9 to 12 Months Before Wedding... Set the date.

There's much involved with planning a wedding, but that doesn't mean it has to be overwhelming. Not everything has to be done all at once – here you'll find an organized list of important "to-dos" to accomplish before saying the "I dos."

Find this list helpful? Visit the home page for a downloadable PDF version of the "Wedding Check List." Located under the Featured Weddings.

9 to 12 Months Before Wedding

* Set the date. Holiday weekends may be difficult to book and expensive for out-of-town guests.

* Send engagement announcement to newspapers.

* Set a budget and discuss financial and planning responsibilities.

* Select and reserve wedding ceremony and reception sites. Wedding sites in major cities can book up to a year or more in advance.

* Book officiant.

* Select and reserve bridal consultant.

* Choose attendants.

* Begin shopping for dress and accessories.

6 to 9 Months Before Wedding

* Begin compiling guest list.

* Shop for wedding rings.

* Purchase dress and schedule fittings.

* Order invitations, announcements and thank-you notes.

* Select and reserve principal vendors: caterer, baker, photographer/videographer, florist, entertainment for ceremony and reception.

* Book transportation service to/from ceremony and reception.

* Select and order bridesmaids’ and groomsmen’s attire.

* Consult with travel agent for honeymoon trip. Apply for passports if necessary.

* Reserve accommodations for out-of-town guests.

4 to 6 Months Before Wedding

* Register for gifts.

* Complete guest list.

* Purchase additional wedding day apparel accessories: veil, shoes, lingerie, jewelry, gloves, going-away outfit, etc.

* Help mothers select dresses.

* Schedule rehearsal and select and book location for rehearsal dinner.

* Schedule vacation time from work.

2 to 4 Months Before Wedding

* Purchase ceremony and reception accessories: wedding favors, guest book, toasting glasses, ring pillow, etc.

* Check marriage license requirements.

* Choose readings for ceremony.

* Revise legal documents if taking your fiance’s name: driver’s license, voter’s card, Social Security card, leases, bank, credit card issuers, insurance policies, wills, etc. You might also need to update your name change with your employer.

* Get ceremony programs printed.

1 Month Before Wedding

* Mail invitations.

* Pick up dress.

* Finalize reception seating chart.

* Confirm all bookings and reservations, including attire rental and honeymoon details.

* Obtain marriage license.

* Notify caterer of final guest count.

* Write toasts for rehearsal dinner and wedding reception.

The Week Before Wedding

* Break in shoes. Scuff the soles to avoid slipping.

* Organize emergency kit. Pack things like Band Aids, pain relievers, needle and thread and even dryer sheets to remove static cling.

* Attend rehearsal and dinner.

Your Wedding Day

* Eat breakfast.

* Mail announcements.

* Enjoy! This is a day for celebration with family and friends, and above all, with your new husband!