Congratulations, and welcome to the wonderful world of wedding planning. We at Weddings Online sincerely hope that our service will be of great help to you, and it is with that in mind that we offer you this planning timeline for your use.

It is best to allow a full year to plan your wedding, if possible. If you don't have a year, don't fret - it is possible to plan a beautiful wedding in less time. The biggest risk is that a specific performer, service, or facility may be already reserved on your target date, thus limiting your choices.

It is our recommendation that you enlist the expert assistance of a Wedding Consultant to help you plan your wedding. We recommend this not because you are incapable of planning your own event, but because we know how stressful planning and keeping track of every little detail can be. We especially recommend this step if you have less than six months to plan your wedding, as the consultant will be able to take a great deal of pressure off of you.

12 Months

Engagement Ring
Ask bride's parents
Announce engagement!
Discuss preliminary budget and expense sharing
Wedding coordinator
Ceremony site
Officiant
Reception site
Catering arrangements (food, beverage, staff)
Preliminary invitations list

9 to 12 months

Choose bridesmaids, groomsmen, maid or matron of honor, and best man
Choose color scheme
Select photographer, and have engagement photos taken
Select all musicians for ceremony and reception
Select videographer

6 to 9 months

Select Wedding gown and accessories
Select bridesmaid's dresses and accessories
Bridal party's first fitting
Select a Jeweler
Select a Florist
Select a travel agent and choose your destination
Get passports
Meet with your reception site Master of Ceremonies (usually the band leader or disc jockey) to discuss the preliminary details of how you'd like the reception run

4 to 6 months

Select men' formal wear
Select invitations and stationary
Select transportation services
Select hotel accommodations for out-of-town guests
Select and reserve Wedding night suite
Select and reserve any rental equipment

2 to 4 months

Select wedding cake
Gift registry
Gifts for attendants and each other
Wedding favors, decorations, and accessories
Trousseau and apparel for honeymoon and bridal showers.
Select site for and arrange rehearsal dinner
Plan for pre-wedding parties
Tie up financial and legal matters
Finalize living arrangements
Finalize florist order.
Preliminary hair and makeup consultation

1 to 2 months

Confirm all contracted services and reservations
Send wedding invitations
Final meeting with Master of Ceremonies
Finalize details of ceremony and reception with appropriate site coordinators
Newspaper announcements
Buy marriage license
Final bridal gown and attendants dress fittings
Select ceremony accessories: Unity candle, ring pillow, guest book, etc..
Select personal accessories: purse, garter, toasting goblets, etc..
Make salon appointments

2 weeks

Confirm rehearsal plans and invite guests to rehearsal dinner
Arrange change of name and address, and renew all legal documents accordingly
Finalize guest count
Begin packing for honeymoon
Bachelor and bachelorette parties

1 week (yikes!)

Pick up wedding rings (check for proper fit and engraving)
Men pick up formal wear (check for proper fit)
Rehearsal & rehearsal dinner
Finalize transportation for bridal party and parents.

Your Wedding Day!

Relax, and try to take a few moments to reflect upon this - the greatest moment in both of your lives. It will be over soon, but the memories will be yours to treasure for a lifetime.

Wedding Planning Timeline