1. Pick a Date

Clearly, your first step is to choose what day you want to get married. Don’t pick something too soon or you won’t have time to plan adequately.

2. Create a Budget

Before you do anything, decide how much money you can spend on your wedding. That way you’ll know just what you can swing and what you can’t.

3. Find a Planner

Hiring a wedding planner is a great idea. Whether it’s your best friend or a professional, having someone to help you with the details will take some of the stress off of you.

4. Write up Your Guest List

You are going to need to know how many people to expect before you choose a place for your wedding. Write down everyone you want there and count them up.

5. Book a Venue

Now that you have a guest list, choose where you want to get married. Make sure your location can accommodate your guests, sitting and standing.

6. Choose Your Bridal Party

Once you know when your wedding will be, you need to choose who will stand with you on the big day. Ask your girls to be your bridesmaids and have your future groom ask his guys.

7. Throw a Raging Engagement Party

Once you have the planning started, throw an engagement party. You can register for gifts and have fun announcing your upcoming nuptials to all of your friends and family.

8. Shop for Your Gown

Wedding gowns should fit like a glove and you’re going to need time to have it altered and fitted. Start shopping for your gown several months before your big day.

9. Interview Your Vendors

Start shopping around for your DJ, florist, photographer and caterer a few months before your wedding. Interview potential choices so you can find one that works best with how you envision your wedding.

10. Reserve Items That Need to Be Rented

Will you need tables, chairs or linens? Reserve what you need so that you are sure you won’t be scrambling for seating two weeks before the big day.

11. Book Your Vendors

Now that you’ve interviewed several vendors, choose who you want to work with and book them. Wedding slots fill up fast so don’t wait too long to do this.

12. Seek out Accommodations for Your out of Town Guests

Will you be having guests in from out of town? Now is the time to book rooms for Grandma and Grandpa and your aunts and uncles.

13. Choose Your Floral Bouquets

Put together the types of flowers you want in your table centerpieces and bouquets. Flowers are seasonal so make sure you take that it into account when you choose your arrangements.

14. Send save the Date Cards

Most experts suggest sending these out about 6 months before your big day, but if you’re planning a shorter engagement, get them out as soon as possible, once you know all your details.

15. Plan Your Honeymoon

Vacation destinations book up fast so plan your honeymoon now. Book your airline tickets and hotel room so you’re ready for some fun after the ceremony.

16. Send Invitations

Send out your invitations so that guests have plenty of time to send back their RSVP cards.

17. Have Your Shower

Enjoy a bridal shower where you can hang with friends and family and get some new stuff to outfit your married home.

18. Order Tuxes and Buy Rings

About a month or so before the wedding, order your tuxes so the guys can be sure they fit. Make sure you have the rings purchased and sized so they are ready to go on your wedding day.

19. Finalize Details

In the weeks and days leading up to your wedding, finalize the food, flowers and music details. Make sure your dress fits. Get ready for a lifetime of love.

How long will your engagement be? Does this timeline help you?