Sixteen to Nine Months Before

• Start a wedding folder or binder
• Work out your budget with gratuities
• Pick your wedding party
• Start the guest list
• Hire a planner, if desired
• Reserve your date and venues
• Book your officiate
• Research photographers, bands, florists, and caterers
• Throw an engagement party, if you wish
• Schedule engagement photo shoot

Eight Months Before

• Hire the photographer and the videographer
• Book the entertainment
• Meet caterers
• Purchase a dress
• Reserve a block of hotel rooms for guests
• Register for gifts
• Launch a wedding website
• Mail out Save-the-Dates to guests

Seven to Six Months Before

• Select and Purchase Invitations
  • With map/ driving directions for guests/ transport
• Start planning a honeymoon
• Shop for bridesmaids' dresses and groomsmen tuxes
• Shop for guest favors, bridesmaids and groomsman's gifts
• Meet with the officiate
• Reserve structural, AV and electrical necessities
• Book a florist
• Arrange transportation
• Start composing a day-of timeline

Five to Four Months Before

• Book the rehearsal and rehearsal-dinner venues
• Check on the wedding invitations
• Select and order the cake
• Send your guest list to the host of your shower
• Purchase wedding shoes and start dress fittings
• Schedule hair and makeup artists and practice
• Choose all of your music