Your Wedding Day To-Dos

Write up the guest list.

Fantasize about your ideal wedding.

Have the money conversation.

Set your budget—with some wiggle room.

Figure out who's paying for what.

Hire a wedding planner, if you want one.

Book a reception venue and ceremony site. Lock in the date.

Book a stationer.

Video: How to Make Save the Date Cards >

Go dress-shopping.

Settle on your officiant.

Select your bridal party.

Shop for vendors. Set up in-person meetings with potentials.

Video: 2-Minute Wedding Planner: The Perfect Wedding Gown >

Order your dress.

Book the caterer, florist, band/DJ, ceremony music, and photographer—and secure your rentals.

Block hotel rooms for out-of-town guests.

Register.

Video: Wedding Bouquet Alternatives >

Send save-the-dates.

Meet with vendors to hammer out details.

Order invitations.

Shop for wedding bands.

Order bridesmaids' dresses (if you want them to dress alike).

Book the getaway car.

Book transportation (buses, limos) for guests, if required.

Video: Wedding Party Etiquette >

Hire a calligrapher.

Plan the rehearsal dinner.

Crank out thank-you notes post-shower.

Order the cake.

Choose the groom's and groomsmen's attire.

Video: 8 tips for a 'cent'sible wedding >

Write the vows, if you plan to personalize.

Finalize the ceremony selections with the officiant.

Mail the invitations.

Accessorize your look.

Set up your hair-and-makeup trial.

Buy gifts for the bridal party, parents and your fiance.

Apply for a marriage license.

Confirm the arrival of the bridesmaid's dresses.

Print the programs, menus, and other wedding-reception stationery.

Plan welcome baskets for out-of-towners.

Partake in bachelorette hijinks.

Final dressing fitting (!).

Submit your shot list to the photographer.

Give playlists and "no play" lists to the DJ.

Procure your marriage license.

Review the RSVPs, and chase after stragglers.

Give the final head count to the site and caterer.

Break in your shoes.

Finalize the seating chart.

Give last-minute requests to vendors.

Get any waxings or facials.

Pick up your dress.

Put all vendor tips in envelopes. Delegate their distribution to the MOH or best man.

Write day-of balance checks that are due.

Drop off welcome baskets for our-of-town guests.