Budget and Planning Basics

The Wedding Planning Countdown

Here it is—from start to finish, the whole wedding-planning shebang. Click the Print icon above for a portable version of this checklist.

bride	groom
12 Months Before
		Announce your engagement
		Arrange for your two sets of parents to get together if they haven't already met.
		Decide on a date.
		Go over the budget (include both sets of parents or anyone else who'll be paying for any portion of the event).
		Interview wedding planners if you'll be using one.
		Pick the ceremony site and visit the officiant.
		Work on guest lists to get a rough head count .
		Visit reception sites and reserve one.
		Shop for your gown.
6 - 9 Months Before
		Choose your wedding party.
		Choose a caterer.
		Enroll in a bridal-gift registry.
		Order your wedding gown.
		Shop for the bridal attendants' dresses.
		Choose a photographer and/or a videographer.
		Hire a florist.
		Book the musicians and/or DJ.
4 - 6 Months Before
		Order the wedding invitations, envelopes, thank-you cards, and any other wedding stationery you need.
		Shop for the cake.
		Scout accommodations for out-of-towners so you can send guests a list of nearby hotels in various price ranges. (Most hotels offer lower rates if you tell them a group is coming.)
		Complete the guest list. (Assume 20 percent of the invitees probably can't come.)
2 - 4 Months Before
		Call the county clerk's office to find out about requirements for the marriage license. Get a blood test, if necessary.
		Order the tuxedos for groom and groomsmen.
		Make your honeymoon reservations. Compile all the necessary travel documents (passport, visas, etc.).
		Meet with the caterer or banquet manager to discuss menus, service style, wine lists, etc.
		Order the wedding cake.
		Buy thank-you notes for attendants.
		Shop for wedding bands.
		Arrange the rehearsal dinner.
		Meet with party-rental companies, if necessary, for tables, chairs or other items.

4 - 8 Weeks Before
		Mail invitations eight weeks ahead of the date.
		Do a hair and makeup run-through (with headpiece).
		Book your favorite beauty pros to prepare you for that all-eyes-on-you moment.
		Look over insurance papers with your fiancé (car, life, medical, home)—you may need to make changes in the policy when you go from single to married.
2 - 4 Weeks Before
		Puzzle time: Do seating for the reception.
		Confirm details with the photographer, florist, etc.
		Send an engagement photograph with a wedding announcement to newspapers.
		Have your final dress fitting.
		Write your rehearsal-dinner toast.
1 Week Before
		Place fees in envelopes to be given to the organist, soloist, minister, etc. on the big day.
		Give caterer the final head count.
		Appoint a punctual pal to bring the cake knife, toasting glasses or other heirlooms to the wedding site early (and be responsible for getting them home again).
		Get a manicure, pedicure, facial, massage or other beauty treatments of your choice.
		Pack for the honeymoon (arrange for someone to bring your luggage and going-away outfits to the reception site if you're leaving from the reception).
The Day Before
		Greet out-of-town guests.
		Go to the gym, take a long walk, or do some other stress-reducing activity
		Schedule time for beauty—a manicure touch-up or a hairstyling appointment—before the rehearsal dinner.
		Hit the wedding rehearsal and dinner following.