This is a time where your organisational skills will be put to the test.  Weddings need a lot of time and energy put into planning, you will spend nearly 100 hours on the phone/internet, visiting with vendors and chasing after details.  To help you get off to a roaring start here is a complete checklist of what you will need to do and an approximate time line for getting things done for your wedding day.  Feel free to print several of these checklists and give them to all who will participate in planning the most important day of your life!  This guide should help keep everything under control and running smoothly.  The planning and order will remain much the same for whatever the style of wedding you choose to have.  Cross out anything that doesn't apply to your wedding or add extras!

Six - Twelve Months	Three - Six Months
Announce your engagement Plan an engagement party Discuss & set the budget Discuss who will pay for what Choose the date and time Choose possibly a back up date Decide on the size/number of people Compile a guest list, consult with both families Discuss the style of the wedding Choose colours/theme Decide on the attendants Ask the attendants Talk to a wedding coordinator? Find out what bridal shows are on in your area & plan to attend Visit ceremony sites - Book Visit reception venues - Book Think about decoration ideas Choose & book the caterer Choose & book the officiant Choose a florist - Book Choose a photographer - Book Choose a band/DJ - Book Choose transport - Book If required book rental equipment Explore pre-marital counseling Start a health & fitness plan Start looking for a bridal gown Look at bridesmaids dresses Buy a keepsake box to keep all quotes & planning stuff together Discuss the honeymoon	Check requirements for the marriage licence Confirm theme and colours Confirm decoration ideas Choose your bridal gown Choose and order the groom's clothes Choose the bridesmaids dresses Choose the groomsmen clothes Start beauty treatments Choose & order invitations Choose the make up artist - Book Choose the hairdresser - Book Choose & order the cake Shop together for your wedding rings Organise engraving if you want it Compile a gift list & register Discuss the ceremony with the officiant Decide on any readings/songs to be included in the ceremony & invite the participants Book hotel room for the wedding night Decide on where you will go for your honeymoon & make reservations Ask for time off work for your wedding, honeymoon and a few planning days Choose and order favours Help both mothers coordinate & find their wedding day clothes Review your contracts with all of your vendours & service providers
Three - Six Months	One Month
Address & post the invitations Use the 'Invitation Record Keeping' worksheets Finalise the menu, drinks and staff with the caterer, advise them of invited numbers Touch base with the florist Check that both passports are valid Finalise honeymoon plans Notify anyone required to make a speech Choose an MC Write timetables for the ceremony & reception Discuss reception music/entertainment & timing with the MC Confirm special songs with band/DJ Start a list of gifts received Buy gifts for the attendants & your fiance/fiancee Have fittings for the bridal party Purchase bridal party accessories Have hairdresser trials, takeany hair accessories with you Have make up trials Write your vowes if you have chosen to Plan reception seating Organise accommodation for out of town guests Arrange where the bridal party will dress on the day Have bridal shower/kitchen tea	Apply for a marriage licence Chase up late RSVP's Finalise guest list Complete reception seating plan Write out place cards Buy cake boxes for those guests who are unable to attend Confirm seating plan with venue/caterer Have final fittings for bridal party Wear your shoes around the house Plan a time for the wedding rehearsal If you are making your wedding cake, now is the time to apply almond paste Finalise your vowes Print the order of service & menus Confirm times with the hairdresser Confirm times with the make up artist Confirm times for transport Confirm times for flower delivery Confirm times for photographer Purchase guest book and pens Write thank you notes as gifts are received Arrange for your name change
Two Weeks	One Week
Get marriage licence to officiant Contact guests who have not RSVP'd Give final guest numbers to the caterers Ensure all bridal party attire is pressed Ice the wedding cake Confirm the wedding day schedule with all participants Enjoy 'Hens Night' party Enjoy 'Stag Night' party	Have the week off work, if you can Remind those who are doing speeches Groom to arrange for the bestman to have the rings Arrange for someone to take overnight bags to the hotel Purchase travellers checks Confirm honeymoon plans Pack your bag for your honeymoon Give the bestman cheques to pay any suppliers on the wedding day Arrange for the bestman to return any hired items Arrange for someone to return rentals
The Day Before	On The Day
Have wedding rehearsal Have dinner with out of town guests Pack an emergency bag for the big day	Your primary goal today is to get married!  Have fun, enjoy this once in a lifetime experience! Have a nice relaxed breakfast Take a bath Have your hair and make up done Allow about 2hours to get dressed Be ready in time for the photographer to take photos before the ceremony This is the best day of your life, don't let stress ruin it!