PRE-WEDDING TIME LINE

The first thing is to plan a rough budget. You probably won't stay as close to this as you'd like, but it's a place to start.

12-18 MONTHS PRIOR: Select your wedding date and the approximate ceremony time Select a church and visit the clergy Select and book your reception site

12 MONTHS PRIOR: Select and purchase your wedding rings, if not already done Choose your attendants Draw up your invitation list Select your videographer Select your attire (dresses, veil, formalwear) Select your reception music Select your ceremony music and musicians Select your florist Select your photographer.

6 MONTHS PRIOR: Order your invitations, stationery, etc. Book your wedding day transportation (carriage, limo etc.) Plan and book your honeymoon trip Plan and purchase your trousseau. The mothers should choose their dresses Visit your physician for an examination and set a date for any necessary tests.

2-3 MONTHS PRIOR: Address and mail the invitations Buy each other wedding gifts Purchase attendant gifts Plan accommodations and transportation for out of town guests Order decorations for the reception site.

1 MONTH PRIOR: Get your marriage license Have the men fitted for their formalwear and shoes Arrange for rehearsals, and rehearsal and bachelor dinners You'll probably be moving; make arrangements at this time.

2 WEEKS PRIOR: Start your final round of fittings Contact your caterer with the final guest count Make your final calls to everyone working at your wedding. If something is amiss there's still almost 2 weeks to fix it.

1 WEEK PRIOR: Pick up what has to be picked up, try on what has to be tried on, and confirm what is left to confirm.

YOUR DAY: You're throwing a party for a room full of guests. It might be hectic, but you've planned well. Now is the time to do the only two things that must be done. GET MARRIED AND HAVE A GREAT TIME!