Decisions to Make
Select a wedding date and time
Set a budget
Make a guest list (determine how many guests there will be)
Decide on the type of wedding: formal or informal/indoor or outdoor
Decide on transportation to and from reception

Things To Do
Choose and book the officiate
Secure the ceremony location
Secure the reception location
Buy the wedding rings
Reserve a photographer
Reserve a videographer
Reserve a band or DJ
Reserve a baker for the wedding cake
Reserve a florist
Reserve a decorator
Have an engagement party

8 Months Ahead

Decisions to Make
Choose attendants
Plan florals
Plan ceremony decor
Plan reception decor
Plan music with DJ
Choose menu, decorations, colored linen, tableware.
Decide how food should be served: buffet, sit-down
Choose dessert table - yes or no
Decide how much liquor to serve
Decide on whether or not to have a receiving line

Things To Do
Announce engagement in the paper
Order gown and accessories
Notify attendants and order their gowns
Order wedding cake and cake top
Order gifts for guests
Order liquor, wine and beer
Order stationery: menus, napkins, cake boxes etc.
Consult with banquet manager or caterer
Research and reserve accommodations for out-of-town guests
Contact rental companies if you need to rent anything such as: chairs, tables, tent etc.

3-6 Months Ahead

Decisions to Make
Plan the honeymoon
Arrange seating plan for head table, parents' tables, and guests

Things To Do
attend pre-wedding counseling
Shop for and send out invitations
Renew passports, if necessary
Write your vows
purchase gifts for your parents, attendants and each other
Book your hair stylist
Book a makeup artist

Decisions to Make
Meet with photographer to finalize schedule
Meet with videographer to finalize schedule
Meet with DJ to select first dance song etc...
Place someone in charge of watching and delivering the wedding gifts

Things To Do
Apply for a marriage license.
Bride: Have final gown fitting and have it pressed.
Make sure bridesmaids have gowns ready for the wedding.
Create a wedding program.
Create a Wedding Day planner (see below)

The Wedding Day!

Bride's Home
__:__ Breakfast
__:__ Hairdresser
__:__ Makeup
__:__ Attendants arrive
__:__ All flowers arrive where the bride is getting dressed
__:__ All flowers arrive where the groom is getting dressed
__:__ Get Dressed
__:__ Photographer/Videographer arrive
__:__ Limo arrives
__:__ Leave for ceremony

Ceremony
__:__ Florist decorates site
__:__ Musicians arrive
__:__ Groom and best man arrives (1 hr. before ceremony)
__:__ Ushers arrive to seat guests (30 min. before ceremony)
__:__ Parents seated
__:__ Bride, father, and Bridesmaids arrive
__:__ Prelude begins
__:__ Mother's are seated
__:__ Processional begins
__:__ Ceremony Begins
__:__ Photo session begins

The Reception
__:__ Guests arrive
__:__ Cocktail hour begins
__:__ Bridal Party arrives
__:__ First dance
__:__ Dinner is served
__:__ Toasts/speeches
__:__ Cake cutting
__:__ Toss bouquet and garter
__:__ Goodbye Shots
__:__ Change into going away outfits
__:__ Departure