Start creating your guest list  

Set the wedding day and time  

Decide on whether to have a religious or non-religious ceremony  

Choose and book your wedding officiant  

Choose your maid of honor, bridesmaids, best man and groomsmen  

Choose and book your ceremony and reception locations  

Purchase wedding insurance (optional)  

Meet with caterers and taste samples  

Meet with florists and decide on real or silk flowers  

Meet with and audition DJs or bands  

Meet with photographers and look over their portfolios  

Meet with videographers (if you're having one) and look over their portfolios 

7 - 9 months before the wedding:

Interview wedding planners and hire one, if desired
Begin dress research and make appointments to try on wedding gowns
Order and mail save-the-date cards
Finalize wedding theme
Research wedding customs and traditions
If wedding is at home, arrange for the landscaping with gardener 

4 - 6 months before the wedding:

Book baker and decide flavor of cake, design and decore
Book caterer decide on menu
Book florist and decide on overall style for personal, reception and ceremony flowers
Book Music for ceremony and reception
Book photographer and videographer
Finalize guest list and their addresses
Select officiant and discuss ceremony 
Order wedding gown and accessories
Book transportation for bride (limo for bride, groom & bridal party
Reserve wedding night hotel room
Select bridesmaids, flower girl(s) and ring bear(s) attire
Provide maid-of-honor a bridal shower guest list
Order wedding invitations - check the proof- Guest list to caligrapher
Reserve rental items
Update registry
Book honeymoon
Meet with hair and makeup stylists for ideas
Select first dance and other special songs
Reserve tuxedos for groom, dads and groomsmen
Schedule rehearsal with officiant and bridal party

1 - 3 months before the wedding

First dress fitting
Plan rehearsal dinner - book venue - order invitations
Purchase guest book, unity candle
Attend pre-marriage classes
Finalize flower choices
Mail Wedding Invitations
Order wedding programs
Schedule hair and makeup trial
Attend Bridal Shower and write thank yous
Schedule a tasting with caterer 
Draft seating chart
Confirm arrival of brides maids' dresses
Apply for marriage license (1month before)
Write wedding speech/toast
Pick up your wedding rings
Seating cards & list of guest to caligrapher (1 month before)

1 Week before

Pick-up wedding dress
Pick-up tuxedos
Give caterer final count
Give ceremony & ceremony location vendor list & wedding day timeline 
Confirm wedding day beauty appointment
Confirm wedding day details with all vendors
Deliver guest room gifts to hotel
Send reception location final seating chart & drop of seating cards
Assign day-of responsibilites to attendants
Arrange for someone to take care of gifts, wedding dress and return groom's tuxedo
Pack for honeymoon

Day Before

Get a manicure
Organize tipping envelopes
Drop off ceremony accessories and programs ceremony venue
Attend rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
Give attendants and parents thank you gifts