Select a wedding date and time

Start compiling names and addresses of guests

Make a preliminary budget

Select bridal attendants

Determine your wedding theme or style

Have fiancé select his attendants

Reserve your ceremony and reception location

Plan the reception

Determine who will officiate at the ceremony

Check catering facilities, if at a club or hotel

Determine if you need a wedding consultant

Select a caterer, if one is necessary

Decide on your color scheme

Select a professional photographer and video photographer

Determine the size of the guest list.

Select a professional florist (we hope you'll call us).

Make final arrangements for ceremony (deposits should be paid, contracts signed)

Check requirements for blood test and marriage license in your state

Make sure all bridal attire is ordered

Make appointment for physical exam

Have both mothers coordinate and select their dresses.

Shop for wedding rings

Register at a bridal registry in the towns of both families

Start planning the honeymoon

Order invitations and personal stationary.

Decide where you will live after the wedding

Complete the guest lists and compile them in order

Begin shopping for trousseau

Select the men's wedding attire and reserve the right sizes

Address invitations and announcements. They should be mailed 4 to 6 weeks before wedding.

Finalize all details with caterer, photographer, florist, reception hall manager, musicians, etc.

Order wedding cake, if not supplied by caterer.

Finalize the ceremony details with officiate.

Make rehearsal arrangements.

Plan rehearsal dinner.

Plan bridesmaids' luncheon.

Make appointments with hairdresser.

Arrange accommodations for out-of-town attendants or guests.

Finalize the honeymoon plans.

Have final fitting for your bridal attendants' gowns.

Have a formal bridal portrait done.

Complete all physical or dental appointments.

Get blood test and marriage license.

Make transportation arrangements for wedding day.

Purchase gifts for attendants.

Purchase gift for fiancé, if gifts are being exchanged.

Have the bridesmaids' luncheon.

Purchase going away outfit.

Keep a careful record of all gifts received (write thank you notes immediately instead of letting them pile up).

Make sure you have all accessories, toasting goblets, ring pillow, garter, candles, etc.

Select responsible person to handle guest book and determine its location.

Attend to business and legal details. Get necessary forms to change names on Social Security card, drivers license, insurance and medical plans, bank accounts; make a will.

Prepare wedding announcements to be sent to newspaper.

Reconfirm the accommodations for out-of-town guests.

Arrange to have possessions and gifts moved to your new home.

Give a change-of-address card to the post office.

Finish addressing announcements to be mailed on the wedding day.

Contact guests who have not responded.

Give a final count to the caterer and review details.

Go over final details with all professional services you have engaged. Inform them of any changes.

Give photographer the list of pictures you want taken.

Give the video photographer a list of shots you would like included in the video.

Give all musicians the lists of music for the ceremony and reception.

Plan the seating arrangements.

Arrange for someone to assist with last minute errands and to help you dress.

Practice having your hair done to make sure it comes out properly, and determine the time it will take to have done.

Practice using your make-up in the same type of lighting you will have on the wedding day.

Keep up with the writing of your thank-you notes.

Pack your suitcase for the honeymoon.

Make sure you have your marriage license.

Make sure you have the wedding rings, and that they fit properly.

Make sure all wedding attire is picked upand fits.

Have a rehearsal with all participants, reviewing their duties.

Attend rehearsal dinner party. Stay calm and have fun!!!

Stay with family the night before the wedding. Go to bed early. You will want to look your best and feel great the next day.

Be sure to eat something. You have a big, exciting day ahead, and many brides have been known to faint.

Take a relaxing bath.

Fix hair or have an appointment to have it done at least 3 to 4 hours before the ceremony.

Make sure nails are done. Allow plenty of time to apply make-up.

Have all accessories together.

Start dressing one to one and half hours before the ceremony. If pictures are being taken before the ceremony, then have yourself and attendants ready approx. two hours before the ceremony (photographer and bridal attendants should arrive forty-five minutes to an hour before the ceremony for pictures)

Have the music start thirty minutes before the ceremony.

Have the guests seated. Five minutes before the ceremony, have groom's parents seated. Immediately before processional the bride's mother is seated and the aisle runner is rolled out.

Send announcement and wedding picture to newspaper.

Mail announcements.

Write and mail thank-you notes.