The Ten Most Common Mistakes

Finding a Wedding Caterer

10 Tips to Combat Wedding Stress

Wedding Party Responsibilities

Wedding Formations

The Wedding Planning Countdown

12 Months Before

• Announce your engagement
• Arrange for your two sets of parents to get together if they haven't already met.
• Decide on a date.
• Go over the budget (include both sets of parents or anyone else who'll be paying for any portion of the event).
• Interview wedding planners if you'll be using one.
• Pick the ceremony site and visit the officiant.
• Work on guest lists to get a rough head count.
• Visit reception sites and reserve one.
• Shop for your gown.

6 - 9 Months Before

• Choose your wedding party.
• Choose a caterer.
• Enroll in a bridal-gift registry.
• Order your wedding gown.
• Shop for the bridal attendants' dresses.
• Choose a photographer and/or a videographer.
• Hire a florist.
• Book the musicians and/or DJ.

4 - 6 Months Before

• Order the wedding invitations, envelopes, thank-you cards, and any other wedding stationery you need.
• Shop for the cake.
• Scout accommodations for out-of-towners so you can send guests a list of nearby hotels in various price ranges. (Most hotels offer lower rates if you tell them a group is coming.)
• Complete the guest list. (Assume 20 percent of the invitees probably can't come.)

2 - 4 Months Before

• Call the county clerk's office to find out about requirements for the marriage license. Get a blood test, if necessary.
• Order the tuxedos for groom and groomsmen.
• Make your honeymoon reservations. Compile all the necessary travel documents (passport, visas, etc.).
• Meet with the caterer or banquet manager to discuss menus, service style, wine lists, etc.
• Order the wedding cake.
• Buy thank-you notes for attendants.
• Shop for wedding bands.
• Arrange the rehearsal dinner.
• Meet with party-rental companies, if necessary, for tables, chairs or other items.

4 - 8 Weeks Before

• Mail invitations eight weeks ahead of the date.
• Do a hair and makeup run-through (with headpiece).
• Book your favorite beauty pros to prepare you for that all-eyes-on-you moment.
• Look over insurance papers with your fiancé (car, life, medical, home)—you may need to make changes in the policy when you go from single to married.

2 - 4 Weeks Before

• Puzzle time: Do seating for the reception.
• Confirm details with the photographer, florist, etc.
• Send an engagement photograph with a wedding announcement to newspapers.
• Have your final dress fitting.
• Write your rehearsal-dinner toast.

1 Week Before

• Place fees in envelopes to be given to the organist, soloist, minister, etc. on the big day.
• Give caterer the final head count.
• Appoint a punctual pal to bring the cake knife, toasting glasses or other heirlooms to the wedding site early (and be responsible for getting them home again).
• Get a manicure, pedicure, facial, massage or other beauty treatments of your choice.
• Pack for the honeymoon (arrange for someone to bring your luggage and going-away outfits to the reception site if you're leaving from the reception).

The Day Before

• Greet out-of-town guests.
• Go to the gym, take a long walk, or do some other stress-reducing activity
• Schedule time for beauty—a manicure touch-up or a hairstyling appointment—before the rehearsal dinner.
• Hit the wedding rehearsal and dinner following.