Wedding Countdown Checklist

So you're engaged!   Now what?  Time to plan the wedding  ceremony, the reception,  the honeymoon  and all the other little details that go along with the big day.  But planning a wedding doesn't have to be stressful.  If you make checklist  of priorities and manage your time--and plenty of it--wisely, planning your wedding can be as enjoyable as the day itself.  

12+ Months

That's right.  A good wedding takes a lot of planning so get ready to start at least a year in advance.  Here are some of the things you should consider at this very early stage:

• Announce the engagement.  It may be nice to let your friends, extended family and community know about your engagement by placing an announcement in a local newspaper or two.  Cut out the article for a nice addition to any memory book. 
• Party it up.  After announcing your engagement, it may be nice to throw an engagement party where guests can give you both useful and thoughtful gifts.  You may want to register for gifts ahead of time.
• Start dreaming.  This is a great time to peruse bridal magazines  and surf the internet for theme ideas and colour schemes.
• Pick the dream team.  You're going to need help planning such a big day, so consider hiring a wedding consultant and enlist the help of family and friends.
• Choose a date, time and venue.  Have several dates and times in mind before calling venues to schedule both the ceremony and reception.  It may also be useful to book a backup date as well.
• Choose members of the wedding party.  You're going to need all the help you can get, so choose your wedding party far in advance.  Besides being convenient for you, it also gives them time to rearrange work schedules and other obligations accordingly.
• Start building the guest list.  Deciding how large of a wedding you can afford/your venue can accommodate will help you to determine which guests to invite.
• Muse about the honeymoon.  This may be a good time to mull over the setting for your perfect post-wedding getaway.
• Bring sexy back.  If you aren't happy with your current weight or fitness level, now's the perfect time to start an exercise routine that will have you looking your best on the best day of your life.

8-10 Months

• Brides, start shopping.  It's time to find the dress.   Buy it, alter it and ship it now.
• Consider the entertainment.  Now's the time where you decide whether you want a live band or DJ to play at your reception.  You may also consider getting a band (something like a small string quartet, for instance) for the actual wedding ceremony or a pianist for the cocktail hour.
• Smell the roses. Pick a florist and start thinking about what flowers will don centrepieces and bouquets.
• Look into it.  A wedding insurance policy if often worth having to protect your deposits.
• Make arrangements.  Research and reserve accommodations and means of travel for out-of-town guests.
• Register for gifts.  Yup, you get more.
• Think food.  Decide what you would like to serve during the cocktail hour, as well as lunch and dinner.   This may mean going on several fun food tastings!
• Rent it.  Whatever you're renting, whether it be tents,  tables  or otherwise, contact the companies now.

6-8 Months

• More shopping.  It's time to shop for and order your perfect wedding rings and formal invitations.
• Book the musicians or DJ.  You want to make sure they're free for your big day and that you can negotiate the price, hours etc.
• Send out save the date cards/magnets.  These serve as pleasant reminders of the celebration to come.  They make great keepsakes too!
• More people picking.  Time to pick a professional photographer, videographer, caterer and officiant.
• Brides, order your bridesmaids dresses.  It's time to get your part of the wedding party looking elegant and coordinated.
• No more musing. It's time to set a definite time and place for the honeymoon.

4-6 Months

• Shop for formal wear.   This means helping each mother find their wedding day clothing, as well as buying a separate dress for the reception if so desired.
• Renew or get passports.  If you're going away for your honeymoon, or even for the wedding itself, get all your documents in order.  It can take an extended period of time to get a passport mailed.
• It's all about the cake.  Interview and book a cake designer.  And don't forget to taste it!
• Favours. Favours. Favours.  Order or make your own wedding favours.  Your guests deserve a thank you for celebrating your special day with you.
• Set it in stone.  Make sure all your vendor and service provider contracts are correct to avoid any mix-ups.
• Start shopping for the guys.  Now it's time for the groom and his groomsmen to get outfitted in fancy, formal duds.
• Consider pre-marital counselling. This can be a great opportunity to de-stress and set goals for the future.
• Check the requirements needed for a marriage licence.  Although you don't need to get it just yet, you want to make sure their won't be any unnecessary obstacles to wedded bliss down the road.

