* Choose a wedding theme and style

    * Work out a basic wedding budget; research reception venues

    * Determine number of guests

    * Look through bridal magazines for attire ideas

    * Meet potential wedding consultants; obtain bids

    * Research wedding pros (photographers, videographers, reception bands or DJs, ceremony musicians). Set up appointments, and review portfolios, tapes, cost and recordings.

    * Select a wedding consultant and meet to discuss wedding planning details

    * Determine theme/decorations for your reception

    * Meet with several caterers; arrange for tastings

    * Select and book a caterer

    * Reserve musicians/DJ for reception

    * Determine wedding ceremony musicians and make musical selections

    * Book wedding videographer and photographer; make a list of photos, such as bridal ceremony and reception shots

    * Research and interview florists

    * Select and reserve your ceremony venue and schedule a rehearsal time

    * Choose reception venue; negotiate contract; leave a deposit

    * Secure parking and/or transportation for your guests at the reception location

    * Visit local bridal stores to browse their selection of gowns

    * Choose your wedding-party members and ask them to participate in your celebration

    * Meet with your officiant to discuss the wedding ceremony

    * Determine your honeymoon budget

    * Mail save-the-date notices for a destination wedding

    * Introduction of families

5 months

    * Select and order your wedding gown or just decide style and look

    * If your ceremony or reception will be held in a park or recreational area, obtain necessary permits

    * Discuss attendants' duties with your maid of honor and bridesmaid

    * Register for wedding gifts

    * Coordinate with vendors to incorporate your theme/style into all aspects of your wedding

    * Decide on the food and liquor to be served at your reception

    * Prepare a playlist of wedding-reception musical selections

    * Select and order your headpiece, veil, gloves and shoes

    * Confirm orders of and delivery dates for your wedding attire

    * Research airline, hotel and rental-car reservations for guests

    * Go to first gown fitting; invite your maid of honor to attend

    * Choose and order bridesmaid dresses and accessories

    * Research a variety of wedding ring styles

    * Select vendors; discuss wedding ideas, theme and style

    * Review and finalize your wedding details with consultant

    * Notify bridesmaids about dress fittings

    * Discuss attire with groomsmen and make referrals to local formal wear store

    * Select attire for flower girl and/or ring bearer

    * Determine the design, wording, font and paper stock for your wedding invitations, stationery, table cards and thank-you notes; finalize order

    * Arrange a printer or hire a calligrapher for table cards

    * Determine order of ceremony events and choose appropriate wording for your programs

    * Negotiate rates and book a block of hotel rooms for guests

    * Select and order your wedding rings

    * Purchase bridal accessories: jewelry, lingerie and so on

    * Choose and order something fun for guests to throw after your ceremony (rose petals, confetti or birdseed

    * Review and approve proofs of wedding invitations and stationery

    * Discuss the type of honeymoon you want, start reading up on potential destinations and consult a travel agent for ideas and suggestions.

    * Order table cards; place print order for programs

    * Finalize choice of honeymoon destination

    * Taste a variety of wedding cakes and select a baker; place cake order and arrange for delivery

    * Secure reservations for rehearsal dinner and select menu

4 months

    * Determine method of addressing wedding invitations and hire a calligrapher, if applicable

    * Print labels, and hand-address—or have a calligrapher address—wedding invitations

    * Write or choose your wedding vows

    * Have groom visit formalwear shops and try on tuxedos

    * Purchase or rent groom's wedding accessories, including tuxedo, cuff links, shoes, socks and so on

    * Make honeymoon reservations and place all deposits

3 months

    * Review and approve wedding announcement and printed program proofs

    * Book venue or secure reservations for post-wedding brunch

    * Discuss bachelorette party plans with your attendants

    * Plan your bridesmaids' luncheon or dinner

    * Make appointment with stylist and/or hairdresser to discuss your wedding hairstyle

    * Take another look at your registry and update or add items

    * Create hotel information cards and maps to include with your wedding invitations

2 months

Secure a wedding-day dressing room for your bridesmaids

    * Send wedding invitations

    * Go to final gown fitting; arrange for pickup or delivery

    * Have groom's formalwear fitted

    * If you plan to have a prenuptial agreement, meet with your attorney to discuss it

    * Purchase gifts for all wedding-party members

    * Arrange transportation for bride and groom from the ceremony site to the reception

    * Purchase ceremony accessories (Unity candle, wineglasses and so on)

6 weeks

    * Purchase a new camera, if needed

    * Send rehearsal dinner invitations

    * Write thank-you notes as you receive gifts

    * Confirm music selections ("playlist") with musicians/DJ

    * Select menu for post-wedding brunch

    * Write newspaper announcement and gather photos

    * Purchase a gift for your spouse-to-be

    * Shop for wedding favors

    * Purchase honeymoon clothing, luggage and accessories

    * Go in for a practice hairstyling and make day-of-wedding hair appointment

4 weeks

    * Confirm floral order and arrange for delivery times

    * Meet with ushers and assign duties for the ceremony and reception

    * Discuss the details of your wedding ceremony with your officiant

    * Determine the placement or distribution of programs at the ceremony venue

    * Arrange for preparation, storage and break areas for musicians/DJ at the reception venue

    * Determine seating arrangements for guests

    * If you color your hair, make appointment for a touch-up the week before your wedding

    * Go in for a dry run with a professional makeup artist and make a day-of-wedding appointment

    * Schedule an appointment for a manicure and/or pedicure the day before your wedding

    * Finalize details with wedding photographer and videographer, determining arrival times at each nuptial venue

    * Arrange for preparation/storage area for photographer and videographer at each nuptial venue

    * Sign your prenuptial agreement, if applicable

    * Finalize honeymoon plans/itinerary and confirm all travel and hotel reservations

    * Arrange for transportation to and from the airport

    * Make all necessary arrangements for care of pet(s), plants and mail while you're away on honeymoon

    * Post announcement and photo on your wedding website

    * Arrange for table card setup at reception venue

    * Schedule pickup/return of groom's formal wear

3 weeks

    * Finalize list of reception guests and attendance

    * Give the final headcount to the caterer and review details

    * Arrange for delivery and placement of wedding flowers, candles and other decorations on the day of the ceremony

    * Call anyone who has not responded to his or her wedding invitation

2 weeks

    * Pick up your wedding dress and other maids or grooms outfits

    * Court  Registry and license to wed

     * Traditional Engagement

1 week

    * Confirm your honeymoon travel arrangements

    * Start packing bags for your honeymoon

    * Get traveler's checks and/or a small amount of foreign cash

Wedding day

    * Eat a good breakfast

    * Attend hairstyle appointment (home service or not)

    * Give yourself plenty of time to get ready

    * Relax and enjoy yourself!

Post-wedding: 3 days

    * Arrange for transport of gifts

    * Go on honeymoon if any or just take 2 weeks to enjoy yourselves, organize your home and bond.

After the honeymoon

    * Take wedding gown and veil to a dry cleaner who specializes in gown preservation or reselling.

    * Submit name-change forms for driver's license, passport, Social Security card, state and federal tax boards, banks, credit cards and so on

    * Send out thank-you notes, texts or Emails or even letters and live happily ever after .