You've said yes to the big question, now what? If you're starting to become overwhelmed with the thought of planning your big day, sit down, take a deep breath and look over this 12-month planning guide. You'll see that planning a wedding is simply a matter of getting organized. You can do it!

11-12 Months Before the Wedding

• Officially announce your engagement.
  Your own personal web site is a one way to share the plans as they develop. Your out of town family and friends will definitely appreciate it!
   
• Set a time and date for the wedding.
• Decide style of ceremony (size, setting, formality, etc.)
   
• Contact wedding a officiate.
   
• Arrange for your families to meet if they haven't met before.
• Develop a budget and decide who will pay for what.
• Begin compiling your guest list.
• Visit and reserve your reception site.
   

9-10 Months Before the Wedding

• Order your wedding gown and determine who will make any necessary alterations.
   
• Choose your wedding party.
• Decide on a color scheme (consider the reception site).
• Meet with potential wedding professionals for your ceremony & reception. Interview local videographers, photographers, florists, DJs & Musicians, caterers, and bakeries. Be sure to get a contract that states wedding date, time, and location for each vendor, as well as the schedule for payments.
• Scout out accommodations for out-of-town guests.
   

7-8 Months Before the Wedding

• Start shopping for wedding rings.
   
• Decide on honeymoon plans and take care of any special travel requirements such as passports or visas.
   
• Decide on and order attendants gowns.
   
• Order invitations and other stationery needs.
   
• Register for wedding gifts at select stores and online outlets. Don't forget to register for shower and engagement party gifts as well!

5-6 Months Before the Wedding

• Let your out-of-town guests know the date of your wedding so that they reserve the date and make any necessary travel plans.
  
   
• Complete guest list.
• Shop for and taste test the wedding cake.
   
• Select and reserve attire for men in the wedding.
   
• Determine marriage license requirements for the state in which you are getting married. (If in the US, contact the county clerks office; if abroad, the wedding coordinator will have this information.)
   

3-4 Months Before the Wedding

• Finalize the menu with your caterer.
• Order wine, champagne, liquor, etc., if not included in the caterers service.
• Finalize flowers, including those needed for the reception decorations.
• Mail out information about hotels and city attractions to your out-of-town guests so they can make their plans.
• Order Wedding favors
   
• Order wedding rings to allow time for engraving.
• Begin working on vows, especially if you are writing your own.

2 Months Before Wedding

• Finalize and book honeymoon.
• Mail out invitations.
• Do hair/make-up dry run, complete with your veil or headpiece.
• Book wedding day beauty appointments.
• Complete name change paperwork for bank accounts, insurance, etc.
• Finalize music play list.
• Finalize order of service and write the wedding program.
   
• Touch base with your florist, caterer, and DJ to confirm date and times, etc. Get their cell phone number if you don't already have them.
• Book rehearsal dinner.
• Order wedding cake, if not ordered already.

1 Month Before

• Order any rental items needed such as chairs, tents, lighting, if not included at wedding/reception sites.
   
• Purchase bridesmaid gifts.
   
• Purchase groomsmen gifts.
   
• Schedule final fitting for wedding gown. Remember to bring wedding shoes, veil, and proper lingerie needed.
• Purchase your accessories:  guest book and pen set, ring pillow, flower girl baskets, unity candle, etc.  
   
• Arrange for transportation needs for wedding party and out-of-town guests for the rehearsal and wedding day. Be sure to give the driver the addresses and schedules for all who will need transportation.

2-3 Weeks Before

• Get marriage license. Call ahead to make sure you know what is required to bring.
• Organize any accessories needed such as ring pillow, flower girl basket, garter, and "something old, new, borrowed, and blue."
• Contact guests who haven't sent in RSVPs so that you can give the caterer a final headcount.
• Pick up wedding rings and check engraving before leaving the store. Store in a safe place!
• Confirm honeymoon hotel, airline reservations, and wedding night reservations, if not leaving until the next day.

1 Week Before

• Pack for honeymoon.
• Host attendants party and give out gifts along with a thoughtful thank you note to each bridesmaid.
• Make final payments to vendors. Put gratuities in envelopes and arrange to have a trusted friend distribute the envelopes on the big day.
   

1 Day Before

• Take a long walk or schedule a massage to reduce stress. Gather your thoughts and mentally prepare yourself!
• Greet out-of-town guests.
• Make some time for each other to exchange gifts and a congratulatory kiss (or several)!
• Attend rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.
• Get in bed at a reasonable hour so that you'll look and feel your best for your wedding.

Wedding Day

• Awake early and eat a good breakfast.
• Go to beauty appointments.
• Arrive at wedding site early enough to dress and to visit with bridesmaids.
• Allow enough time for photography.
• Relax, smile, and enjoy your well-organized day!