Your wedding day is the most joyous and precious moment in your life, and you want to cherish it forever. Your family and friends will remember your wedding day for a lifetime, and you want to make sure that you have everything covered in advance. Don't leave anything to chance on such an important and love-filled occasion. Here is a list of tips for planning wedding events:

Six months to a year prior:

• Set the date/time of ceremony and reception.
• Determine your budget.
• Select and reserve the locations for ceremony and reception, as well as the officiate.
• Decide on size and wedding theme.
• Begin guest list, gather names and addresses.
• Choose professionals: photographer, florist, baker, caterer, videographer, DJ or band, and a consultant if you will be using one.
• Announce your engagement.
• Plan the honeymoon.
• Select a rehearsal dinner location.
• Choose and order wedding gown and accessories.
• Choose attendants, flower girl/matron of honor, groomsmen, ushers, best man.
• Select bridesmaids' dresses and groom's and groomsmens' attire.
• Look for invitations/accessories
• Schedule hair and beauty appointments.
• Book transportation.
• Reserve rooms for traveling guests.
• Book wedding band/entertainment.
• Finalize guest list.
• Order invitations.
• Create map card for invitations.
• Reserve rental equipment: Tables, chairs, linens, etc...
• Start planning for showers and parties.
• Finalize honeymoon plans.
• Register for gifts.

Two months prior:

• Mail out invitations.
• Finalize ceremony plans.
• Finalize plans with photographer, videographer, florist, caterer, DJ or band.
• Select music for ceremony and reception.
• Begin setting wedding day schedule.

One month prior:

• Marriage license and any other legal requirements.
• Purchase gifts for bridal party and attendants.
• Start list of gifts received.
• Final fittings for bride and attendants.
• Have formal bridal portrait taken.
• Buy a gift for fiancée.

Two weeks prior:

• Confirm accommodations for traveling guests.
• Confirm honeymoon arrangements.
• Have wedding programs made.

One week prior:

• Confirm all attire is picked up.
• Attend rehearsal and rehearsal dinner, give out wedding party gifts.
• Be sure to have marriage license and rings.
• Contact any guests have not RSVP'd.
• Get a final count for caterer or banquet hall.
• Pay vendors.