Timeline for planning the wedding

Use your imagination. Can you see your wedding when you close your eyes? Decide what you will need to make it what you want, including style, size, tone and location.

Announce the engagement. This can be done by telling family and friends or by placing an announcement in a newspaper.

Get organized. Some couples may want to hire a wedding coordinator, but you also could develop your own planning system or buy a computer program to help take you through all the steps.

Set a budget and start thinking about how many people you want to invite.

Envision your surroundings. Do you want attendants at your wedding, and if so, how many?

Begin investigating location options for ceremony and reception, and find out when they will be available.

6 months or more before:

Make the dream a reality: Finalize the date; book the wedding and reception sites; select and hire caterer, florist, musicians, DJs and photographers; order wedding cake.

Finalize guest list; choose and book the officiant.

Order invitations.

Make honeymoon reservations.

Begin looking for and trying on wedding dresses.

Select bridesmaid gowns.

4 to 6 months before:

Send save-the-date cards, if desired.

Arrange for wedding day transportation.

Register for gifts.

Purchase rings.

Reserve accommodations for out-of-town guests.

Order wedding dress.

1 to 4 months before:

Mail invitations 8 weeks before the date.

Investigate requirements for a wedding license.

Order attire for groom and groomsmen.

In the month before:

Determine seating for reception.

Confirm details with vendors.

Have programs for ceremony printed, if desired.

Day before:

Rehearse wedding.

Find some time for a stress-relieving activity!

Sources: Martha Stewart’s Keepsake Wedding Planner, Modern Bride, weddingchannel.com, Los Angeles Times.