9 to 12 months before

•    Learn the facts about diamonds, and find the engagement ring
•    Propose
•    Set an initial budget.
•    Select a wedding date and time.
•    Announce your engagement in the newspaper.
•    Determine the type of wedding you want (day/night, indoor/outdoor, formal/casual).
•    Research availability of reception locations
•    Select and book your ceremony location, if not included with your reception location.
•    Select and book your ceremony location
•    Determine how many guests you want to invite.
•    Set aside blocks of hotel/motel rooms for out-of-town guests.
•    Get a band or D.J., get one early because they can get booked quickly.
•    Decide if you want a bridal party, and if so, the how large.
•    Start to research your bridal gown.
•    Start to research the grooms’ formal wear/tuxedo.
•    Start to research bridesmaids’ dresses.
•    Start to research formal wear for the groomsmen.
•    Compare and find a photographer.
•    Compare and find a videographer.
•    Find local florists and set appointments to look a their work.
•    Be sure that you get contracts from all the professionals you choose.
•    Create a bridal registry, and/or and engagement registry.
•    Visit bridal shows.
•    Marital Counseling


6 to 9 months before

•    Start compiling the guest list (inform your families to do the same).
•    Select the attendants for the wedding party.
•    Purchase the bride’s gown.
•    Shop for headpiece, veil and other accessories.
•    Purchase bridesmaid’s dresses.
•    Purchase groom’s tuxedo.
•    Arrange for the groomsmen to be measured and reserve the tuxedos.
•    Start planning for honeymoon.
•    Choose and reserve your florist.
•    Order the wedding cake, if not provided by the caterer or reception hall.
•    The parents of the groom should begin to arrange the Rehearsal Dinner.
•    Arrange for transportation for the wedding. Limousines, Horse Carriage, vans, etc.
•    Start to research for your wedding rentals for the ceremony and reception.


4 to 6 months before

•    Make appointments for the physical exam with your doctor/dentist.
•    Check requirements for blood test and marriage license in your state.
•    Shop for wedding rings.
•    Select and order the invitations.
•    Make sure all the men’s attire has been ordered.
•    Decide where to live after the wedding.
•    Complete the guest list.
•    Send your engagement announcement to the newspaper.
•    Inform mothers to select their dresses.
•    Select and order the men’s attire.
•    Finalize honeymoon details and make the necessary reservations.
•    Book the Wedding rentals for your ceremony and reception.

2 to 4 months before

•    Confirm the menu and catering details with the caterer.
•    Prepare all maps and directions for the ceremony and reception.
•    Select your wedding rings.
•    Buy a wedding guest book.
•    Set the dates and times with the officiant for the rehearsal.
•    Plan the bridesmaids’ luncheon and any other parties.
•    Determine your resources for designing and printing the program for the ceremony.
•    Finalize the florist details, photographer, videographer, musicians, etc.
•    Arrange the necessary accommodations for out-of-town guests.
•    Plan a rehearsal dinner, time and place.
•    Confirm the wedding cake details with the baker.


6 to 8 weeks before

•    Mail invitations and announcements.
•    Prepare a portrait for the newspaper. Check your local newspaper for details and timing.
•    Set appointment with photographer for your formal bridal portrait.
•    Select gifts for all your attendants.
•    Set appointments with any hairdressers and/makeup artists.
•    Hire the limousine or other forms of transportation for the wedding.


4 to 6 weeks before

•    Decide what your menu is going to be for the reception. Estimate the number of guests.
•    Buy a gift for the groom
•    Schedule a final fitting for your gown so it can be ready for your formal bridal portrait.
•    Purchase a going away outfit.
•    Pick up your wedding rings.
•    Purchase (borrow) all wedding accessories such as the ring pillow, goblets, garter, candles, etc.
•    Confirm florist details and delivery times.
•    Plan the seating for the reception as well as other details for the ceremony and reception.
•    Start writing placement cards.
•    Make sure all bridesmaids’ attire has been fitted.
•    Buy a gift for the bride.
•    Choose the music for your ceremony, first dance, parent dances, and party and give information to band, D.J. or other musicians.

2 weeks before

•    Make arrangements to have your wedding gifts moved to your new home.
•    Handle business and legal details such as name changes, address changes etc.
•    Prepare the wedding announcement for the newspaper.
•    Reconfirm your guests’ accommodations.
•    Make sure all clothing and accessories for you and the bridal party are ready.
•    Get your marriage license and any blood tests, which are needed.


1 week before

•    Review any seating details with the ushers.
•    Make sure all wedding attires fits.
•    Finalize the seating arrangements.
•    Reconfirm your honeymoon reservations.
•    Start packing for your honeymoon.
•    Call any guests who have not responded.
•    Finish all the place cards for the reception.
•    Review all the final details with your photographer, videographer, etc.
•    Give a final head count to the caterer.
•    Confirm the availability of the musicians and vocalists.
•    Delegate responsibilities to reliable individuals on your wedding day.
•    Wrap and present the wedding party gifts.
•    Finalize your rehearsal dinner arrangements or other plans.


1 day before

•    Get a manicure or massage to relax yourself.
•    Stay with your family the night before and sleep early.
•    Review and rehearse all the details of your participants.

The Big Day

•    Make sure the best man and maid of honor sign the wedding certificate.
•    Allow yourself plenty of time to get dressed.
•    Be sure to eat properly.
•    Rest and relax with a good bath.
•    Prepare for your hairdresser and makeup appointments.
•    Enjoy your wonderful wedding and cherish each and every moment.