The moment you get engaged, you should immediately start planning your wedding. If you’re like most women, you already probably had your dream wedding planned since childhood. That gives you some sort of a head start but not really.

Planning your wedding shouldn’t be the horror-filled stress fest that a lot of brides make it to be. Find a friend or a sister to help you and your fiancé to plan your big day. It also helps to have a to-do list that is organized into a timeline so you’ll know how much needs to be done and exactly when it should have been done. That way you won’t encounter last-minute problems. The list looks long, but keep in mind that these activities are over a 9-12 month period.

A sample wedding to do list/timeline checklist:

Upon Engagement:

• Decide on a budget
• Establish the wedding’s basic details: formal or informal? Indoors or outdoors? Beach or garden? Which town are you going to have your wedding?

9-12 Months Before:

• Set a date
• Check legal requirements (i.e. marriage license requirements, passport applications if planning a destination wedding, etc.)
• Choose your wedding entourage
• Draft a guest list. Start with the ones you absolutely want to be there.
• Book the ceremony and reception locations, as well as photographers and videographers (particularly if you’re booking hard-to-get ones)
• Start discussing honeymoon plans
• Set up a bridal registry

6-9 Months Before:

• Finalize guest list. Upon finalizing you may also choose to send out save the date cards if desired which will be sent prior to the formal invitations
• Order invitations
• Book hair and makeup appointments for the big day. You may also want to book several trial sessions before choosing one that you feel is best for your wedding
• Order your gown, or at least start shopping for it. If having a gown made, meet up with the designer. Also start discussing your attendants’ outfits
• Choose shoes and accessories
• File time off from work for your honeymoon
• Book honeymoon flights and accommodations
• Discuss wedding cake details with baker and order your cake

4-6 Months Before:

• Choose menu for your reception
• Start sending out invitations (hire a calligrapher to address the envelopes or do it yourself), not forgetting to insert directions to the ceremony and reception
• If planning a destination wedding, ensure that you and your fiancé as well as your entourage has secured passports and visas

2-4 Months Before:

• Meet your attorneys for any legal changes to your name, policies, bank accounts, etc. Discuss pre-nuptial agreements if desired
• Order wedding bands and engravings for them
• Order wedding favors
• Choose gifts for your entourage
• Finalize the groom’s attire, as well as for his groomsmen

2 Months Before:

• Mail invitations
• Have programs, menus, and place cards printed
• Check with your entourage if they have their outfits and shoes in order
• Update your wedding registry
• Schedule a tasting with your caterer and finalize the menu

1 Month Before:

• Write your vows
• Attend final dress fitting and bring your shoes and accessories with you to see if everything fits together
• Call vendors and confirm wedding day details

2 Weeks Before:

• Create a seating chart for your reception and fill out place cards
• Confirm honeymoon reservations; make a deposit
• Contact guests who have not RSVP’d yet

1 Week Before:

• Provide guests with contact details and complete directions to venues
• Have your dress delivered or arrange for pick up
• Break in your shoes (very important!)
• Organize vendor payments in envelopes
• Pack for your honeymoon (if leaving immediately after the ceremony)
• Get a facial and confirm hair and makeup appointments

1 Day Before:

• Hand rings to the best man
• Get a manicure

Day of the Wedding:

• Eat (do not forget this. You don’t want to be a hungry bride)
• Have hair and makeup done
• Get dressed