6-12 Months Before Your Wedding

The wedding date has been set and now like any large project, it's a good idea to step back and take a look at the big picture first, then break it down to the finer details later.

The Big Picture: Who, What, Where and How

Decide who will pay for what, where you'll get married and how expenses will be shared

Talk to friends, family, bridal consultants or wedding coordinators to get the direction you need for starting an organization system

For most couples, the wedding day can be a blur, so decide early on the best way to capture your special day's cherished memories - like with an Adesso Photo Guest Book.

The Details

Once you have your organization system in place, start going down your to-do detail list. Here are a few of the critical ones:

Call your church or synagogue for an appointment with the Officiate

Explore pre-marriage counseling

Decide on what size wedding you want

Consider and decide on wedding attendants

Start a guest list for the wedding

Begin determining ideas/themes/color schemes for your wedding and reception

Select a reception location and a caterer if need be

Consider reception entertainment

Select a florist

Together, shop for wedding rings

Select a wedding dress, headpiece and schedule fittings

Decide on the bridesmaids' dresses

4 - 6 Months Prior To Wedding Date

As the wedding date gets closer, the to-do list will consist of finer and finer details. And because you put an organization system in place months ago, you won't miss a one!

Check details and requirements for marriage license

Coordinate theme and color schemes with florist and decorator

Decide on a gift registry and register your gift selections

Order your invitations and other wedding stationery

Shop for the groom's attire and select what the men in the wedding will wear

Select wedding ceremony readings

Select wedding ceremony music

Decide and order wedding favors

Select a bakery for the cake

Arrange and plan honeymoon

Review your agreements with all your vendors and service providers to ensure you haven't forgotten any details

Mail out invitations

Arrange and plan your rehearsal dinner

Select and purchase your wedding day accessories

Arrange attendant's parties

Coordinate and prepare accommodations for out-of-town guests

Select a hairdresser and makeup artist and schedule those appointments

Finalize those honeymoon plans

1-Month To Go!

Last wedding dress fitting

Final fitting for bridesmaids' dresses

Final fitting for men attendants

Get marriage license

Have your wedding attendant's parties

Shop and purchase your outfit to wear when you leave the reception

Organize the final check list of wedding day events

Confirm all the wedding day "accessories" are in order, i.e. rings, pillows, garter, etc.

2-Weeks Remaining!

Finalize entertainment arrangements

Go over and finalize music lists

Go over and finalize the special music events, i.e. first dance, dance with parents, etc.

Pick up wedding rings, make sure they fit and review any engravings

1-Week Before Your Big Day!

Review your marriage license to make sure it's in order

Prepare seating arrangements for ceremony

Prepare payment envelopes for Officiate, entertainment and vendors and give to the person who will handle that

Confirm honeymoon reservations

Make necessary honeymoon preparations, i.e. bank, traveler's checks, etc.

Prepare and pack for honeymoon

Confirm out-of-town guest accommodations and transportation

Check in with the florist to confirm arrival time set up

Have your wedding ceremony rehearsal letting everyone know what they will do on the wedding day

Have and ENJOY your rehearsal dinner!

Allow plenty of time for your scheduled hair and makeup appointments

Allow at least 2 hours for dressing

Bring the rings and marriage license

And MOST IMPORTANTLY, take a long deep breath and relax and enjoy your day!