Wedding planning should begin at least six months before the date set for the ceremony. Twelve months is better but not always possible. Besides the fact that you will have hundreds of things to do, some things depend on availability. The earlier you get started, the better your chances of getting exactly what you want.

To facilitate your wedding planning, a good wedding planner is a must. There are basically three options: printed wedding planner, wedding planning software and a personalized wedding website. You can learn more about these options on our wedding resources page.

We've put together a basic list of steps you need to take to lead you to that big day.

12 Month Before Your Wedding

Determine the date of your wedding and decide the theme or style that best fits your personality and budget. Will it be formal or informal, indoors or outside, with or without a reception, etc.

Reserve the location where you plan to have your wedding ceremony and confirm who will celebrate it.

Make reservations for the location of the reception, as well as, the buffet, photographer, musicians and decorator.

Beginning organizing all the required documentation.

6 Month Before Your Wedding

Formally invite the bride's maids and groomsmen.

Start looking for a place to live.

Make a list of people to invite.

Choose the wedding dress and accessories.

Start making purchases to set-up your house.

4 Month Before Your Wedding

Make a visit to your dentist. You don't want to deal with tooth pain on your wedding day.

Consult your gynecologist.

Plan your honeymoon.

Order the wedding invitations and thank you notes for the gifts. Find a calligrapher to write the names on the invitations.

Visit furniture and decoration stores. Begin making purchases for your new home.

3 Month Before Your Wedding

Complete the required documentation and pay the appropriate fees.

Confirm the buffet, decoration and music.

Decide what transportation you will use for both arriving at the ceremony and leaving the reception.

Decide, together with your bridesmaids, what they will wear.

Decide, together with the groom, what he and his groomsmen will wear.

Verify which items still need to be purchased for your new home and make plans to acquire them.

2 Month Before Your Wedding

Deliver the wedding invitations. Begin with personal delivery to family and close friends. Send the rest by mail.

Make a list of gifts you would like to receive and register them at the appropriate stores.

Either request that a good friend organize a wedding shower or do it your self.

1 Month Before Your Wedding

Remind the groom to polish the wedding rings and have them engraved.

Purchase a present for the groom.

Do a test drive with make-up and your chosen hair do.

Buy your shoes and use them a little around the house to break them in.

Plan what you will take with you on your honeymoon.

Begin moving your things to your new home.

2 Weeks Before Your Wedding

Enjoy your wedding shower.

Verify what is lacking and make the final purchases.

Confirm all reservations for the honeymoon - airfare, hotel, car rental.

Check your packing list and make sure you have everything you need.

Confirm date and hour with wedding location, florist, decorator, musicians, photographer and buffet.

Clean your skin and do a final test with your wedding dress.

1 Week Before Your Wedding

Confirm with the celebrant of the ceremony.

Confirm everyone's presence at the rehearsal.

Separate the items you will take in your carryon/overnight bag.

3 Days Before Your Wedding

Organize all your luggage and verify that nothing is missing.

1 Days Before Your Wedding

Relax with a massage.

The Day of Your Wedding

Try to remain calm. Choose light, energizing foods. Rest and enjoy the day.

Be completely dressed and ready an hour before the ceremony.

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