Six to 12 months before

• Decide the date and time of your wedding
• Arrange a meeting between your two families to decide on the size, style and cost of your wedding and draw up a draft guest list
• Book your ceremony venue and make an appointment with a celebrant, priest or minister to discuss the ceremony
• Book the reception venue and caterers and look at sample menus
• Shop around for a photographer, videographer, florist, musicians, cake and cars
• Book your honeymoon

Four months before

• Finalise your guest list
• Choose and order your wedding rings
• Confirm arrangements for your ceremony including the music, readings and order of service
• Choose and order your invitations and other stationery
• Finalise honeymoon plans and make sure your passports are up to date
• Confirm reception venue and advise selected menu
• Book musicians and entertainment

Three months before

• Begin a gift register with your chosen department store
• Send out the invitations and gift list
• Book groom's and groomsmen's suits
• Make appointments with your hairdresser and beautician
• Shop for lingerie
• Order flowers, cakes, bomboniere and accessories
• Book cars or other transport

Two months before

• Choose gifts for the attendants
• Pick up your rings and check engravings
• Plan a bridesmaids' party
• Send announcements to newspapers
• Mark off acceptances as they begin coming in
• Confirm final shot list with your photographer
• Confirm the programme with your musicians
• Publish your "Notice of Intention to Marry"

One month to go

• Confirm honeymoon reservations and pick up airline tickets
• Work out your reception seating plan and advise reception venue
• Time the journey from home to the ceremony venue
• Notify your bank of change of name details
• Arrange your hen's night

One week to go

• Have the wedding rehearsal
• Pack for your honeymoon
• Throw a party for the bridesmaids
• Prepare your speech
• Check all final details for your reception
• Have a trial make-up and hair session
• Arrange for someone to ensure your wedding clothes get sent home, hired items are returned, wedding cake is sent to those who could not come and gifts are taken home safely
• Take some time out for yourself - have a massage or facial, go to a health spa or away overnight with a friend