12 Months or More Before: Announce your engagement Set the date for your ceremony Decide on your wedding style Discuss and set a budget Discuss traditions with family members Book a wedding consultant Pick a color scheme for your wedding
Select and Book Wedding site Clergy Reception site Caterer Photographer Videographer Florist Musicians Register with your favorite store's bridal registry Begin shopping for wedding dress, headpiece & accessories
6 to 10 Months Before: Establish a guest list Select and order attendant's gowns Get fabric samples to match shoes Select and order men's attire. The general rule is one usher to every 30 guests. Select a bakery for your wedding cake, taste samples If you plan a home wedding, book outdoor furniture or tent as needed Order wedding invitations and stationery Make honeymoon plans and reservations Help the mothers of the bride and groom to select their dresses Select a photo for your engagement announcement Develop a record keeping system for gifts and thank you notes Start dance lessons so you can look like Fred and Ginger at your reception
3 to 6 Months Before: Order your wedding cake Book limos and transportation for wedding party Book calligraapher Make your floral and gown preservation arrangements If you haven't been exercising, better start now to get in shape Make accommodation arrangements for out-of-town guests Schedule a consultation with your hair and make-up stylist Discuss rehearsal dinner with your fiance' - Groom's family to make arragenements for the rehearsal dinner Decide on and order wedding rings Plan your honeymoon Obtain a passport for your honeymoon, if necessary Decide on and shop for your trousseau
2 to 3 Months Before: Address and mail wedding invitations and announcements Choose attendants' gifts Plan the bridesmaids' party Ask relatives to assist at the wedding and reception Arrange final music selections Confirm reception menu and decorations with your caterer Buy wedding shoes and start breaking them in Schedule appointment with your hair and make-up stylist on your wedding day Choose wedding favors
1 to 2Months Before: Have final gown and headpiece fitting Buy groom's wedding gift Meet with clergy on ceremony details Arrange final fitting of bridesmaids' dresses Check with photographer, musicians, florist, caterers, bakery, preservationist, and reception facility to make sure all details are in place Pick up rings, check the engraving Review ceremony seating with fiance' and ushers Write out place cards for reception Check honeymoon reservations Obtain marriage license
7 Days Before: Notify caterer of the final number of guests Arrange head table seating Pick up your wedding gown Pick up attendants' gowns Make a final check with clergy, florist, caterer and reception facility Reconfirm honeymoon arrangements Have your last facial to ensure that perfect "glow" Remind attendants of rehearsal dinner details; give them gifts that night Pack for your honeymoon
One Day Before: Have a manicure Attend wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner Greet out-of-town guests Pack everything you will need at the church or wedding site, including emergency items
Your Wedding Day: Appointment with your hair and make-up stylist Allow three hours to dress and relax Give Groom's ring to Best Man
