Wedding checklist

The question was popped and the proposal joyfully accepted. Now it’s time to plan the wedding. Here’s a month-by-month checklist to make sure you don’t forget a thing.

12 months before m Decide on the type of wedding you’d like (civil or religious, big or small) m Choose a date m Determine the number of guests m Establish a budget m Pick venues for the ceremony and reception (it’s best to reserve early)

11 months before m Make your guest list m Choose a caterer (meet with a few first) m Select your wedding party m Hire a wedding planner

10 months before m Start shopping for a wedding dress m Decide on a theme for your wedding m Choose an officiant if you haven’t already done so

9 months before m Book a photographer m Reserve a block of hotel rooms for your out-of-town guests m Purchase a wedding gown m Shop for the groom’s attire and purchase it

8 months before m Meet with your officiant to plan your ceremony m Book your entertainment (DJ, band, MC, etc.) m Shop for and purchase your bridesmaids’ dresses m Design and order the wedding invitations and save-the-date cards

7 months before m Create a gift registry m Hire a florist m Plan your honeymoon

6 months before m Send out the save-the-date cards m Book your hair and makeup appointments for the day of (also schedule trial runs for both) m Book a hotel room for the wedding night if necessary

5 months before m Create a schedule for the big day m Decide on dates for bachelor and bachelorette parties m Shop for and purchase shoes, jewelry and accessories

4 months before m Reserve wedding day transportation for the wedding party m Select alcohol and other drinks for the reception m Taste and choose your wedding cake m Buy wedding bands m Shop for and order the groomsmen’s attire

3 months before m Purchase wedding favors for your guests m If you’d like your loved ones to say or read something during the ceremony, let them know m Write down your vows m Decide on activities for the reception (photo booth, dancing, games, etc.)

2 months before m Send out your wedding invitations m Do trial runs for both hair and makeup m Give your music selections to the DJ or MC

1 month before m Finalize the schedule for the big day m Choose a seating plan for the reception m Break in your shoes

1 week before m Visit the desired beauty professionals (hair colorist, esthetician, etc.) m Practice reading your vows m Write out checks to pay your vendors

1 day before m Get your nails done m Give the checks to someone you trust to pay the vendors

Day of m Enjoy!