| "body"> | | | | *Select menu and flower arrangements. |
| With so much to do, every bride needs a surefire | | | | *Order wedding stationery. |
| way to get organizedand stay on track as she | | | | *Shop for bridesmaids' dresses. |
| countsdown toward that all-important day. | | | | *Reserve rentals (tents, fans, etc.). |
| Here's a guide and checklist you won't want to be | | | | *Make honeymoon and flight reservations. |
| without. | | | | *Reserve hotel room for your wedding night. |
| 12 Months Before | | | | 4 Months Before |
| *Buy a wedding planner and organizer, which is | | | | *Finalize guest list. |
| one of the true bargainsfor brides. (The only | | | | *Have first dress fitting. |
| realistic alternative to not being well organized | | | | *Order wedding rings. |
| ishiring a wedding consultant to manage the details | | | | *Schedule rehearsals. |
| for you.) | | | | *Find out if blood tests will be required. |
| *Talk with your fiancé (and parents if | | | | *Get change-of-name forms. |
| they will be paying the bill andadding to the guest | | | | *Visit the formalwear shop. |
| list) about the size and a budget, possible date, | | | | 2 Months Before |
| andlocation for the wedding. | | | | *Shop for lingerie and honeymoon clothes. |
| *Reserve the ceremony and reception sites. (If | | | | *Pick out shoes. (When you get them home, don't |
| the wedding will takeplace in a large city, don't dilly | | | | forget to scuff up solesto prevent slipping.) |
| dally on this one. Wedding venues canbe booked | | | | *Mail wedding invitations. |
| up solid for a year.) | | | | *Finalize vows and give copies to clergyman and |
| *Begin shopping for your dress. (You could be | | | | groom. |
| looking for that perfectgown for months, and | | | | *Select gifts for attendants. |
| most shops need at least four months to fill | | | | *If necessary, get change of address forms from |
| anorder. Look for styles appropriate for the | | | | post office. |
| wedding venue and time ofday.) | | | | 1 Month Before |
| *Shop for or begin making save-the-date cards. | | | | *Have final dress fitting. |
| *Send your engagement announcement to | | | | *Pick up rings. |
| newspapers. | | | | *Have programs printed. |
| 10 Months Before | | | | *Confirm all reservations. |
| *Make an appointment to meet with your | | | | *Send announcement to newspapers. |
| clergyman. (At the time youmake your | | | | 2 Weeks Before |
| appointment, let him know your wedding date. | | | | *Get marriage license. |
| You and yourfiance should arrange to meet with | | | | *Make final arrangements with photographer. |
| him as soon as possible, especially ifyou live in a | | | | *Organize seating plans. |
| large city or are planning to write your own | | | | *Begin writing thank-you notes. |
| wedding vows.) | | | | *Type up toasts for the rehearsal dinner and |
| *Begin scouting around for a baker, caterer, | | | | reception. |
| florist, musicians, andphotographers. (Once you | | | | *Give final guest count to caterer. |
| have found them, ask about and review | | | | 1 Week Before |
| priceoptions.) | | | | *Pack for the honeymoon. |
| 8 Months Before | | | | *Make necessary banking arrangements. |
| *Research honeymoon destinations and prices. | | | | *Host bridesmaids' party and distribute gifts. |
| *Begin the guest list. (Generally, half of the invited | | | | *Pick up wedding dress. |
| guests are the bride'sand half are the groom's.) | | | | *Confirm rehearsal dinner plans with attendants. |
| *Order your dress. | | | | 1 Day Before |
| *Book vendors and musicians or a dj. | | | | *Have manicure and pedicure. |
| *Choose bridal registries and gifts you would like | | | | *Attend rehearsal and dinner. |
| to receive. | | | | *Mail announcements. |
| *Reserve a block of rooms for out-of-town | | | | Wedding Day |
| guests. | | | | *Eat breakfast. |
| 6 Months Before | | | | *Visit hairstylist and have nails touched up. |
| *Mail save-the-day notices. | | | | |