TIMELINE

Nine to Twelve Months Before

   * Determine who will officiate at the ceremony.

   * Select a wedding date and time.

   * Announce your engagement in the newspaper.

   * Determine how many guests may attend.

   * Determine the type of wedding you want (size, formality, style, color      scheme).

   * Select and order the bridesmaids' dresses.

   * Establish a preliminary budget.

   * Select and secure a photographer.

   * Select a caterer if not already provided by the reception.

   * Select and secure your reception location.

   * Select and secure your ceremony location.

   * Begin choosing your wedding cake baker, videographer, musicians,       and florist. Sign necessary contracts.

   * Pick out engagement ring with fiancé.

Six to Nine Months Before

   * Start compiling the guest list (inform your families to do the same).

   * Select the attendants for your wedding party.

   * Shop for the wedding dress, headpiece, veil, etc.

   * Start planning for honeymoon.

   * Register with a gift bridal registry in your favorite store.

Four to Six Months Before

   * Make appointments for a 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 and stationery.

   * Make sure all the men's attire has been ordered.

   * Decide where to live after the wedding.

   * Complete the guest lists.

   * Begin shopping for trousseau.

   * 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.

Two to Four 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.

Six to Eight 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/or makeup artists.

   * Hire the limousine or other forms of transportation for the wedding.

Four to Six Weeks Before

   * Decide what your menu is going to be for the reception. Estimate            the expected 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 belt, 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.

Two 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.

One Week Before

   * Review any seating details with the ushers.

   * Make sure all wedding attire fits.

   * Finalize the seating arrangements.

   * Reconfirm your honeymoon reservations. Ensure you have any                necessary plane tickets.

   * Start packing for your honeymoon.

   * Call any guests who have not responded yet.

   * 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.

One 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.

   * Enjoy your wonderful wedding and cherish each and every                      moment!!!

   * Be sure to eat properly.

   * Rest and relax with a good bath.

   * Prepare for your hairdresser and makeup appointments.