• Determine your budget and the kind of wedding (informal, formal, etc.).
• Decide where the ceremony will take place.
• Visit your officiant with your fiancé. Select a service and set the date.
• Consider hiring a wedding consultant.
• Plan your reception.
• Choose your attendants.
• Draw up your invitation list; have your fiancé draw up his.
• Enroll with the bridal gift registry of your favorite department or specialty store.
• Select your dress, veil, accessories and bridesmaids’ dresses.
• Consult a men’s formal wear specialist.
• Select photographer/videographer, florist, musicians.

2 to 4 Months Ahead

• Address wedding invitations.
• Select your wedding reception music.
• Choose gifts for your attendants.
• Buy wedding rings; order engraving.
• Make a date with your fiancé to get the marriage license. (Check your state’s law to see how many days a license is valid.)

1 to 2 Months Ahead

• Buy wedding gift for your groom.
• Make appointment with hairstylist.
• Consider hiring a professional makeup artist for your wedding day.
• Have final dress fittings.
• Plan how to handle traffic, parking.
• Mail your invitations.
• Have a formal wedding portrait taken.
• Attend parties in your honor.
• Plan bridesmaids’ party.
• Record each gift as received and write a thank-you note promptly.
• Make a household “check” for home furnishings that are still needed.
• Pick up wedding rings.

2 Weeks Ahead

• Send your wedding announcement to the newspaper.
• Draw up a seating plan for reception; make cards for the bride’s table.
• Go over your personal trousseau and take care of any last minute items.
• If you plan to change your name on Social Security, driver’s license, credit cards, bank accounts, contact the necessary offices to obtain the required forms.
• Arrange to move your belongings to your new home.

1 Week Ahead

• Have final consultation with caterer, florist and photographer/videographer.
• Give bridesmaids’ party.
• Confirm rehearsal plans with clergy and attendants.
  
  *Preferred resources are often booked far in advance.
  Therefore, some couples begin their planning 18 to 24 months ahead.