Nine Months and Earlier

Choose your date.

Announce your engagement to family and friends.  You can send a photo and announcement to your local paper.

Decide what type of wedding you want.

Set your budget.  Find out what contributions your families might be making.

Choose your ceremony and reception sites.

Make an appointment and reserve your officiant.

Choose your wedding planner/consultant, if using one.

Begin organizing your guest list.  Ask family members for their guest lists also.

Select your colors and /or theme.

Start shopping for your wedding dress.  Special order dresses may need to be ordered at this time.

Begin looking for a photographer.

Begin getting honeymoon ideas.

Once the ceremony and reception sites are reserved, think of sending "Save The Date" cards.

Check into the marriage requirements in the county/state you are getting married.

Six To Nine Months

Decide on attendants and explain their responsibilities to them.

Choose bridesmaid's gown and accessories.  Also choose bridal accessories, such as veil and shoes, etc.

Shop for and hire a caterer, if not included in the reception venue.

Select the ceremony and reception music and hire musicians/DJ.

Select a florist.

Choose a videographer and/or photographer.

If rentals are needed (ie. chairs, linens, etc.) begin shopping for rental provider.

Research accomodations for out of town guests.

One Week Before

Confirm you have marriage documents.

Confirm transportation for the day of the wedding.

Pick up all wedding attire.

Finalize guest count to caterer/reception site.

Confirm honeymoon details.

Begin packing for honeymoon.

Day Before Wedding

Prepare an emergency kit.  If using a wedding planner, she will have this.

Confirm bridal attendants have all accessories and makeup for wedding.

If someone else will be handing out final payments to vendors, supply those now.

Pass out schedules to wedding party so they know the order of events.

Go to rehearsal.

Enjoy the rehearsal dinner.  Pass out any gifts for the bridal party at the dinner and express your thanks.

Day of the Wedding

Give the wedding rings to the attendant(s) who will keep them until the ring exchange in the ceremony.

Don't forget to bring the wedding license.

Eat something to help settle any nerves and keep up your strength for the day.

Relax and enjoy your wedding day, your Day Of Coordinator (planner) will take care of everything so you and your family have no worries!

After the Wedding

Arrange for someone to return any rental items, usually due the following Monday.

Assign someone to have your wedding gown cleaned and boxed for storage.

If changing your name, complete the appropriate paperwork for any neccessary institutions.

When you return from your honeymoon, send out all thank you notes along with a change of address, if needed.

Four to Six Months

Select and order invitations.

Shop for the men's formal wear and set a date for all groomsmen to be measured by.

Determine transportation type and make reservations.

Begin planning the rehearsal dinner.

Choose reception menu, set appointments for taste testing if needed.

Start registering for gifts.

Shop for wedding rings.

Two to Four Months

Finalize the invitation guest list.

Select a wedding cake baker.

Confirm the floral details.

Confirm you have the necessary documents you'll need to get married in your area.

Begin making or order favors.

Address invitations and take sample to post office for postage requirements.

Book your wedding planner for the day of your wedding if you didn't use one for the planning phase.

Six to Eight Weeks

Mail invitations.

Begin writing thank you notes as soon as any gifts are received.

Meet with your hairstylist and makeup specialist for pre-wedding trials.  Schedule any appointments you will need for the day of the wedding.

Two to Six Weeks

Organize recpetion seating and fill out place cards.

Be sure you have all accessories, garter, toasting glasses, cake knife, ring pillow, unity candles, etc.

Confirm music with musicians or DJ.

Schedule final fittings for all dresses.

Pick up wedding rings and make sure they fit.

Confirm all vendors and times.

Two weeks prior to the wedding call guests who have not responded for a final count.