WEDDING PLANNING GUIDELINES TO FOLLOW FOR A YEARLONG ENGAGEMENT

12 Months _before

Buy a wedding planner or date book
Consult with fiance and all parents about budget and style--from colors to cake
Select your attendants
Decide on wedding and reception sites and reserve both
Book consultant, caterer, photographer, videographer, florist, and musicians

9 Months _before

With fiance, visit clergy or justice of the peace
Choose and order your dress and accessories
Register for gifts
Begin guest list, have fiance start his
Consult travel agent about honeymoon

6 Months _before

Plan details with wedding professionals
Book calligrapher, portrait photographer, and limousines for wedding party
Order invitations and announcements
Complete honeymoon plans with fiance
Set date to order attendant's dresses
Discuss rehearsal dinner with fiance

3 Months _before

Finalize guest list
Shop for lingerie and honeymoon clothes
Order wedding rings
Check state requirements for blood tests
Make appointment with hairdresser
Talk to fiance about reserving a block of rooms for out of town guests

6-8 Weeks _before

Mail your invitations
Buy groom's wedding gift
Choose gifts for your attendants
Have final dress and headpiece fitting
Have portrait taken
Pick up rings
Plan bridesmaids party
Write thank yous as you receive gifts
Send announcement to newspapers

2 Weeks _before

Get marriage license with fiance
Confirm honeymoon reservations
Submit request lists to photographer, videographer, and musicians
Address announcements to mail on wedding day
Arrange to move belongings to new home

1 Week _before

Pack, get going away outfit ready
Purchase traveler's checks, inquire about ATM's at honeymoon site
Give final guest count to caterer
Give bridesmaids party
Check final details with wedding professionals
Keep up with gift acknowledgements
Remind attendants of rehearsal dinner details