Announce your engagement.

Select a date for your wedding.

Hire a professional wedding consultant.

Determine the type of wedding you want: location, formality, time of day, number of guests.

Determine budget and how expenses will be shared.

Develop a record-keeping system for payments made.

Consolidate all guest lists: bride’s, groom’s, bride’s family, groom’s family, and organize: 1. those who must be invited 2. those who should be invited 3. those who would be nice to invite

Decide if you want to include children among guests.

Select and reserve ceremony site.

Select and reserve your officiant.

Select and reserve reception site.

Select and order your bridal gown and headpiece.

Determine color scheme.

Send engagement notice with a photograph to your local newspaper.

Use the calendar provided to note all important activities: showers, luncheons, parties, get-togethers, etc.

If ceremony or reception is at home, arrange for home or garden improvements as needed.

Select and book photographer.

Order passport, visa, or birth certificate, if needed, for your honeymoon or marriage license.

Select maid of honor, best man, bridesmaids, and ushers approximately one usher per 50 guests.