4–6 months before
Date: ______________________
Attend pre-wedding counseling, if required. Some religions, denominations, require you to attend pre-wedding counseling with the minister or a group.
Shop for and order wedding rings. This will give you time for resizing and engraving.
Check on the wedding invitations. Ask the stationer for samples of the finished invitations and revise them to suit your needs.
Purchase wedding shoes and start dress fittings. Bring the shoes along to your first fitting so the tailor can choose the appropriate length for your gown.
Renew or get passports, if necessary.
Envision your wedding cake and research, interview and book a cake designer. Some bakers require a long lead time. Attend several tastings before committing to any baker.
Book the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner venues. Negotiate the cost and the menu. If you’re planning to host a day-after brunch for guests, book that place as well.
Send your guest list to the host of your shower. Provided you, ahem, know about the shower.
Schedule hair and makeup artists. Make a few appointments with local experts to try them out. Snap a photo at each so you can compare results.
Choose your music. What should be playing when the wedding party is announced? During dinner? To kick off the dancing? Keep a running list of what you want—and do not want—played.