10 to 12 months before

Choose a date. Because your budget will determine just about every aspect of your wedding, sitting down and determining what you can spend should be first and foremost. Book the reception and ceremony locations as early as possible. Start compiling the guest list.

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6 to 9 months before

This is the time to start booking some services, such as a florist, a caterer, a DJ/band and a photographer. Some of the more experienced vendors might be booked a year in advance, so you might consider doing this shortly after you choose a date. Send "save-the-date" cards to guests who will be traveling. The earlier your guests can book flights, the better. Order bridal and bridesmaids gowns; some manufacturers require a few months to ship to bridal shops. Pick an officiant for the wedding, and start planning the honeymoon. The earlier you book, the more money you will save.

4 to 5 months before

Pick wedding invitations. Now is the ideal time to start hunting for a wedding cake by sampling different bakeries and their styles of cakes before making a decision. Confirm that all of the bridesmaids have ordered their gowns, and start looking for tuxedos for the groom and groomsmen. If you haven't done so already, purchase your wedding rings, and line up anyone you'd like to ask to participate in your wedding, such as ushers and readers during the ceremony.

2 to 3 months before

Finalize your guest list and mail the invitations. If your guest list includes a lot of people who live out of town, mail the invitations as close to 12 weeks out as possible. This is also a good time to finalize your reception-menu choices and to find wedding accessories, such as the ring pillow, candles, etc. Purchase gifts for the wedding party and the parents of the bride and groom. Confirm that all groomsmen have ordered their tuxedos, and finalize all transportation to and from the wedding and to the airport for your honeymoon.

1 to 2 months before

Schedule the first bridal-gown fitting. Finalize the readings for the ceremony and mail them to anyone who has agreed to participate. If your family plans to host a small gathering for close family and friends after the wedding rehearsal the night before the wedding, this is a good time to order any food or drinks you will serve that night or to make a restaurant reservation.

3 to 4 weeks before

Confirm honeymoon arrangements and see if your wedding rings are ready. This is also when you should get your marriage license and check the guest list to see who has responded. Contact those who haven't responded so that you can get a better idea of the head count. Prepare and order your wedding program.

1 to 2 weeks before

Give a final head count to the caterer as soon as you know it, and provide a final seating chart. Pick up the wedding gown and groom's tuxedo. Make sure all members of the wedding party pick up their attire. Finalize your vows, and confirm all wedding-day details, such as transportation, photo schedules and venue addresses. And don't forget to pack for the honeymoon.

The day before

This is mainly when you rehearse for the ceremony and make any final confirmations. Also, make sure to get some sleep so you'll look good in your wedding photos.