18 to 12 months before wedding (top)

Decide on a wedding date. Make an appointment with clergyman or officiant.

Discuss with your fiance and family how much you want to spend.

Assemble your wedding guest list in consultation with both families.

Pick a reception venue and make necessary reservations.

Select caterer and reserve for reception, rehearsal dinner and any other dining functions.

Book music or entertainment.

8 to 10 months before wedding (top)

Shop for wedding dress and veil.

Select china, crystal and silverware patterns and register them in the Wedding Gift Registry of your favorite stores.

Select your bridesmaids.

Set the date to order dresses for the bridesmaids and attendants.

Pick a honeymoon destination. Check to see if your passports need to be renewed and if any inoculations are required for foreign destinations.

Hire a photographer and videographer.

6 to 8 months before wedding (top)

Finalize your guest list and compare it with your fiance’s.

Order your invitations. Invitations should be mailed four weeks before the wedding.

Order your personal stationery and thank-you notes.

Decide on a color scheme for your wedding and inform your mother and your fiance’s mother so they can find compatible colored dresses.

Talk to a florist about which flowers will match the color scheme you’ve chosen.

Arrange transportation for all wedding party members to and from the ceremony and reception.

3 months before wedding (top)

Confirm the delivery date of your gown and select attendant’s dresses.

Make an appointment for your bridal portrait.

Order your wedding cake.

Inform your clergyman or officiant of all the details of your ceremony.

Discuss the details of your reception with your caterer or reception site manager. Rent any necessary equipment.

Choose wedding bands and arrange for engraving, if desired.

Make hotel reservations for out of town guests.

Work with caterer to select menus for reception and any other dining events.

One month before wedding (top)

Mail the invitations.

Have the final fitting for your gown and confirm the date for your bridal portrait.

Select and order gifts for the attendants.

Reserve tuxedos for groomsmen and groom, if necessary.

Make necessary arrangements for the bridesmaids’ luncheon or dinner.

Discuss plans for the rehearsal dinner with the hosts.

Two weeks before wedding (top)

Go with fiance to get marriage license.

Plan your wedding hairstyle and other beauty arrangements (manicure, etc.).

If you are changing your name, arrange to change your name and address on official documents, such as driver’s license, bank accounts, insurance and health policies.

Deliver wedding announcement to the local newspaper.

One week before wedding (top)

Start packing for honeymoon.

Have luncheon or dinner for bridesmaids.

Wrap and present gifts to your attendants at the bridesmaids’ party.

Inform the caterer of the exact number of confirmed guests for the reception.

Review final details of the ceremony and reception with all parties involved.

Relax and enjoy the big day!

Reception Checklist (top)

Reserve site.

Select caterer.

Sign agreement and pay deposit to reserve.

Decide style, theme and decorations. Hire florist, if necessary.

Plan menu.

Determine if alcohol will be served. If so, will it be open bar, limited bar or cash bar?

Hire band or DJ for reception.

Determine sequence of events with DJ, band or Master of Ceremonies.

Select someone to be the guest book attendant.

Determine seating arrangements.

Order or make favors for guests.

Give final guest count to caterer.

Rehearsal Dinner Checklist (top)

Set date, time and location of rehearsal dinner.

Reserve restaurant or hire caterer.

Determine menu.

Select decorations, if needed.

Create guest list.

Order invitations.

Confirm number of guests with caterer or restaurant.