Wedding Planning Checklist

This is a general checklist to help in planning your wedding. It looks overwhelming, but it isn't if you take it one step at a time. About a year out:
	Announce Engagement. If you're internet savvy, then start a blog about your wedding. I'll link to it here if you do.
	Choose your date.
	Hire wedding consultant/coordinator, if you want to. In the age of the internet, I'm not sure it is required, but it does make the process easier.
	Determine type of wedding. What is your vision?
	Determine budget & how expenses will be shared.
	Start a system to keep your notes straight. I would start a new email address to deal with all wedding related items, and use Google Docs to keep notes.
	Develop a record keeping system for payments.
	Create an approximate.guest list.
	Take a deep breath.
	Select and reserve ceremony site.
	Select and book your officiant.
	Select and book reception location.
	Look at bridal gowns. Buy only when you find the perfect one, but save time for alterations.
	Determine color scheme.
	Take a deep breath.
	Obtain, passports, visas, birth certificates, any documents need for travel and/or marriage licenses. So, you should plan your honeymoon early enough to get all of the proper paperwork.

6 to 9 months out:
	Select and book caterer.
	Find a photographer you like who has a style that will compliment your wedding.
	Select wedding party. They're going to need to start planning you a shower.
	Give wedding party a list of their responsibilities, or just have a chat with them.
	Select and buy attire or bridesmaids & flower girl. Fun fun.
	Take a deep breath. Make sure you keep doing that.
	Select and book ceremony musicians.
	Select and book a band or DJ for your reception.
	Select and book videography, if you want it.
	Select and book florist.
	Register for your wedding gifts, although you can start this sooner. It is fabulously fun. Make sure you are registered somewhere when your shower invitations go.

Aren't you glad now, for all the links to local service providers? There sure are a lot of "select and books". Be aware that  most people you work with will need a deposit when you book.

4 to 6 Months out:
	Schedule fittings for dresses for you and bridal party, if you need them.
	If you want any premarital counseling, this is a good time to go for it.
	Reserve rental items.
	Select and book decorator, if you want one.
	Finalize your guest lists.
	Select and order invitations and other wedding stationary. Go ahead and get your thank you cards. You'll want to write the notes as you get gifts, or you will get overwhelmed.
	Set date, time and location for rehearsal dinner.
	Select and book honeymoon night suite.
	Arrange accommodations for out-of-town guests.
	Plan some details of your honeymoon.
	Shop for your wedding gifts to each other.
	Shop for your wedding gifts to your wedding party.
	Shop for your wedding gifts to your parents.
	Buy shoes, lingerie and jewelry.
	Pick out shoes and accessories for the bridal party.
	Select and order wedding bands.

2 to 4 months:

	Take formal engagement pictures.
	Select and order wedding cake.
	Order party favors.
	Select and order decorations.
	Purchase honeymoon attire and luggage.
	Select and book wedding day transportation.
	Start addressing your invitations.
	Go have a drink with your maid of honor.
	Go on trials and book wedding day hair and makeup. Bring your headpiece and wear a white shirt. Bring a camera.
	Obtain marriage license. You can put this off, but you will feel nice having it.
	Send out your invitations.
	Select ceremony readers.
	Select ushers to seat your guests.
	Select guest book attendant.
	Take a yoga class, or go for a walk in a park.
	Mail invitations to shower. Or, make your bridesmaids do that.
	Get photography permit, if needed. You probably won't need it. You do want to check on the photography policy if you are getting married in a church.

6 to 8 weeks:

	Maintain a record of RSVP's and early wedding gifts. Google Docs has a spreadsheet function. It is nice.
	Maintain a record of shower gifts and send thank you's.
	Purchase all ceremony and reception accessories: guest book, toasting glasses, garter, ring pillow, etc.
	Select and reserve wedding attire for all gentlemen.
	Mail invitations to rehearsal dinner, or just make sure everyone knows to be there.
	Plan bridesmaid luncheon, if you are having one.
	Select your something old, new, borrowed, blue.

2 to 6 weeks:

	Finalize food and drinks for reception.
	Finalize all ceremony details with Officiant.
	Finalize all rehearsal arrangements.
	Finalize all floral arrangements.
	Final fittings for yourself and bridesmaids.
	Make yourself a written itinerary for your wedding day.
	Give a copy of the itinerary to your wedding party and vendors.
	Finalize all details with all your vendors.
	Decide order of receiving line and head table setting.
	Contact guest that haven't replied.
	Pick up wedding rings.
	Give photographer a photo checklist, and have coffee with him. Even better, make sure you have a bridal portrait and engagement photos before the day. Then, you're all old friends by your wedding day. Your photographer will be with you pretty much all day...it helps if you are all comfortable.
	Visit reception site for floor plan.
	Create reception seating plan.
	Give musicians a list of your music selection, or tell them you trust their choices.
	Inform attendants when and where to pick up attire.
	Determine ceremony seating for parents and family.
	Print out seating cards, if you are using them. Print a program for your ceremony.
	Pick up honeymoon tickets.

1 week:

	Give caterer/reception venue final tally of guests.
	Pack.
	Take extra good care of your skin.
	Arrange mail collection while you are on honeymoon.

Wedding Eve:

	Drop all wedding accessories at your locations.
	Make sure you bring all gifts that will be handed out at dinner.
	Make sure you have all final payments in envelopes for wedding day.
	Pack over night bag for honeymoon suite.
	Breathe. Breathe. Breathe.
	Make sure gentlemen have black socks. You can't trust most men with these details.
	Go to church for rehearsal.
	Rehearse!

OhmyGod-the-Big-Day!
	Use your itinerary. Don't forget to stay calm and enjoy the day. Some things will probably go wrong, but at the end of the day, you will be married!
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