Timeline Planner

What needs to be done ... and when?

First things first - set a date.

Nine to Twelve months before your Wedding day: Set a wedding budget.
If desired, and in the budget, have an engagement photo taken.
Formally announce your engagement in the newspaper.
Select your wedding party.
Prepare a guest list.
Speak to your clergyman or offical.
Book a place for the ceremony.
Book a place for the reception and rehersal.
Book your musical entertainment (band or DJ).
Select caterer and florist.
Begin looking for wedding dress.

Six to Nine months prior:
Order your wedding dress.
Order shoes and veil.
Order your bridesmaid dresses.
Select a photographer and/or videographer.
Finalize your guest list.
Register with a gift registry.
Draw a timeline for reception.
See a travel agent about your honeymoon destination.
Obtain passports if necessary.

Four to Six months left:
Order wedding rings.
Order invitations and if desired, matching thank you cards.
Order programs and name cards.
Arrange lodging options for out of town guests.
Order wedding favors.
Select and reserve transportation.
Reserve any rentals (eg. center pieces).
Select men's apparal - order tuxes.
Select ceremony readers and/or musical performers.
Book suite for wedding night.

Two to Four months to go:
Order wedding cake.
Finalize menu.
Choose gift for your significant other.
Choose gifts for attendants (bridesmaids and groomsmen).
Make final alterations.
Arrange time for rehersal dinner with offical and other participants.
Make appointment for hair, manicure and makeup, also consider a trial.
Write out invitations.
Purchase a marriage license (within 3 months of the wedding day)

One to Two more months:
Mail invitations (6 weeks prior).
Finalize honeymoon plans.
Confirm all details (photographer, florist etc).
Create a music list with the musical entertainment.
Pick up wedding bands.
Determine reception seating.
Select location for girls to get ready.
Shop for any special accessories (eg. knife to cut the cake)
Legally change name and order new cards (eg. drivers licence).

Two weeks before the big day:
Send a wedding announcement to the local paper.
Finalize number of guests - follow up those who didn't repond.
Pick up all dresses.
Confirm rehersal arrangments.
Give photographer any special instructions such as samples of poses.
Purchase guest book.
Start packing for your honeymoon.
Gather something old, new, borrowed and blue.

The day before:
Visit salon for manicure and pedicure.
Decide who is going to bring all accessories.
Speak with your ushers about guest list and seating.
Make sure the boys have their tuxes.
Attend rehersal dinner.
Exchange gifts with your significant other.
Get a good night sleep.

THE BIG DAY:
Eat breakfast.
Make sure the wedding rings go to the right people.
Get your hair/makeup done.
Grab a change of clothes for later.
Enjoy your special day. It doesn't have to be perfect, just relax and take it all in.