12 to 18 months ahead of the wedding  Determine your budget and the type of wedding (formal,informal)  Choose a location for the wedding (banquet hall, church, etc) Visit your officiant (church) or clergyman/woman with your fianceé Agree with your spouse-to-be and your family on your wedding date Plan and attend several bridal shows for ideas  Choose your attendants (wedding party/guest list) Hire a wedding planner/coordinator, if you choose Write up a tentative invitation list, for number of guests  Select your entertainment: band or disc jockey (DJ) Choose your location for the reception; call around compare prices and services Plan the reception. Most services will require a deposit Plan and agree upon the rehearsal site  Pick your date, determine day or evening, color schemes, etc.  Enroll with a bridal registry at your local department store Look for your dress, veil, accessories; allow time for alterations/fittings  Call up and select the bridesmaids  Select your bridesmaid's dresses The groom consults with a formal wear specialist  Agree on a date to order bridesmaids' dresses  Choose a beautiful place for your honeymoon  Select photographer and/or videographer  Select a florist or floral supplier, determine fresh or artificial flowers Shop for a caterer  Apply for passports and/or acquire appropriate proof of citizenship if needed Four to six months ahead of the wedding Shop for and order invitations, calligraphy, announcements & thank you notes Order napkins, matchbooks and personalized favor s Plan accommodations for out-of-town guests  Arrange for your rehearsal dinner  Select a baker for your wedding cake.  Decide the configuration of the cake(s) Make airline & hotel reservations for the honeymoon Fine tune the guest list Shop for and order wedding favors Draw a time line for the wedding reception  Call the photographer to set up a time for the bridal portrait  Book a limousine company for transportation on your wedding day  Shop for a Party rental place and make reservations for any rentals  Agree on a caterer, a florist and place an order for the wedding cake Share and discuss the reception timeline all parties involved  Two to four months ahead of the wedding Address, stuff and seal wedding announcements  Draw up a seating plan for invited guests  If you're planning on a custom-made wedding cake top, order at this time Select music for your church service (if any) Choose and purchase gifts for your attendants (bridal party)  Buy your wedding rings together  Make a date to get your marriage license Make a map to the church and reception hall, for local and out-of-town guests  Mail wedding announcement to guests living abroad  One to two months ahead of the wedding  Buy wedding gift for your future spouse Make appointment with hairstylist, manicurist, etc. Have final dress fitting, bride and bridesmaids  Groom verify all groomsmen have been fitted for their outfits Mail all other invitations Visit the photographer to have formal wedding portrait taken Pick up your wedding rings  Confirm with all hired professionals correct dates and times  Discuss with the officiant the specifics of the wedding ceremony Set a date and time for the rehearsal dinner  Choose gifts for the groom and the attendants  Make final alterations and fittings for the wedding gown  Contact out of town guests and make necessary hotel reservations Two weeks ahead of the wedding Send your wedding announcement and photo to local newspaper  Review seating plan for reception  Confirm your honeymoon arrangements Meet with DJ to select music and special events during the reception. Make reservations for bridesmaids' luncheon.  Send reminders to the rehearsal dinner attendees about the location & time Fill out and submit application for the marriage license Finalize music list and no-play list with band or DJ Attend showers  One week ahead of the wedding Have final consultation with caterer and florist  Write checks (or get cash) for hired professionals, give to best man to distribute  Verify tickets and seating (if flying), make sure all travel documents are handy  Start packing for your honeymoon - try to do most of it Discuss final details of the ceremony and reception with the pertinent parties Get final guest counts to necessary hired service professionals The day before... Visit the beauty salon for manicure and pedicure  Attend the rehearsal and dinner Make sure the ushers have the final guest list The wedding day... Make sure you eat something Visit the beauty salon for hair styling & make-up (bring veil/headpiece)  Make sure your wedding gown is pressed and steamed Bring a change of clothes if you are leaving for your honeymoon Try to relax... unwind yourself... and savor your special day