9 - 24 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING

ANNOUNCE YOUR ENGAGEMENT TO FRIENDS & FAMILY

START PLANNING AN ENGAGEMENT PARTY/CELEBRATION

DISCUSS & SET YOUR WEDDING DATE

DISCUSS AND SET A BUDGET & DECIDE HOW EXPENSES WILL BE SHARED

DISCUSS LEVEL OF FORMALITY, # OF GUESTS AND COLOR SCHEME

DISCUSS PRENUPTIAL AGREEMENT AND RELATED ISSUES

HIRE A WEDDING CONSULTANT (optional)

MAKE A NEAT FILE FOR CONTRACTS, FORMS, IMPORTANT PAPERS, ETC.

SELECT YOUR BRIDAL PARTY

SELECT READERS FOR CEREMONY (optional)

START COMPILING AN INVITATION LIST

ATTEND BRIDAL SHOWS/EXPOS

TAKE AN ENGAGEMENT PHOTO

SEND ENGAGEMENT ANNOUNCEMENT AND PHOTO TO LOCAL NEWSPAPER(S)

CHOOSE AND BOOK YOUR RECEPTION SITE

HIRE A CATERER (if necessary)

SELECT A SITE FOR THE CEREMONY

SPEAK TO AND RESERVE AN OFFICIANT

DISCUSS APPAREL FOR THE BRIDE, GROOM AND BRIDAL PARTY

DISCUSS HEADPIECE & OTHER ACCESSORIES FOR THE BRIDE

ORDER BRIDAL GOWN, HEADPIECE AND OTHER ACCESSORIES

ORDER BRIDESMAIDS' DRESSES & TUXEDOS

SCHEDULE FITTINGS FOR THE BRIDE, GROOM AND BRIDAL PARTY

SEND THANK YOU NOTES FOR ENGAGEMENT GIFTS

CHOOSE AND HIRE A PHOTOGRAPHER

CHOOSE AND HIRE A VIDEOGRAPHER

CHOOSE AND HIRE A DJ/BAND/OTHER ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE RECEPTION

CHOOSE AND HIRE CEREMONY MUSICIAN(S) (optional)

6 - 9 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING

SCHEDULE SPECIAL EVENTS

Rehearsal and Rehearsal Dinner
Bachelor Party (optional)
Bridesmaids' or Bachelorette Party (optional)
RESERVE ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR THE CEREMONY & RECEPTION (if necessary)

Tents
Tables, Chairs and Linens
Dishes, Glasses and Utensils
Arches
Balloons
Additional Decorations
Other Items
HIRE A FLORIST AND CHOOSE FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS

CONFIRM DELIVERY DATE OF GOWNS AND DRESSES

MAKE NECESSARY ARRANGEMENTS FOR TIME OFF FROM WORK

MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO TAKE DANCING LESSONS IF NECESSARY (optional)

MAKE HONEYMOON PLANS AND RESERVATIONS

RESERVE A BRIDAL SUITE FOR THE WEDDING NIGHT

3 - 6 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING

PURCHASE OTHER NECESSARY ITEMS FOR THE CEREMONY & RECEPTION

Toasting Glasses
Cake Knife, Server Set & Cake Top
Guest Book & Pen
Ring Pillow
Flower Girl Basket
Aisle Runner (optional)
Candelabras (optional)
Wishing Bubbles (optional)
Rice or Confetti (optional)
Wedding Bells (optional)
Candle(s) for Ceremony (optional)
Candle Holder(s) (optional)
FINALIZE HONEYMOON PLANS

Be sure to find out about passports, photo identification and other documents required if you will be leaving the country.
ORDER INVITATIONS & THANK YOU NOTES

ORDER CEREMONY PROGRAMS (optional)

HIRE A CALLIGRAPHER (optional)

FINALIZE YOUR INVITATION LIST

START ADDRESSING INVITATIONS

HIRE A LIMOUSINE OR TRANSPORTATION SERVICE

HIRE A MAKE-UP ARTIST AND/OR HAIR STYLIST (optional)

SET UP AT LEAST TWO BRIDAL REGISTRIES

HELP BOTH MOTHERS SHOP FOR THEIR DRESSES

PURCHASE SHOES, GARTER AND OTHER ACCESSORIES FOR THE BRIDE

BUY YOUR WEDDING RINGS

GROOM BUYS A WEDDING GIFT FOR THE BRIDE

BRIDE BUYS A WEDDING GIFT FOR THE GROOM

BUY GIFTS FOR THE BRIDAL PARTY

SELECT A SONG FOR YOUR FIRST DANCE

SELECT SONGS FOR PARENT DANCES

SELECT OTHER SPECIAL SONGS (Cake Cutting, etc.)

