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12 Months before wedding
The first and most important part in beginning your wedding planning is determining a budget. Allow yourself enough money for the major necessities such as dress and tux, venue, and meal selections. Set the wedding date, allowing plenty of time to complete all tasks needed. Compile a guest list and assemble your wedding party while reserving the date with a photographer, florist, DJ, and videographer. It is best to begin selecting the bride’s wedding dress and bridesmaid’s dresses as a year in advance allows time for sampling dresses and alterations if necessary.

4 to 6 months before wedding
Taking engagement pictures is more than just a memory. They work great as a little extra something on invitations. At this time it is best to select a photographer and many times, packages are available for “save the date” cards. Simultaneously, begin designing your invitations for your guests. Separate invitations may be used for reception-only guests. Groom and groomsmen attire should be determined and a wedding cake selected for the reception. The Maid of Honor should begin to plan a bridal shower for the party. The bride and groom should also purchase wedding rings to allow time for sizing alterations.

2 to 4 months before wedding
Your wedding invitations should be designed and sent out at this time. Plan your wedding rehearsal and obtain your marriage license. Any finalizations in your wedding reception such as centerpieces, dining pieces, and meal choices should also be made.

1 to 2 months before wedding
The bridal shower takes place and the wedding invitations are sent. The bride and bridesmaids have a final fitting on their dresses and appointments with a hairstylist and make-up artist should be made. Order your wedding cake and make a playlist of the songs that must be played at your reception.

2 weeks before wedding
Decide the seating for your reception and begin designing seating placement cards. Confirm your number of guests with the venue and the vendors for your reception allowing them plenty of notice to accommodate seating and ensuring enough food to be enjoyed. If you plan to change your name, contact the proper authorities to do so.

1 week before wedding
This is the home stretch. Confirmation is the key in this week. Confirm caterer, photographer, videographer, florist, DJ, hairstylist and make-up artist are all ready for the wedding. Go over your final details for venue set-up and reception area. If you have chosen to use a wedding planner, finalize details with the coordinator.

Day of the wedding
This is it! Enjoy your day and soak in every moment. Allow yourself to be relaxed and surrounded by family-this day is about the bride and groom. After the ceremony, be sure to take every picture you have been dreaming of.

Days following the wedding
Send thank-you cards to attendees and wedding party. Your name is changed at this time and if you wish, “trash the dress” photos can be taken. When proofs are returned from the wedding day, review and order the ones you wish. If you plan to get away for a destination honeymoon, enjoy your time together as newlyweds!