12-9 months
Announce your engagement
Select a wedding date
Have engagement photo's taken
Hire a professional consultant (determine degree of involvement)
Determine type of wedding you desire: style, formality, location, size, time of day, colour scheme / theme
Determine budget and how expenses will be shared
Develop a record keeping system for payments made & remainder due
Consolidate guest lists: Brides, Grooms and both sets of parents
A list- must be invited
B list- should be invited
C list- nice to invite but not necessary
Print and send out Save the Date cards
Write down every phone number /e-mail address you use, in one place
Decide if children will be invited
Select and reserve ceremony and reception sites
Select and reserve minister, rabbi, priest, Justice of the Peace
Select and order bridal gown & head piece
Order passport, visa or birth certificate, if needed for honeymoon or marriage licence
Select and book photographer
Select bridal party, ring bearer and flower girls - inform everyone of their responsibilities
9-6 months
Reserve wedding night bridal suite
Select bridesmaids, groom mens', flower girl, ring bearer outfits, shoes and accessories
Select and book caterer if needed
Select and book musicians / DJ (ceremony, reception, dancing)
Select and book videographer
Select and book florist
Begin to map out floor plan and décor, based on venues chosen
Create a wedding website if desired (about you, bridal party, event details, town info, directions, contact info etc)
Create a list of DIY projects and recruit help needed