24 – 30 months ahead: Set the Date and Budget

Sit down together as a couple and decide on a wedding date that works for both of you. Consider the upcoming schedules of family and close friends. This is also the time to agree on a realistic budget. Do some research before setting the budget or you’re likely to be way under and will only end up being disappointed. Keep in mind that if you plan your special day during a holiday weekend or Valentine’s Day, you’re likely to end up paying more for flowers and/or your reception space.

9 – 12 months ahead: Pick the Place(s)

Make final decisions on where you’d like your ceremony, reception and honeymoon to be. Finalize all the plans before you announce the date to family and friends. Honeymoon reservations may only have to be made a few months ahead, but this depends on where you’ll be going and the mode of transportation. Check with a travel agent ahead of time to find out how far ahead you’ll need to book.

6 – 12 months ahead: Choose Your People

This is the time to select and notify all the people that will be involved in your wedding. Select and finalize your wedding party. Decide on and book the officiator of your ceremony as well as the caterer, musicians and photographer. Remember to think of the details such as whether you’d need separate photographers at the ceremony and reception or whether you’d prefer a videographer.

6 – 9 months ahead: Decide on Dresses

Choose your wedding dress and the bridesmaid dresses. Don’t forget the accessories such as the veil, shoes and jewelry. Allow enough time for dresses to arrive and additional time for fittings and adjustments.

4 – 6 months ahead: Choose the Cake, Flowers and More

Select the cake and check with bakeries for their order and delivery times. Choose and send wedding invitations. Allow more time for out of town quests to RSVP. Be sure you have up to date addresses for everyone on your guest list as even invitations for informal weddings should be hand addressed and mailed out.

This is a good time to create a wedding website. You can include a separate card inside your invitations with the website address so guests can communicate with you and each other in the months leading up to the wedding as well as after the wedding. Having a wedding countdown clock on the site is helpful because it automatically ticks down the months, days, hours, minutes and seconds to the big day.

Choose the flowers for the wedding party, ceremony and reception. If cost is an issue, stick to flowers in season. If you need a specific flower in a certain color, order ahead.

The groom should select his wedding day outfit. The wedding couple should also register for gifts as well as think ahead to be prepared with Visas, immunizations and medical insurance for the honeymoon.

3 months ahead: Make Guest Accommodation Arrangements

Make hotel reservations for your out of town guests. You may need more time if a convention or other events are taking place in your location around the time of your wedding. Make sure you and your guests receive confirmation of the reservations.

1 -2 months – Complete Important Miscellaneous Tasks

Now is the time to take care of all those important last minute – well last month – details. Get blood tests and the marriage license. Make arrangements for the rehearsal dinner and send out the invitations for the dinner. Confirm times for the photographer and videographer.

Make arrangements for the bridal luncheon including the details such as flowers. Send out invitations for the bridal luncheon. The wedding couple should have their honeymoon wardrobe purchased.

1-2 weeks ahead – Have Gifts Ready for the Wedding Party

Buy and wrap gifts for the wedding party including your spouse to be. For engravings and special orders, this may take more time than just a week or two, so think ahead as to what your gifts will be and how much time you’ll need.

1 day ahead – Get Ready to Be Married!

It’s finally here! Make sure the officiator of your wedding has your license. Relax and enjoy your rehearsal dinner knowing you’ve planned a great wedding!