There are so many things to do in so little time- make sure you get them all done!
Here is a rough list of what needs to be done and when. Of course, everyone is going to have a different amount of time between the engagement and the marriage, so you'll have to work out a schedule of your own based on these guidelines.
12 months +
• Announce your engagement
• Decide on a budget
• Pick a wedding date
• Find a wedding consultant (if desired)
9-11 months
• Get a folder or binder for organizing info and receipts
• Start looking at reception sites (book one as soon as possible)
• Interview caterers and pick one
• Start looking for an officiant
• Decide on how many guests you want
• Choose your attendants/groomsmen early so that you can delegate tasks
• Find a ceremony site
• Choose a theme for your wedding/reception (colors, style, etc.)
• Start looking for a wedding gown
• Finalize the guest list with full names, addresses, etc.
• Start looking for a band/DJ and book them as soon as possible
• Look into any rentals you need for your reception site
• Decide on an officiant and meet with them
• Interview photographers (and videographer)
• Make a final decision on your gown
6-8 months
• Reserve your photographer (and videographer)
• Choose a florist and tell them what you have in mind for your flowers
• Give your bridesmaids/groomsmen lists of tasks
• Decide on where you are going to register and pick what you want
• Find dresses for your bridesmaids
• Send out "Save the Date" cards or contact out-of-town guests
• Select a baker and choose your wedding cake style
• Get your bridesmaids' measurements, or have them order their dresses themselves
• Find ceremony musicians (if desired)
• Order your wedding gown
• Start planning the rehearsal dinner
• Figure out what style and wording you want for your invitations
• Finalize menu and service details with your caterer
• Order your invitations (make sure you get extra, just in case!)
4-5 months
• Groom should decide on what he and his groomsmen will wear
• Rent what you need for your reception (tables, chairs, etc.) unless they provide it
• Start planning the honeymoon and book as soon as possible
• Book a calligrapher or printer for your invitations
• Reserve a site for your rehearsal dinner
• Book hotel room for your wedding night
• Finalize your decision on a floral scheme and tell the florist
2-3 months
• Choose your accessories and have the bridesmaids coordinate
• Want to try out different beauty ideas (hair dye, tanning, etc)? Do it now
• Find and purchase your wedding rings
• Schedule bridal portraits or engagement pictures (if desired)
• Groom should have his attire ordered or rented
• Make sure bridesmaids and groomsmen have bought their attire
• Make or buy your favors
• Talk to your attendants about a bridal shower and bachelor party
• Buy wedding day lingerie and shoes in time for your first dress fitting
• Get passports, vaccinations, etc. if you are having an international honeymoon
• Pick up your invitations or make sure they have been shipped to you already
• Start taking better care of yourself- exercise, eat right, etc.
• Talk to people who you'd like to do something at your wedding
• Start addressing your invitations
• Confirm delivery date of your gown and schedule your fitting appointments
• Talk to your insurance provider and have your spouse included after the wedding
• Get wedding bands engraved (if not done when purchased)
• Groom should buy all necessary accessories
• Make a guest list for your bridal shower and give it to the host
• Begin your dress fitting appointments
• Decide on wedding day transportation and reserve, if necessary
• Send out your invitations
5-6 weeks
• Order any drinks not included in the catering contract
• Purchase your veil before your final fitting
• Begin working on your vows if you are writing your own
• Update your registry as you receive gifts
• Research local marriage license requirements
• Go to your final gown fitting
• Start using whitening toothpaste and other products
• Finalize your vows
• Write "Thank-you" notes for bridal shower gifts
• Buy a guestbook and matching pen
• Visit with your hairstylist to decide on the best hairdo to go with your veil
3-4 weeks
• Send rehearsal dinner invitations
• Schedule appointments to get your hair and make-up done on your wedding day
• Get marriage license
• Work on a song list for your band/DJ
• Pick out the jewelry and other accessories you don't have yet
• Meet with or call your officiant to finalize details
• Confirm wedding night and honeymoon reservations
• Do the necessary paperwork if your are changing your name
• Pick up your gown and make sure it fits right
• Pick up your veil and/or headpiece
• Get your bridal portrait or other pictures (if desired)
• Work out wedding day timing issues and make sure attendants know the info
• Call guests who haven't RSVP'd yet to get a final headcount
• Confirm headcount with caterer and other vital information
• Determine your receiving line order (if necessary)
• Figure out wedding day assignments for attendants and family members
• Practice walking in your wedding dress
• Call reception site to make sure all vendors will be able to get inside
1-2 weeks
• Put together a seating plan (if you're having one)
• Give the plan to the caterer, or whoever will be in charge of the tables
• Contact your officiant and give them final details about the rehearsal/ wedding
• Confirm delivery time, location, and final arrangement count with florist
• Groom should pick up tux and make sure it fits right
• Shop and pack for the honeymoon
• Confirm all final payment amounts with vendors
• Confirm location, date and time with photographer (and videographer)
• Groom should get a final hair cut (don't wait till last minute!)
• Prepare your toasts and ask close friends and family to work on theirs
• Contact transportation providers with a list of times and locations
• Distribute wedding day directions, schedule, and tasks to wedding party
• Designate someone to meet with and handle the vendors on the wedding day
• Pack an overnight bag for your wedding night
• Put final payments and tips for vendors in envelops to hand out after the wedding
• Confirm location, date and time with band/DJ
• Designate someone to collect the wedding gifts
Day Before
• Get a manicure and pedicure (plus any waxing or final tanning)
• Put wedding gown and all accessories in one place so you don't lose anything
• Confirm all honeymoon travel plans
• Drop off favors, guestbook and pen to reception site
• Rehearse the ceremony with officiant and wedding party
• Have fun and relax at the rehearsal dinner
• Set your alarm clock and get some sleep!
Day Of
• Confirm with people who you asked to give toasts
• Set aside time for a private moment with your new spouse
• Smile, relax, and enjoy the day!