Announce your engagement.

Arrange for your two sets of parents to get together if they haven’t already met.

Set your wedding date.

Decide on the style of wedding you both want.

Review your wedding budget. Include both sets of parents if they will be paying for portions of the event.

Choose a site for the ceremony and visit the officiant.

Put together a guest list to get an estimated head count.

Visit reception sites and reserve one.

Purchase a book to write in and record your wedding journey.

Interview wedding planners if you are using one.

Choose your wedding party.

Choose a caterer.

Enroll in bridal-gift registry.

Shop for gown.

Shop for bridal attendents’ dresses.

Choose a photographer and a videographer.

Hire a florist.

Book musicians and/or Disc Jockey.

Order wedding invitations, envelopes, thank-you cards, and any other wedding stationary you may want.

Order wedding gown.

Order tuxedos for groom and groomsmen.

Shop for a cake.

Shop around for accomodations for out-of-town guests.
Motels offer lower rates if you tell them a group is coming.

Meet with caterer to discuss menus, service style, wine list, etc.

Complete your guest list. Assume that 20% of invitees probably can’t come.

Arrange a rehersal dinner.

Call county clerk’s office to find out about requirements for a marriage license.

Find out if your state requires a blood test. If so, get one.

Make honeymoon reservations. Compile necessary travel documents such as visas or passports.

Pick ceremony music. (Check with ceremony site about any restrictions.)

Pick reception music.

Order wedding cake.

Purchase thank-you gifts for attendants.

Shop for wedding bands.

Complete honeymoon plans.

Meet with party-rental companies, if necessary, for tables, chairs or other items.

Mail invitations eight weeks ahead of the date.

Do a hair and makeup run-through (with headpiece)

Have final dress fitting.

Look over insurance documents with your fiancé (car, life, medical, home)— you may need to make changes in the policy when you go from single to married.

Make a seating chart for the reception.

Confirm details with florist and photographer, etc.

Give caterer final head count.

Make appointments with your favorite beauty professionals to prepare you for that all-eyes-on-you moment.

Send an engagement photograph with a wedding announcement to the newspapers.

Host bridesmaids’ party.

Place fees in envelopes to be given to organist, soloist, minister, etc., on the big day.

Appoint a punctual pal to bring the cake knife, toasting glasses and other heirlooms to the wedding site early (and to be responsible for getting them home again).

Get a manicure, pedicure, facial, massage or other beauty treatments of your choice.

Pack for the honeymoon. Arrange for someone to bring your luggage and going-away outfits to the reception site if you are leaving from the reception.

Greet out-of-town guests.

Go to the gym, take a long walk, or do some other stress-reducing activity.

Schedule time for beauty- a manicure touch-up, or a hairstyling appointment— before the rehersal dinner.

Attend the wedding rehersal and dinner following.