This is the checklist to use 6-12 months before the wedding:

  Announce your engagement to your family and friends

  Decide a day and time for the wedding

  Discuss a wedding budget with the groom (Include both sets of parents)

  Choose and Reserve a Wedding Site

  Decide style of wedding (formality, size, theme)

  Choose a color scheme for the wedding/reception

  Choose and Reserve a Reception Site

  Decide Reception style (buffet or sit-down dinner)

  Meet with officiating clergy to discuss ceremony ideas and premarital counseling

  Select the Bridesmaids and Groomsmen

  Try to set up a meeting between both sets of parents. (Normally, it is the groom's parents that make the first move to meet with the bride's parents)

  Select your gown, headpiece, and accessories. Schedule fitting appointments as needed

  Select your bridesmaids and flower girl(s) gowns and shoes. (Select a gown that will be flattering for all of your bridesmaids)

  Meet and select a florist, caterer, photographer, Videographer, DJ, ceremony musician(s) and singer(s), and a cake baker to discuss your ideas and budget

  Start attending Bridal Shows

  Have a black and white engagement photo taken for your announcement in the newspaper

  Register for wedding gifts at the stores of your choice

  Consider hiring a wedding consultant

  Find out your State's requirements for obtaining a marriage license

  Send announcements of your engagement to your groom's and your hometown newspapers, as well as the newspaper in the town or towns where you both live

  Contact a travel agent to discuss honeymoon possibilities. **If you are considering traveling out of the country for your honeymoon, you may need to update your passport. You may also need a copy of your birth certificate. If you cannot find it, order it soon.

  Send out "Save the Date" cards to your out-of-town guests

  Develop some kind of record-keeping system for gifts, invitations, thank-you notes, and payments to wedding vendors.

Six to Twelve Months Before the Wedding PRINT Page

Three to Six Months Before the Wedding

Two to Three Months Before the Wedding

Two to Six Weeks Before the Wedding

One Week Before the Wedding

One Day Before the Wedding
Wedding Day