week, we are bringing you the fourth installment of our five part checklist series. For the past few weeks, we have been guiding budding brides and grooms through the process of planning a wedding. Part one brought readers through the first couple of months after the big engagement. Part two dove a little deeper into the depths of dress shopping, save the dates and registering for gifts. The most recent list discusses grooms attire, hotel blocking and the exciting honeymoon.
Today, the checklist will bring couples between one and three months away from the Big Day.
2 to 3 Months To Go
____ Invitations. It’s time to mail out those invitations! Pick invitations that match with your theme and colors of the wedding. They should be a reflection of you as a couple and of the wedding day as a whole. Double–check with the post office that you have enough postage. Many wedding invitations require more than one stamp.
____ Catering Menu. This is the time to solidify the catering menu. Are you doing hors d’oeuvres? Maybe you’re having a buffet style soiree? No matter what the setup, it’s time to finalize the menu.
____ Glam Squad. When you’re a few months away, it’s important for the bride to make sure her hair and makeup team is in place. Do your research, see what style you think best suites you and find a good hair stylist and makeup artist to help your vision come to light.
One Month Before
____ Itinerary. Send your entire wedding party an itinerary. Make sure your family and friends know where and when to be for the wedding day so everyone shows up at the right place at the right time.
____ Pamper Yourself. Enjoy a facial. Everyone reacts differently to facials. If you’re planning on getting on, schedule it a few days before your wedding, or do a trial run months before.
____ Marriage License. Make a trip to Benson Tower (1450 Poydras St., Suite 407) and the Orleans Parish Marriage License Office for your marriage 
certificate. Not only will you need this to make everything official, but if you’re thinking about changing your name it is the first and most important step in the process. The Marriage License Office is open Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m. until 3:15 p.m. Visit dhh.louisiana.gov for requirements.
____ Second Line. If you’re planning to second line at your wedding, you’re going to need a permit and now is the time to scoop one up. Call New Orleans Police Department Special Events Section at 504-658-7100 to schedule everything 15 to 20 days before your wedding. You can also email questions to specialevents@nola.gov.
____ Practice Makes Perfect. You definitely want to have a trial run with your hair stylist and makeup artists before actually sitting down on your Big Day. Trying a style out beforehand will aid in making sure everything goes as planned for the wedding. Plan your trial run for a day you want good hair, such as your bridal shower or bachelorette party.
____ Guest List. Take time to finalize the guest list. Send a final headcount to your caterer and any other vendor who will need numbers.
A copy of the full checklist is included in each issue of New Orleans Bride Magazine.
During your planning process did you find something that should have been planned earlier in the process? Share with other brides in the comments!
