A little organization goes a long way to keeping your sanity. Assuming you’re doing the whole extravaganza (think 15 attendents and a golden carriage) we’ve compiled the list below. The simpler the wedding (think sunset beach with 10 of your closest friends) the shorter the list. This will give you an idea of who to tell what and when… so that all you have to do on the big day is one thing. Breathe. Piece of cake, right?

9-12 months before:

• Woo hoo! He proposed! Shout it from the rooftops or send tasteful engagement announcements.
• Pick a wedding date.
• Arrange a light lunch for the joyful parents to get together and toast each others success at marrying you off.
• Find the perfect wedding planner if you’re using one – or a really big notebook!
• Pick the ceremony spot and reception sites… they can get packed calendars up to a year in advance!
• Dress Shopping Begins! You and mom will never have more fun.
• Discuss your budget with anyone contributing and kicking in some cash.
• Work on the guest list so you can be horrified by how many distant relatives you have early in this process.
• Meet with the officiant. If you're having a religious ceremony, some faiths require you to attend premarital courses.

6-9 months before:

• Figure out which friends to force into bridesmaids outfits, while your groom does the same on his side of the aisle. Doesn’t every one of his friends need an engraved flask?
• Find and book a caterer, florist, musician/DJ, and photographer/videographer. It gets way less painful after this item is checked off, promise.
• Gift registry fun! (see our checklist)
• Shop for the bridesmaids dresses – perhaps a ladies luncheon with your favorite girls?
• Mail save the dates - especially for a far off locale.
• Start scouting out the perfect honeymoon spot for that perfect bikini. Don’t forget to update your passport if needed.
• Order that gorgeous gown.

4-6 months before:

• Order wedding stationery (it pays to proofread twice) and find a calligrapher if using one.
• Shop for the wedding cake. You can taste as many as you’d like.
• Hire wedding day transportation. You know horse, motorcycle, or limo.
• Book your hair and makeup pros for the big day.
• Scout hotels for out of town guests.
• Start planning the honeymoon and make hotel and plane reservations.
• Arrange the rehearsal dinner.
• Complete the guest list. Now it gets really easy…

2-4 months before:

• Call the county clerks office to find out about marriage-license requirements. You don’t want to be surprised if you find that you have to be able to do headstands or something to get one.
• Order swanky tuxedos for the groom and groomsmen. Don’t forget the shoes.
• Meet with the caterer to discuss menus, service style, and wine selections.
• Order the wedding cake.
• Order your wedding bands.
• Visit your officiant to go over vows, readings, music.
• Choose favors. No Jordan Almonds please.
• Select ceremony and reception music. No ‘Funky Chicken’ please.
• Buy thank you gifts for the fabulously supportive bridesmaids.
• Book a ridiculously overpriced and gorgeous hotel for your wedding night.

4-8 weeks before:

• Mail invitations 6-8 weeks ahead of the big day. To ensure you're using the right postage, take one complete invitation to the post office to be weighed.
• Do a practice run with hair and makeup including the headpiece. You’ll feel like a princess. Honest.
• Get programs printed.
• Send your announcement to the newspapers.

2-4 weeks before:

• Plot the seating for the reception (okay, it almost got easy) I recommend post-its. Write out table and place cards.
• Confirm details with photographer, caterer, florist, and all vendors.
• Confirm honeymoon reservations.
• Have your final dress fitting.
• Write toasts for the rehearsal dinner and reception.
• Break in your shoes. Scuff the soles to avoid slipping.
• Get the marriage license.