12 Months Before

Select a wedding date and time
Start a budget and establish who will pay what expenses
Determine style and size of the wedding you want (including the guest list)
Reserve a location for both the ceremony and reception
Book your photographer
Book your wedding consultant
Check with your wedding officiant for any pre-marital requirements
Create a personal wedding website

9 Months Before

Alert out-of-town guests of your wedding date and location
Research accommodations and have a list available for out-of-town guests
Finalize color scheme, style of wedding and attire
Select wedding party
Start shopping for your wedding gown and bridesmaid's dresses
Check and secure any rental needs
Book your ceremony music
Book your reception entertainment (DJ or live band)
Book your videographer
Book your caterer
Book your florist
Book a bakery and cake
Select travel agent specializing in honeymoons and book your honeymoon
Start your honeymoon registry

6 Months Before

Order wedding gown
Choose headpiece and bridal accessories
Order bridesmaids dress (be sure to get correct measurements)
Select men's formalwear
Start your wedding gift registry
Shop for wedding rings and bands
Make transportation arrangements
Book any additional décor
Arrange for newspaper announcements

4-5 Months Before

Select your invitation style and wording
Finalize guest list
Order all invitations and other stationary
Book beverage caterer (espresso bar and/or traditional bar services)
Shop for wedding favors
Select the reception menu
Meet with hair and makeup stylist for wedding day look - do a trial run
Check for marriage requirements and blood testing laws
Select and coordinate mother's dresses and accessories
Make appointment for first fittings for all bridal attire

2-3 Months Before

Shop for gifts for your attendants
Schedule 2nd fitting for bridal attire
Reserve men's formalwear
Confirm ceremony and reception locations
Confirm details with all wedding professionals involved
Finalize honeymoon plans; apply for passports and/or visas if required
Book accommodations and flights for out town guests
Select a calligraphy expert to address invitations
Mail out invitations
Purchase wedding day accessories: ring pillows, candles, glasses & cake knife
Book rehearsal dinner location
Plan wedding party celebrations
Design and order your wedding program.
Get your marriage license

1 Month Before

Start compiling your wedding day schedule
Prepare a list for table assignments and order of receiving line
Schedule final fitting for wedding dress and attendants
Schedule formal bridal portraits
Begin writing thank you notes
Finalize rehearsal dinner plans
Purchase bridal party gifts

Day Before Wedding

Prepare payment envelopes and choose a responsible person to distribute after the wedding
Attend Rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
Relax and go to bed early

The BIG Day!

Eat a good breakfast and drink plenty of fluids
Review the day's schedule
Have your suitcases and travel documents delivered to the hotel

After the Wedding

Get your dress cleaned and preserved
Write and mail thank you notes
Complete your name change kit
Meet with photographer and videographer to finalize decisions regarding albums and video