You are engaged! Now, it is time to start the planning and it is never too early to begin. If you have a year before you plan to tie the knot, here is a little guide to help you check things off your list leading up to the big day. 

12 Months Out

• Determine your budget.
• Make a guest list.
• Hire a wedding planner.
• Decide formality and overall theme.
• Select the venue; while selecting your venue, throw out that pros and cons list and trust your gut—this decision is about how you feel when you’re there.
• Select the caterer.

11 Months Out

• Choose a color theme and start  thinking of overall design.
• Hire vendors who book up quickly, including your photographer, band, DJ and videographer.

10 Months Out

• Start shopping for your wedding dress.
• Book hotel-room blocks for guests.
• Create your wedding website.
• Take engagement photos.
• Start looking at invitations.

9 Months Out

• Buy your wedding dress.
• Send save the dates. 

8 Months Out

• Register for gifts.
• Select the bridesmaids’ dresses and schedule fittings within the month.
• Meet with potential florists. 

7 Months Out

• Book the rehearsal dinner venue.
• Hire the ceremony musicians.
• Order rental items, such as specialty chairs, linens, draping, lounge furniture, white dance floor, etc.
• Hire an officiant. 

6 Months Out

• Hire a lighting technician. 

5 Months Out

• Book transportation for guests, if needed.
• Book the newlyweds’ transportation (limo, specialty car, etc.).
• Book the honeymoon.
• Buy or rent the groom’s tuxedo.
• Begin premarital counseling.

4 Months Out

• Have your final tasting with the caterer.
• Choose your cake.
• Buy wedding bands.
• Select the groomsmen’s attire and schedule fittings within the month.
• Do a hair and makeup trial.

3 Months Out

• Order the invitations and hire a calligrapher.
• Create or plan your menu.
• Brainstorm guest favors and gift bags.
• Write your vows.
• Select readings with the officiant. 
• Start crafting any DIY items if you haven’t already.

2 Months Out

• Send the wedding invitations (with RSVPs due one month before the wedding).
• Send out rehearsal dinner invitations. 
• Have your first dress fitting.
• Get your marriage license.
• Buy wedding-party gifts.
• Do a floral mock-up with your florist.
• Give the song selections to your 
• band or DJ.
• Give the song selections to your 
• ceremony musicians.

1 Month Out

• Assemble gift bags.
• Pay your vendors in full.
• Create a seating chart.
• Order or make your escort cards 
• and place cards.
• Have a final venue walk-through.
• Put cash in tip envelopes for your planner/delegate to distribute.
• Break-in your wedding shoes.

YAY! Final Week!

You made it! Make sure you’re breathing and power through.

• Practice your vows out loud.
• Chase any RSVP stragglers and deliver the final headcount.
• Get your eyebrows done.
• Have a manicure/pedicure.
• Pack your bags for the honeymoon; don’t forget your passport if you’re leaving the country and confirm all travel arrangements.

Night Before

• Can you believe it’s here?! It’s going to be a perfect and great day!
• Eat a healthy meal.
• Pack a clutch or small bag of personal items.
• Drink plenty of water!
• Get a good night’s sleep.
• Put any boxes, suitcases, bags and survival kits to bring to the ceremony or reception in the car! Prep for next day madness! 

YOUR BIG DAY IS HERE!

• Eat breakfast.
• Drink even more water.
• Take your dress and veil out of the bag early on and have someone steam them if needed.
• Lay out all the items that you want your photographer to capture.
• Exchange notes with your partner.
• Say thank you to everyone around you.