Organization and a structured timetable are the keys to not running yourself ragged in the planning process. If you are not stressed out your wedding day will be ever so much more enjoyable. Remember to stay on top of your timetable, get plenty of rest, and ASK FOR HELP when you need it. Everyone loves you and will drop everything to help you out, so don't be too proud or think that you should do it all on your own.

When the day gets closer be sure to do things that decompress you whether it be massage, facials, working out or yoga-don't give these things up just because you are SO BUSY. These activities are for YOU and your sanity-make time for them!

Girl, this is one of the most important days of your life, so be sure to enjoy it! Things will probably go wrong and people will tick you off-try to roll with the punches, don't fall into other people's drama and maintain your center of coolness! After all, no matter what happens with the caterer or the flowers or annoying cousin Mildred, you are marrying your best friend, the man of your dreams-your love is the true reason for this day and everything else will work out!! Have fun!

• 6-12 months…
  1. decide budget __________________________________________________________
  2. choose location ________________________________________________________
  3. church, clergy, minister, etc. _________________________________________
  4. reception site and details _____________________________________________
  5. order gown, accessories and bridesmaids dresses ________________________
  6. select and order men's formal wear _____________________________________
  7. compile invitation list ________________________________________________
  8. compile list of rehearsal dinner guests ________________________________
  9. select photographer and set date _______________________________________
  10. Select videographer and set date _______________________________________
  11. select florist and set date ____________________________________________
  12. select DJ and set date _________________________________________________
  13. reserve limo and secure all transportation _____________________________
  14. make all hotel reservations ____________________________________________
      (may be worthwhile to try to get a block rate if expecting many out of town guests)
  15. honeymoon plans ________________________________________________________
• 4-6 months…
  1. 1. bridal registry _____________________________________________________
  2. choose wedding bands______________________________________________
  3. order invitations ___________________________________________________
  4. taste cakes and select a pastry chef ________________________________
  5. order flowers ________________________________________________________
  6. reserve any rental items needed for wedding or not included in reception site
     _______________________________________________________
  7. finalize honeymoon plans _________________________________________
  8. passports ___________________________________________________________
  9. immunizations or physical exams _________________________________
  10. find hairstylists and confirm for date of wedding _________________
  11. select venue for rehearsal dinner, decide on menu and reserve the date __________________
  12. order wedding favors ______________________________________________
• 2 months…
  1. address invitations and mail out to arrive 6 weeks in advance ___________________________
     (be sure to include invites and details of bridesmaids luncheon and rehearsal dinner to those who are invited)
  2. call newspapers for wedding announcement ________________________
  3. select attendant's gifts and purchase _______________________________
  4. select groom's gift and purchase ____________________________________
  5. set preliminary appt with stylist to try hairstyles __________________
     (be sure to bring veil, tiara or other accessories that will affect hair style to this appt!)
  6. set date for final gown fitting for bride and attendants____________
     (and don't forget to tell the attendants that you set this date!)
     (should be within 2 weeks to one month before the wedding)
  7. order wedding cake (and grooms cake, if applicable) _______________
  8. set date with fiancée to get marriage license ________________________
  9. arrange hotel reservations for out of town guests ___________________
• 1 month…
  (you can wait to do these things, but I recommend getting them out of the way-you are going to be sooooo busy the 2 weeks before your wedding, you will not want to fuss with these details)
  1. confirm honeymoon reservations
  2. make sure you have all the luggage you need.
  3. recheck all docs for travel-passports,etc. because this is your last change to fix it if anything is amiss!
  4. purchase everything you need for honeymoon and any extra doo dads you may need for the day of the wedding
  5. if you are having place cards at the reception and want them printed, order now (otherwise you can hand write them)
  6. be sure to put together an EMERGENCY KIT for wedding day-do not forget, this may save your life. Put such things as safety pins, buttons, sewing kit, hairspray, spot remover, make up remover, lotion, pantyhose, gum, mints, make up and anything else you think you may need-better to have it and not need it than vice versa! Also make sure the groom has an emergency kit for him and for the guys -beer should not be included in this kit, though he would probably disagree with me!)
     _________________________________________________________________
     _________________________________________________________________
     _________________________________________________________________
     _________________________________________________________________
     _________________________________________________________________
  7. set appts for yourself and bridesmaids at hairstylists for wedding day (if possible get them to come to the venue, much easier for you)
  8. arrange for name changes on accounts, credit cards, licenses, insurance policies, utilities_________________________________________
• 2 weeks…
  1. begin recording wedding gifts as they arrive
     _________________________________________________________________
     _________________________________________________________________
     _________________________________________________________________
     _________________________________________________________________
     _________________________________________________________________
  2. double check attire and accessories for all wedding party
  3. confirm time and date and place of rehearsal, rehearsal dinner and any other wedding weekend activities with parties and attendants.
  4. confirm wedding venue, reception venue, hotel reservations and rehearsal dinner venue
  5. get a massage and set a date for a massage the morning before the wedding-trust me, it will really start you out on a good note!
  6. review reception seating plans and make place cards if necessary.
  7. develop a schedule for the wedding day (this should include who needs to be where, when, the time pictures will be taken, when the ceremony starts, more pictures, , when do you expect to arrive at the reception, when are you going to do the first dance, when are you going to cut the cake) make one for you and one for your fiancée. Be sure he and his best man have copies. Make sure you, your maid of honor and your mother have copies of both yours and the schedule for the guys! You should have this accomplished before you do final consultations with your vendors and make copies for them so they know your time line and what you expect of them.
  8. write into your schedule when bachelor and bachelorette parties will be- for heaven's sake , DO NOT have them the night before. Do you really want puffy eyes for your wedding photos and a groom who is hung over??
  9. have final fitting for gowns
• 1 week to go!!!
  1. have final consultations with vendors- florist, venues, musicians and DJs, photographer, limo, minister, videographer. Be sure to go over your wedding day schedule with them, as it pertains to their duties.
  2. give final guest count to church, reception facility and/or caterer_____________________________________________________
  3. host bridesmaids luncheon
     Where__________________________________
     When__________________________________
     **give attendants gifts at this time or at rehearsal dinner - better here though because you don't want anyone to feel left out.
  4. pack for your honeymoon-don't wait till the last minute. You don't want to be in Aruba wondering where the heck you put those black strappy sandals that you love so much.

Resources for your wedding day…