Now, some planning checklists give you a timeline as well, like nine months, then eight months, etc. Since I know a lot of people are engaged for a longer or shorter period of time, I've just listed all the things you may need to do and grouped them, because certain ones need to happen sooner than later, while others need to be done right before the wedding takes place. There's some timelines included just to give you an idea of when it's a good idea to start working on different parts of your wedding, but don't worry if you have a four-month engagement and you have to reserve a venue only three months before your wedding. The timeline is just giving you an idea of which aspects you need to tackle first. Obviously, if you don't want certain wedding elements (like a ring bearer), you're not required to include them.

First Things First (Your First Month of Planning)

• Set your budget
• Research venues, photographers, caterers, florist options, DJs, etc.
• Hire a planner OR
• Read through The Revamped Wedding (or both)
• Choose your wedding party
  • Best man and groomsmen
  • Maid of honor and bridesmaids
  • Flower girl and ring bearer
  • Ushers
  • Readers
  • Guest book attendant
  • Singers and/or musicians
  • Program handlers
• Book officiant
• Set the number of guests you want to attend
• Set date and book venues
• Compile guest list and addresses
• Set up premarital counseling

The Next Step (Six to Nine Months Before)

• Book any other professional services
  • Photographer
  • Videographer
  • Caterer
  • Florist
  • DJ/Band
• Go dress shopping
  • Buy a dress
• Reserve a block of hotel rooms for out-of-town guests
• Register
• Send out save-the-dates
• Launch wedding website
• Select and purchase/design/create invitations
• Decide on bridesmaid dresses
• Decide on groom and groomsmen attire
• Plan honeymoon

Throughout the Engagement

• Select and order cake
• Determine menu (whether with a caterer or not)
  • Appetizers, if needed
  • Dinner
• Coordinate dates for wedding shower and bachelorette party
  • Send appropriate guest lists
• Choose music and send to appropriate people
  • Ceremony
  • First dances
  • Receptions
• Make hair and makeup decisions (DIY/professional)
• Reserve all structural/electrical necessities
  • Tables and chairs
  • Platforms
  • Lights
  • Sound system (for ceremony)
  • Port-a-potties (if necessary)
• Decorations
  • Ceremony
  • Reception
  • Centerpieces
• Flowers, whether DIY or with the florist you booked
  • Corsages
  • Décor
  • Bouquets
  • Boutonnieres
• Wedding shoes and jewelry
• Dress fittings for you and bridesmaids, if necessary
• Wedding favors
• Guest book
• Transportation
• Rehearsal/rehearsal dinner venues
• Meet with photographer

Two or Three Months Out

• Buy rings (and resize if necessary)
• Finalize everything with hired professionals (florists, caterers, etc.)
• Send out invitations (6-8 weeks before is enough)
• Find volunteers or workers if DIY wedding (servers, etc.)
• Purchase or borrow undergarments
• Meet with officiant
  • Finalize order of ceremony
• Finalize order of reception with DJ
• Compose wedding day timeline
• Send out schedule to vendors (baker, florist, etc.)
• Print programs
• Submit newspaper announcement, if desired

One Month Before

• Final check-in with vendors and/or volunteers
• Finalize reception music playlist with DJ/band
• Marriage license
• Follow up with guests who have not RSVP'd
• Send out thank you's for wedding showers
• Final fittings for everyone
  • Men
  • Groom
  • Women
  • Bride
• Send payments to vendors, if necessary
• Send final guest number to all who need it
• Assign seating, if necessary
• Purchase wedding party gifts
• Write vows, if needed
• Hair cut/colored, if desired
• Prepare open alcohol bar
• Send directions to any drivers/transporters

Week of Wedding

• Buy food if making your own
• Set up ceremony/reception, if necessary
• Pick up your dress
• Make sure everyone has wedding attire
• Delegate wedding day tasks
• Check in one last time with vendors and volunteers
• Send timeline to wedding party
• Set aside payments not yet made to vendors for after the wedding
• Pick up rings
• Break in shoes
• Book spa treatment OR
• Give yourself some pampering
• Pack for honeymoon
• Pack for wedding day
• Get a goodnight's sleep