The 12-Month Wedding Planner

So you've found the one you want to spend the rest of your life with, let's make sure you plan a great wedding. Following is an exhaustive 12 month wedding planner.

12 Months before the Big Day

• Announce your engagement.
• Send announcement in to local newspapers.
• Purchase a planner or some other notebook to keep track of wedding details.
• Select a date for the wedding.
• Decide on the size, setting and style of the wedding.
• Speak to both families and set up a budget.
• Find, visit and reserve a reception location.
• Find a wedding officiate.

11 Months before the Wedding

• Decide on a color scheme or a theme if you will be having one.
• Find and order your wedding gown.
• Select who will be a part of your wedding party and speak with each person.
• Start a guest list

10 Months before the Wedding

• Meet with wedding professionals such as videographers, photographers, DJ's and bands, caterers, and florists. Set up a contract with each professional procuring their services as well as a payment plan.
• Finalize your guest list.
• Look into accommodations for out-of-town guests.

9 Months before the Wedding

• Look at wedding rings.
• Order invitations, thank you cards and announcements.
• Register for gifts.

8 Months before the Wedding

• Begin thinking about honeymoon plans and make any arrangements necessary, such as getting passports or visas.
• Look into marriage license requirements for where you will be getting married.
• Finalize the budget.

7 Months before the Wedding

• Shop for a wedding cake.
• Begin a list of ideas for the food menu.
• Select a tailor for any alterations that need to be done on the wedding attire.
• Begin shopping for bridesmaid dresses.
• Find and order dresses for the moms of the couple.

Next - 6 months to go