3 Months 

• Attend your wedding shower.  If you haven't already, it's time!
• Grooms rent those tuxes.  It's time to get you and your groomsmen fitted.  Don't forget to pick out duds for your dad.
• Hire your wheels.  Now's a good time to figure out if they're rolling out the red carpet for a Rolls Royce or limo.
• For the out-of-towners.  You may want to invite guests that have to make complicated travel arrangements now.  This ensures that they have plenty of time to figure out how to be there for your big day.
• Address invitations.  When they arrive, address your invitations personally or higher a calligrapher for a more professional touch.

2 Months

• Mail time.  It's time to mail out those coveted invites.
• Get writing.  If you're making up your own vows, now's the time to get those creative juices flowing.
• Gifts again.  Weddings are just overflowing with lovely gifts!  Don't forget to buy gifts for each other, as well as for your parents, your bridal party and other important attendees.
• Things get hairy.  Brides, make sure you book your hairstylist and then do some trial runs so that your wedding day do is simply stunning.
• Save face.  The same goes for make-up.  If you're having it professionally done, make sure you book it and do a few run-throughs.
• Arrange and plan your rehearsal dinner
• Last-minute accessories.  Purchase all extraneous accessories for the big day, including a bridal emergency kit complete with needle and thread, extra panty hose, buttons, tissues and spare makeup.
• The rings.   Pick up the jewellery, and keep it in a safe place until the big day.
• Smile!  If you want studio wedding portraits, now's the time.

1 Month

It's crunch time.  Your wedding day is almost here, but don't forget the last minute details.

• Hope it fits!  The bride and bridesmaids should go for their final dress fittings.  Let's hope no one's been stress eating.
• Put it on paper.  Apply for a marriage license in the town where you will be wed.
• Final adjustments.  If anything needs to be changed with the vendors or service providers, do so now.
• Wedding program.  It may be nice to design a wedding program for your guests so they know when each event is slotted to take place throughout the day.

2 Weeks

• Provide a final set list for the band or DJ.  Make sure you specify what songs you don't want them to play as well.
• Pester the mystery guests.  Call all the people that have not RSVPed to finalise the seating and meal arrangements.
• Get the shot.  Make sure your photographer and/or videographer know what shots are essential and which guests should be in them.  Also schedule a time for the photos to be taken.

1 Week

• Final head count.  Give the reception site and caterer the final number of guests that will be arriving.  Make sure you include vendors in the count, and ask how many extra plates will be prepared.
• More partying.  Don't forget to have your bachelor/hen night parties!
• Pack. Pack. Pack.  It's important that you get your baggage ready for the honeymoon now, so you don't have to worry about it later.
• Rehearsal time.  The rehearsal dinner is a great time for family members to get to know one another and to iron out any last minute details (i.e. solidify instructions for the wedding party).
• Secure the essentials.  Make sure the reception site has a list of vendor needs like tables and set-up space.  Make sure the vendors know their set-up times and have contact numbers as well.
• Be seated.  Plan the reception seating chart, keeping in mind what would make guests most comfortable  You should also print table place cards during this time.
• Confirmation.  Call all of your wedding vendors to confirm your arrangements.
• GET MARRIED! All the preparations have led up to this moment.  Relax and enjoy your big day.  

Related Guides

Wedding Planning	Wedding Budgeting	Hiring a Wedding Planner	Dealing with Wedding Stress

External Links

• BridalGuide.com:  Offers a wedding countdown widget to add to your blog or online profile.
• Food.Yahoo.com: Tells brides what not to eat and drink 24 hours before the big day.
• TheKnot.com: Gives readers comprehensive guides on everything wedding, including a wedding checklist.
• USABride.com:  Gives readers advice on wedding style, planning and accessories.
• MyBridalConnection.info:  Has its own bridal registry and offers guides on making wedding plans and announcements.