12 months or more before the wedding:
Decide on the budget
Reserve ceremony site and officiant
Work on guest list for a rough count
Visit reception sites and reserve one
Hire wedding consultant (for help with all planning, certain aspects of it, or day of coordination only)

9-12 months before:
Shop for and order wedding gown, veil and accessories
Compile guest list
Choose attendants
Select bridesmaids’ attire
Plan details of reception: colors, decorations, balloons
Select photographer
Select videographer
Select band or DJ for reception
Discuss honeymoon plans
Mail save-the-date cards if necessary
Get engagement photo taken

6-9 months before:
Reserve wedding day transportation
Register for gifts at one to three stores
Book musicians for ceremony
Select florist
Select caterer
Reserve party rental equipment (table, tent, chairs, etc.)
Order wedding cake
Order invitations, personal stationery and thank you notes
Reserve accommodations for out-of-town guests
Finalize honeymoon plans (get your passport if needed!)

4-6 months before:
Order men’s formalwear
Book stylist or salon for bridal party hair, nails and make-up
Select and purchase wedding guest favors
Find and reserve rehearsal dinner location
Reserve accommodations for wedding night
Finalize guest list

2-4 months before:
Address wedding invitations
Buy and wrap attendants’ gifts
Buy wedding rings and order engraving
Announce engagement in local newspapers
Confirm delivery dates of bridal gown and bridesmaids’ dresses
Meet with caterer to discuss menu
Select ceremony music, readings and vows and meet with officiant
Arrange ceremony rehearsal and notify participants

1-2 months before:
Call county clerk’s office for marriage license details, and schedule date to obtain
Mail invitations
Arrange for final fittings on your gown
Make reservations for bridesmaids’ luncheon
Confirm honeymoon arrangements
Record gifts received and write thank you notes promptly
Prepare printed program for ceremony
Start reception seating chart and place cards
Purchase wedding accessories (guest book and pen, unity candle, toasting glasses, cake knife and server,
and flower girl/ring bearer accessories)

2-4 weeks before:
Arrange for professionals to preserve your gown and bridal bouquet
Follow up on missing RSVPs and finish seating chart/place cards
Confirm final guest count to caterer and reception site
Write rehearsal dinner and wedding toasts
Confirm honeymoon arrangements

1 week before:
Have final consultation with caterer, florist, musicians, photographer and videographer
Host bridesmaids’ luncheon
Begin packing for honeymoon
Put fees due on the wedding day in envelopes, for the best man to distribute

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