1 - 3 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING

DISTRIBUTE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS TO BRIDAL PARTY

Wedding Day (Time & Place To Meet and Other Details)
Rehearsal and Rehearsal Dinner
Bachelor Party (if available)
Bridesmaids' or Bachelorette Party (if available)
Final Fittings and Pick-Up Dates for Tuxedos and Dresses
CHECK MARRIAGE LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

Blood Tests
Medical Exams
Birth Certificates
Other
SEND OUT INVITATIONS (AT LEAST 6 WEEKS IN ADVANCE)

MAKE A LIST AND RECORD RSVP's AND GIFTS RECEIVED

SCHEDULE FINAL GOWN/HEADPIECE & DRESS FITTINGS

SCHEDULE FINAL TUXEDO FITTINGS

ORDER FAVORS FOR THE RECEPTION

ORDER YOUR WEDDING CAKE & CAKE TOP

ARRANGE FOR MOVING BELONGINGS TO NEW RESIDENCE

GET THE MARRIAGE LICENSE

MAKE APPOINTMENT(S) WITH HAIR/BEAUTY SALON (optional)

MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO HAVE YOUR TEETH CLEANED OR BLEACHED (optional)

CONFIRM HONEYMOON RESERVATIONS

ARRANGE FOR TRANSPORTATION TO THE AIRPORT

START PACKING AND PREPARING FOR THE HONEYMOON

PLAN TO TAKE A FORMAL WEDDING PORTRAIT

PLACE WEDDING ANNOUNCEMENT IN LOCAL NEWSPAPER(S)

3 - 4 WEEKS BEFORE THE WEDDING

FINAL CONSULTATION/CONFIRMATION WITH ALL SERVICES
(Discuss arrival times, locations, special details and payments due.)

DJ/Band/Other Entertainment (don't forget SPECIAL SONGS you want played)
Ceremony Musician(s) (don't forget to discuss any SPECIAL DETAILS)
Photographer (don't forget to discuss any SPECIAL PICTURES you want taken)
Videographer (notify them about any SPECIAL FOOTAGE you want on the tape)
Limousine Service (don't forget to discuss TIMES, LOCATIONS & DIRECTIONS)
Florist (don't forget to discuss ARRIVAL TIMES at ceremony/reception sites)
Baker (don't forget to discuss any SPECIAL DETAILS)
Tuxedos (don't forget to discuss FITTING & PICK-UP dates)
Bridal Gown & Dresses (don't forget to discuss FITTING & PICK-UP dates)
Clergyman/Judge (don't forget to discuss CEREMONY & REHEARSAL DETAILS)
Rehearsal Dinner Site (don't forget to discuss MENU & OTHER DETAILS)
Make-Up Artist (don't forget to discuss any SPECIAL DETAILS)
Hair Stylist (don't forget to discuss any SPECIAL DETAILS)
Other Service(s)
ARRANGE FOR NAME AND ADDRESS CHANGES

Bank Accounts & Loans
Credit Cards
Driver's License
Social Security
Passport
Other Important Documents

CONTACT GUESTS WHO HAVE NOT RESPONDED

MAKE SEATING PLANS FOR THE RECEPTION

PREPARE RECEPTION PLACE CARDS

MAKE SEATING PLANS FOR THE CEREMONY (optional)

FINALIZE YOUR MENU WITH CATERER AND/OR RECEPTION SITE

MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO HAVE THE GOWN CLEANED AND PRESERVED

MAKE ACCOMMODATIONS FOR OUT-OF-TOWN GUESTS

REMIND BRIDAL PARTY OF SPECIAL EVENTS AND OBLIGATIONS

WRAP GIFTS FOR THE BRIDAL PARTY

1 WEEK BEFORE THE WEDDING

DISCUSS ANY LAST MINUTE DETAILS WITH ALL SERVICES (if necessary)

DJ/Band/Other Entertainment
Ceremony Musician(s)
Reception Site
Caterer
Photographer
Videographer
Limousine Service
Florist
Baker
Tuxedos
Bridal Gown & Dresses
Clergyman/Judge
Rehearsal Site
Rehearsal Dinner Site
Make-Up Artist
Hair Stylist
Other

PREPARE CHECKS/PAYMENT FOR ALL SERVICES

DJ/Band/Other Entertainment
Ceremony Musician(s)
Ceremony Site
Reception Site
Caterer
Rehearsal Dinner Site
Photographer
Videographer
Limousine Service
Florist
Baker
Tuxedos
Bridal Gown & Dresses
Clergyman/Judge
Make-Up Artist
Hair Stylist
Other
GET EVERYTHING READY FOR REHEARSAL AND WEDDING DAY

Wedding Rings
Ring Pillow
Flower Girl Basket
Wedding Gown & Accessories
Groom's Tuxedo
Attire for Rehearsal/Rehearsal Dinner
Bride & Groom Gifts
Gifts for the Bridal Party
Reception Place Cards
Favors for the Reception
Toasting Glasses
Cake Knife, Server Set & Cake Top
Guest Book & Pen
Payments for ALL SERVICES
Wishing Bubbles (optional)
Rice or Confetti (optional)
Wedding Bells (optional)
Candle for Reception (optional)
Candle Holder (optional)
Tapers (optional)
Taper Holders (optional)
CD(s) or Cassette(s) for the DJ or Band (if required)

PREPARE AN EXTRA BAG WITH THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:

Aspirin
Breath Mints or Gum
Safety Pin
Extra Lipstick & Make-up
Brush and Comb
Hair Spray and Gel
Mini Sewing Kit
Stain-Fighting Spray or Cleaning Solution
Extra Pairs of Pantyhose

DISCUSS ANY LAST MINUTE DETAILS WITH THE BRIDAL PARTY (if necessary)
FINALIZE GUEST COUNT WITH CATERER/RECEPTION SITE
FINISH PACKING AND PREPARING FOR THE HONEYMOON