Wedding Countdown Calendar

Get everything done for your wedding with time to spare.

Not sure when to buy your gown, book your photographer, or send your invitations? Stay on track with this month-by-month guide (click to expand):

Announce your engagement
Choose a wedding theme and style
Work out a basic wedding budget; research reception venues
Determine number of guests
Look through bridal magazines for attire ideas
Meet potential wedding consultants; obtain bids
Research wedding pros (photographers, videographers, reception bands or DJs, ceremony musicians). Set up appointments and review portfolios and recordings.

Select a wedding consultant and meet to discuss wedding planning details
Determine theme/decorations for your reception
Meet with several caterers; arrange for tastings
Select and book a caterer
Reserve musicians/DJ for reception
Determine wedding ceremony musicians and make musical selections
Book wedding videographer and photographer; make a list of photos, such as must-have photos of the bride and groom, fun bridal party ideas, and traditional bridal, ceremony and reception shots
Research and interview florists
Select and reserve your ceremony venue and schedule a rehearsal time
Choose reception venue; negotiate contract; leave a deposit
Secure parking and/or transportation for your guests at the reception location
Visit local bridal stores to browse their selection of gowns
Choose your wedding-party members and ask them to participate in your celebration
Meet with your officiant to discuss the wedding ceremony
Determine your honeymoon budget
Mail save-the-dates for a destination wedding

Select and order your wedding gown
If your ceremony or reception will be held in a park or recreational area, obtain necessary permits
Discuss attendants' duties with your maid of honor and bridesmaids

Register for wedding gifts
Coordinate with vendors to incorporate your theme/style into all aspects of your wedding
Decide on the food and liquor to be served at your reception
Prepare a playlist of wedding-reception musical selections
Select and order your headpiece, veil, gloves and shoes
Confirm orders of and delivery dates for your wedding attire
Research airline, hotel and rental-car reservations for out-of-town guests

Go to first gown fitting; invite your maid of honor to attend
Choose and order bridesmaid dresses and accessories
Research a variety of wedding ring styles
Select florist; discuss wedding ideas, theme and style

Review and finalize your wedding details with consultant
Notify bridesmaids about dress fittings
Discuss attire with groomsmen and make referrals to local formalwear store
Select attire for flower girl and/or ring bearer
Determine the design, wording, font and paper stock for your wedding invitations, stationery, table and escort cards and thank-you notes; finalize order
Arrange a printer or hire a calligrapher for table cards
Determine order of ceremony events and choose appropriate wording for your programs
Negotiate rates and book a block of hotel rooms for out-of-town guests
Select and order your wedding rings
Purchase bridal accessories: jewelry, lingerie, etc.
Choose and order something fun for guests to throw after your ceremony (rose petals, confetti or birdseed)

Review and approve proofs of wedding invitations and stationery
Discuss the type of honeymoon you want, start reading up on potential destinations and consult a travel agent for ideas and suggestions.

Order table and/or escort cards; place print order for programs
Finalize choice of honeymoon destination
Taste a variety of wedding cakes and select a baker; place cake order and arrange for delivery
Secure reservations for rehearsal dinner and select menu

Determine method of addressing wedding invitations and hire a calligrapher, if applicable
Hand-address — or have a calligrapher address — wedding invitations, or print labels.
Write or choose your wedding vows
Have groom visit formalwear shops and try on tuxedos
Purchase or rent groom's wedding accessories, including tuxedo, cuff links, shoes, socks, etc.
Make honeymoon reservations and place all deposits

Review and approve wedding announcement and printed program proofs
Book venue or secure reservations for post-wedding brunch
Discuss bachelorette party plans with your attendants
Plan your bridesmaids' luncheon or dinner
Make appointment with stylist and/or hairdresser to discuss your wedding hairstyle
Take another look at your registry and update or add items
Create hotel information cards and maps to include with your wedding invitations

Secure a wedding-day dressing room for your bridesmaids
Weigh, purchase postage for and mail wedding invitations
Go to final gown fitting; arrange for pickup or delivery
Have groom's formalwear fitted
If you plan to have a prenuptial agreement, meet with your attorney to discuss it
Purchase gifts for all wedding-party members and your parents
Arrange transportation for bride and groom from the ceremony site to the reception
Purchase ceremony accessories (Unity candle, wine glasses, etc.)

Purchase a new camera, if needed
Send rehearsal dinner invitations
Write thank-you notes as you receive gifts
Confirm music selections ("playlist") with musicians/DJ
Select menu for post-wedding brunch
Write newspaper announcement and gather photos
Purchase a gift for your spouse-to-be
Shop for wedding favors
Purchase honeymoon clothing, luggage and accessories
Go in for a practice hairstyling and make day-of-wedding hair appointment

Confirm floral order and arrange for delivery times
Meet with ushers and assign duties for the ceremony and reception
Discuss the details of your wedding ceremony with your officiant
Determine the placement or distribution of programs at the ceremony venue
Arrange for preparation, storage and break areas for musicians/DJ at the reception venue
Determine seating arrangements for guests
If you color your hair, make appointment for a touch-up the week before your wedding
Go in for a dry run with a professional makeup artist and make a day-of-wedding appointment
Schedule an appointment for a manicure and/or pedicure the day before your wedding
Finalize details with wedding photographer and videographer, determining arrival times at each nuptial venue
Arrange for preparation/storage area for photographer and videographer at each nuptial venue
Sign your prenuptial agreement, if applicable
Finalize honeymoon plans/itinerary and confirm all travel and hotel reservations
Arrange for transportation to and from the airport
Make all necessary arrangements for care of pet(s), plants and mail while you're away on honeymoon
Post announcement and photo on your wedding website
Arrange for table card setup at reception venue
Schedule pickup/return of groom's formalwear

Finalize list of reception guests
Give the final headcount to the caterer and review details
Arrange for delivery and placement of wedding flowers, candles and other decorations on the day of the ceremony
Contact anyone who has not responded to his or her wedding invitation

Confirm your honeymoon travel arrangements
Start packing bags for your honeymoon
Get traveler's checks and/or a small amount of foreign cash
Pick up your wedding dress

Eat a good breakfast
Attend hairstyle appointment
Give yourself plenty of time to get ready
Relax and enjoy yourself!

Arrange for transport of gifts
Have family or friends mail wedding announcements

Take wedding gown and veil to a dry cleaner who specializes in gown preservation
Submit name-change forms for driver's license, passport, Social Security card, state and federal tax boards, banks, credit cards, etc.

As featured on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Adapted from Bridal Guide's How to Plan the Perfect Wedding…Without Going Broke, by Diane Forden (Warner Books). Available at booksellers nationwide.