What do you need to do, and when does it have to be done? Here's a timing Outline that covers wedding tasks, with suggestions for when to do them. If you're having a big, formal wedding in a major metropolitan area; or during the peak wedding months of June, July, and August; you might need more time than this section indicates. In addition, some churches, caterers, and reception sites are reserved two, sometimes three years in advance. It's much better to start too early than too late. If you try to do everything at the last  minute, you'll pay more, have fewer choices, and more headaches and anxiety. Unless you really get involved in the planning, your fiancée will probably take care of most of these tasks. Read them to see what's involved, and what you must do on your own.
                                   

Twelve Months

• Purchase engagement ring (if you haven't already).
  Before
• Make general wedding decisions-date, style, size of guest list.
• Make a preliminary budget.
• Choose the location for the ceremony, and the officiant.
• Reserve the reception site.
• Check caterers, photographers, florists, musicians, etc.

Six Months Before

• Ask your best man, ushers, and groomsmen to stand up in the wedding.
• Visit formalwear shops and look at different styles. If you're getting married during the summer, you might want to reserve your formalwear style now.
• Where will you go for your honeymoon? Talk about destinations, make plans and reservations. You don't want to be bothered with these details right before the wedding. Most popular spots are reserved early each  year.
• If you're traveling abroad on your honeymoon, verify that your passport is up to date, and find out what inoculations are required.
• Make final arrangements for wedding services such as photographers, florist, musicians, etc. Put down deposits, sign contracts, etc.

Four Months Before

• If your housing arrangements aren't settled, it's time to start looking for home furnishings and a place to live.
• If you haven't reserved your formalwear yet, take care of it now.
• Get up to date addresses for your guest list, pass them on to your fiancee.

Two Months Before

• Check State and local requirements for the blood/medical tests and marriage license. The time lapse varies a great deal, so it's good to know the regulations early.
• Verify that all required documents (both civil and religious) are in order. For example: birth certificate, citizenship papers, proof of divorce, baptismal and confirmation certificates.
• Register for gifts.
• Shop for bride's gift, male attendants' gifts.
• Help bride address invitations and announcements.
• Rehearsal dinner plans should be started.
• Arrange accommodations for out of town attendants.
• Choose wedding rings, arrange for engraving.
• Discuss musical selections with musicians.
• Order flowers you're responsible for (Bride's bouquet and going away flowers, mother's corsages, male attendants' boutonnieres).
• Make reservations for wedding night. Don't tell anyone where.

Six Weeks Before

• Confirm all attendants have been fitted for formalwear .Discuss photo shots with photographer .
• Make final menu decisions.
• Invitations should be mailed six to eight weeks before the wedding.
• Attend showers when necessary

Two Weeks Before

• Get a haircut.
• Verify security arrangements have been made for the reception.
• Take care of blood/medical tests, marriage license.
• Confirm accommodations reservations for out of town guests.
• Arrange transportation on wedding day.
• Begin paperwork to add your wife's name to bank accounts, insurance policies, etc.
• If you'll be moving, fill out a change of address card at the Post Office.
• Find out details of the rehearsal dinner and make sure everyone is informed.

One Week Before

• Attend bachelor party.
• Pick up rings.
• Give attendants their gifts (or do this at the rehearsal dinner).
• Verify all attendants have had final fittings for formalwear .
• Confirm honeymoon plans.
• Pack for honeymoon.
• Prepare envelopes with fees for officiant, organist, and other service providers for best man to pass around after the wedding
• Pay upcoming bills.
• Make sure all attendants know when to arrive at the rehearsal and dinner  afterward.

Two Days Before

• Pick up your formalwear, and try It on.
• Verify that all attendants have picked up and tried on their formalwear .

One Day Before

• Attend rehearsal and dinner .
• Pass out attendant's gifts if you haven't already done so.
• Review any special ceremony seating arrangements with ushers.
• Confirm where/when you and best man will meet in the morning.
• Give your fiancee her gift.
• Get a good night's sleep.

Wedding Day

• Two hours before the ceremony: begin dressing.
• One-half hour before: arrive at the church.
• Don't forget the marriage license and the ring(s)!

After the Wedding